Beach Elopement – Cannon Beach, Oregon
Sometimes the best of plans just don’t work out.
I mean, you can try to control what is within your control but then there is ALL THE REST. This styled shoot had mixes of both good and bad, totally unplanned and uncontrollable circumstances. Some back story; I was in the area for Mystic Seminars, an awesome several day pro-photog seminar. I LOVE the Oregon coast so I put together this styled beach elopement. It was hours of contacting potential vendors – dress, hair and makeup, models, you name it. Finally, we had an awesome team and all was good. Then the week of the shoot, the stylist dropped out. I didn’t freak, I can do this. I have styled products and other shoots over the years. Then the day of the shoot I wake up totally sick. The dress had been shipped from Chicago, the vendors are all lined up. THE SHOW MUST GO ON. It was rough, I had so many ideas for this shoot that just didn’t happen. I couldn’t think straight, had a fever and just wanted to go to bed. Instead I drove 2 hours from Portland to the coast and played photographer and stylist. WHEW! It was hard. I luckily had an assistant but we really needed more help. We had so many things to bring to the beach. I forgot half of the picnic goodies in my car, including some meats and cheeses (what a waste!)
Now for the good. The moody beaches and cliffs of the Oregon coast were the inspiration for this styled shoot. We planned a dramatic, winter coast line elopement but were blessed with a gorgeous, sunny day in January?! Plot twist! So, the look and feel of the shoot changed, a lot. But over all, I really think it worked. And who could ever complain about one of the most gorgeous days I have ever seen on the Oregon Coast?
More good. Then our free spirited beach elopement got crazy fun when a few ponies showed up! Completely unplanned that day on the beach some lovely ladies where out walking their ponies. Serendipitous is the only word that describe the what followed.
Nerdy photoshoot details – Flowing grey tulle and long sleeves really made this dramatic dress perfect for the cliffside elopement. Designed by Kpoene Kofi-Bruce of Mignonette Atilier in Chicago, I was beyond thrilled to have this dress for our shoot. Olga’s hair was styled in loose curls with a top knot and fish tail braid in the back. Our picnic spread featured a simple but elegant cake, champagne and mandarin oranges. Perhaps my favorite part was our hat adorned with flowers – Sarah did a beautiful job with the florals. The custom designed invitations had deckled edges and hand lettered calligraphy on handmade paper. Can you say one-of-a-kind?!
The beach that day was sunny and warm and the crowds were out in droves. We just embraced it and enjoyed ourselves and had fun with the ponies. The best thing is remembering whether its a styled shoot or real wedding day to just roll with it! There is beauty everywhere you look.
Thank you to the wonderful team of Portland area wedding vendors. Without you all this truly wouldn’t have been possible! And special thanks to Olga + Roman, our lovely couple. Who even invited this broke ass, sick photog our for dinner before driving back to Portland. I am always delighted with the people I get the pleasure to meet.
Dress – Mignonette Atelier
Florist- Sarah renard Floral Design
Hair + makeup artist –Beauties By Rachel
Cake- Sugar Street Portland
Jewelry –Gem Gallery
Paper Goods – Letters & Dust
Mrs box – The Mrs Box
Silk ribbon – hey its oh so pretty
Want to see more elopements?