The Best Pinterest Wedding Inspiration
Hood River Cabin Engagement Session // Paige & Brenden
A COZY, IN HOME ENGAGEMENT SESSION IN HOOD RIVER OREGON!
If you live in Oregon or have spent any time here in the winter, then you know it can be pretty rainy during the fall through spring! So, that means that for winter engagement photos (if itโs an extra stormy week), you have to get creative!
AND, let me tell ya, there are LOTS of cool places! Just jump on Airbnb or VRBO and youโll find a list of places that you can rent to have some cozy in home photos together! I love this idea, because it also is a great excuse to make a fun overnight trip out of it! A little getaway together AND photos savoring that too!
These two found an adorable cabin in the woods near Hood River, Oregon! They had coffee, played their fave music, and got all the cuddling while getting to stay cozy inside! If you think you might want something like this for YOUR engagement photos, shoot me a message! I have a list of amazing Airbnbs you should check out!
Van Life Couple Adventure Session // Joshua Tree, California
THIS ADVENTURE COUPLE SESSION MADE ME WANT TO PACK UP, MOVE INTO A COOL VAN, AND TRAVEL THE DESERT AND CALIFORNIA COASTLINE!
Hello, meet the coolest van life couple EVER! Also, the kindest humans youโll ever meet! After hanging with Lydia and Philip for that afternoon, we all wanted to just keep chatting for hours! Check out their Instagram to follow along on all their van-lifing adventures together!
Grateful for these sunny, desert adventures together in Joshua Tree National Park!
Adventure Elopement in Joshua Tree National Park // Boho Modern Inspiration
An adventurous evening in Joshua Tree National Park for this styled adventure elopement! Check out all the moments to get ideas for your own special day!
Joshua Tree National Park had my jaw dropping within the first few minutes! I was captivated by the large, unique rock formations, the one-of-a-kind Joshua Trees themselves, and the overall golden desert vibe!
This adventure elopement was styled for our Makers & Movers Workshop, and was so fun to capture! Itโs full of boho modern pops to fuel your elopement ideas and planning!
Check out these amazing vendors who played a part in making this creation come to life:
WORKSHOP // Makers & Movers Workshop
COUPLE // Danielle & Rodney
DRESS // A&bรฉ Sacramento
JEWELRY // Serpentine & Fair
FLORALS // With Flourish
HAT // Equal Uprise
TUX // Zara
Enjoy all the pics, and dreaming about your own desert elopement!
A Guide to Traveling Southern Thailand // Tips for the Best Itinerary
A PEAK INTO HOW WE SPENT 2 WEEKS TRAVELING AROUND AND ISLAND HOPPING IN SOUTHERN THAILAND! I WANTED TO SHARE A FEW TIPS, GO INTO THE DETAILS, AND MENTION SOME โBESTSโ FROM OUR CRAZY JOURNEY! HOPEFULLY THIS CAN BE A GUIDE TO YOUR OWN FUTURE TROPICAL ADVENTURES!
Southern Thailand really is a gem โ island hopping, crystal clear turquoise water, gorgeous snorkeling, the yummiest food, the coolest places to stay, cheap transportation, the kindest people โ itโs the best!
We had planned to spend a month in Thailand (which you can EASILY do + more), but ended up cutting our trip short due to the COVID-19 outbreak. These two weeks were still well spent and full of incredible experiences! Weโll definitely be back!
PHUKET > 6 DAYS
RAILAY > 3 DAYS
PHI PHI > 2 DAYS
KOH LANTA > 3 DAYS
I. PHUKET // 6 DAYS
WHERE WE STAYED:
We jumped on Airbnb and found the coolest bungalows in Rawai called the Coco Palace. This was right near Nai Harn beach, which is a gorgeous white sand beach that isnโt as touristy as the beaches up North (Patong, Karon, or Kata Noi). It also came with a fresh, homemade breakfast each morning.
THINGS TO DO + PLACES TO GO:
Kayak and snorkel off Yanui Beach
Motorbike around to explore (especially up to some view points - ie Panwa Viewpoint)
Spend a day at Nai Harn - wave bobbing + sun tanning
FOOD FOOD FOOD (more tips below)
Check out the markets! G-Market food stalls and the Sunday Old Town night Market are my faves! Youโll find a bunch of cool things for a great deal and eat the BEST food!
Walk through Old Town during the day as well, super cool architecture and shops!
Coffee - our faves were: YES Coffee and Campus Coffee Roasters
One nice sunset dinner at After Beach Bar (we mostly did budget food options - which are the YUMMIEST - but splurged one night for some epic views while dining).
II. RAILAY // 3 DAYS
WHERE WE STAYED:
Having been to Railay before, we settled with the same place that we stayed last time - Railay Princess Resort. Itโs not on the main beach which has some pros and cons. Pros: itโs quiet, feels more private, and is cheaper. Cons: itโs a bit of a walk from where the ferry lets you off (aka the main beach), the east beach isnโt as pretty, andโฆ thatโs all actually haha! Itโs a gorgeous property with two pools - a jungle-y one and an infinity pool on the roof with a view. The breakfast is included and delicious and all the staff is wonderful!
THINGS TO DO + PLACES TO GO:
Railay is SMALL - you walk everywhere and can easily explore!
Walk the main strip - lots of food, fun shops, and fresh fruit shakes! You can also check out ALL the excursions offered here (rock climbing, night kayaking, paddle boarding, boat tours, etc.).
Grab some kayaks at Sand Sea resort on the main beach front and head out for 2+ hours. We explored all the little limestone islands, paddled through sea caves, and climbed ropes hanging from stalactites jump into the water! SO SO SO fun!
