WHEN YOU GET A SUNNY SEPTEMBER DAY IN THE PNW FOR YOUR INTIMATE COASTAL WEDDING, YOU BETTER BELIEVE IT WAS ONE HECK OF A CELEBRATION!

Yep, you read that right above — a SUNNY day on the Oregon coast in late September! Sure, we were watching frantically out the window all morning as it drizzled over the coastline, but then RIGHT as we were heading out the door for the ceremony — SUN SUN SUN. It was blue skies as far as you could see for the rest of the day. So dang grateful.

Aaron and Carlee are such gems, they were friends right from the start! Also, they are just the kindest and most chill people ever. For getting ready, they rented a beautiful airbnb home in Manzanita Oregon, surrounded by woods and overlooking the ocean. The house was SO rad, full of fun little vintage touches and eclectic collections. While Carlee and Aaron got ready (yes, they got ready together — and I love it so freakin’ much), we all drank champagne, laughed, and told stories. Again, I love these two so much and am so thankful for the way they made me feel a part of their inner circle right away!

After a seriously beautiful first look and a few pics around the house, we all drove to their intimate ceremony location at Hug Point. Fun fact: this is where Josiah (my husband) proposed to me 3ish years ago, so the sacredness of this spot was full of special feels — and it was such a joy to watch loved ones gather and promises be made in that space.

They had an intimate ceremony, with their friends and family circled around them. After sweet vows in front of the coastal waterfall, we spent an extra hour prancing around the beach for photos while everyone headed to the reception. The light was GOLDEN and they were STUNNING. Everything about those moments felt free and wild and so so so beautiful — the kind of moments that make my heart burst that I get to capture them.

Their reception was at the Salmonberry Saloon in Wheeler. AND OH BOY. THIS PLACE. The food, the views, the people — AMAZING. I have no words to express how incredible this place is and how kind and wonderful all the people working there are! Aaron and Carlee had such a sweet reception there! It was filled with wine, sunset views, and a whole lot of love!

Scroll through to see the sweetest day and moments.
(and scroll all the way down to see my 3 tips from the day + vendors who made some magic)

let's plan your intimate wedding!

MY 3 TIPS FROM THE DAY…

I. GET READY TOGETHER IF YOU WANT. You don’t have to stick to any “norms” and you can make the day whatever you want! I loved that Carlee and Aaron enjoyed the time as a group together in their airbnb. YES, you can still have a first look once you’re all dressed up and ready, but enjoy the giddy feels leading up to it together!

II. ELOPING? Drive around the areas you are thinking of having your ceremony. Pull the car over at beautiful overlooks and explore! Ot use Google Maps Pro and click around. ;) Or, ask me! There are so many hidden gems for intimate weddings!

III. RECEPTION. So, Carlee and Aaron’s original reception spot fell through. In a hurry to figure things out, they asked this local restaurant if they would be open to holding the small reception, and they said yes!! AND IT WAS BEAUTIFUL! SO, if you see a cool restaurant, cafe, coffee shop even — just ask! It never hurts, and a cool spot could become your special spot!