Explore all the pathways, youโll find some more secretive beaches and coves! Just watch out for the grabby monkeysโฆ they like to steal your water bottlesโฆ and everything else.
Check out the โfood boatsโ on Phra Nang Cave Beach
Hike INSIDE Bat Caves on the west side of Phra Nang Beachโฆ itโs a little secretive and tricky to find, ask staff at your hotel to point you in the right direction! Beware, not for people with claustrophobia (that was tough for me, lots of moral support was needed haha). There is a SICK view at the top of the opening!
Another hike thatโs more for the experience (and kinda for the view), is on your left when walking down the pathway to Phra Nang beach. You may see some brave souls using the ropes and vines to make their way up or downโฆ yep, just go straight up!
For dinner, grab it to go and head to the main west beach. Put some towels down and watch the sunset illuminate the sky with SO many colors! Then, check your left after the sun goes down and watch millions of bats fill the sky way above as they fly out into the jungle!
Enjoy the night life - whether thatโs watching fire dancers on the beach or wandering through the main strip to grab a Chang beer!
III. PHI PHI // 2 DAYS
WHERE WE STAYED:
We stayed at a cute beach front bungalow resort called Paradise Pearl. With our own little beach and restaurant, it was a great place to hang out for the day!
THINGS TO DO + PLACES TO GO:
SNORKLE SNORKLE SNORKLE - hire a private long tail boat near where youโre staying to boat you out to the different islands. This was an amazing experience! Avoid the tourist trap speed boats - this was cheaper and we could stop wherever we wanted for however long we wanted. It was awesome. Friends, the sea life here is UNBELIEVABLE. So many fish and colors, and we even swam with a small reef shark. Wild, so incredible! We spent 5 hours out snorkeling!
Enjoy the clearest water, float and cool off between tanning sessions on your white sand beach.
We walked from our bungalows into downtown Phi Phi for dinner one night - about 20 mins. There are tons of food options and a fun night market to explore as well!
IV. KOH LANTA // 3 DAYS
WHERE WE STAYED:
This might have been my favorite place we stayed - Alama Sea Village Resort - on the south end of Koh Lanta. It has gorgeous modern bungalows that overlook the ocean from the hillside. You can even enjoy the view while floating in the infinity pool!
THINGS TO DO + PLACES TO GO:
Koh Lanta was by far the most chill place to visited! Everyone was incredibly laid back and it seemed a bit less touristy. A hidden gem, for sure!
We did lots of pool hangs, relaxing and soaking up the sun from our hillside perch.
Explore the jungle roads by motorbike (watch for monkey crossings)!
Our favorite beach was Bamboo Beach, it was a peaceful more private cove.
Head to the East side to explore the cute fishing town - lots of shops and restaurants. Just drive safely over the twisty, old mountain roads!
This is very much a โtake it easyโ kind of place. It was an awesome place to end our trip, although it ended abruptly, we were glad it was in such a peaceful place!
A FEW OTHER THINGS โ
ALL THINGS FOOD + DRINK
Lots and lots of Thai Iced Tea ($75 cents)
Mango and Coconut shakes were my fave
Try iced Blue Butterfly Pea Tea - UH-MAZING!
Eat Banana Rhoti - the best kind of โpancakeโ youโll ever have
Get some Mango & Sticky Rice - I could eat this EVERY. FREAKING. DAY.
Fave Noodles to try: Pad Thai, Pad See Ew, Yum Woon Sen, and โNoodle Soupโ
Fave Curries: Green Curry, Red Curry, and Massaman Curry
Fave Other Dishes: Pad Krapow (spicy basil chicken), Morning Glory (garlic + greens), and papaya salad (so yummy and fresh)
Want a quick refresher? Grab a lime Manao Soda from any convenience store!
TRANSPORTATION
We got motorbikes in the bigger towns: Phuket and Koh Lanta. Itโs the best and cheapest way to get around - $8 bucks a day! Just DRIVE SAFELY - itโs an adjustment if youโre not used to that type of traffic OR driving on the left side of the road.
In places we didnโt get motorbikes, we either walked or used the โGRABโ app (basically Thailandโs version of Uber or Lyft). Most hotels can help you book transport as well!
Between islands, we took the local ferries. You can book them online ahead of time and just print the tickets out! PRO TIP: load the ferry and sit outside on the deck!! You can hang your feet off the edge, get that cool breeze, and not be cramped inside an overcrowded cabin!
A FEW TIPS
Buy snorkel gear there - SO cheap and will save you money over renting each time! We bought ours at Decathlon in Phuket for around $10 each.
Get up early - we woke up several time for sunrise beach walks, and basically had the WHOLE place to ourselves! Itโs cooler, quieter, and pure magic!
Buy big bottles of cold water - not only do you need to stay hydrated, but holding a bottle of ice cold water did wonders in cooling us down during those hot days!
7-Eleven is life - Walking the hot streets mid-day? Need a cool break? Pop into a 7-Eleven and be hit with the most refreshing AC youโve ever felt! Iโve never been into a 7-Eleven so many times!! Take these little pit stops to chill for a sec, grab a cheap cold drink, and hit the heat again!
Tiger fish swarming - sounds scarier than it is! Just know - when snorkeling, there are schools of striped yellow & black fish that are NOT shy and will swim all up in yoโ face!!! They donโt bite or do anything harmful really, but it definitely took some getting used to (and lots of screaming through my snorkel) to finally be a little more chill swimming with them!
Find the cheap food - try to avoid tourist traps! Yes, this is hard, and we definitely fell into some! Do your best to look for the local, small business eateries. Clues to finding them: family owned, not much english (if any) on the menus, and 30-50 Baht meals. SO YUMMY. The best food by far!
For super cheap stays - check out some hostels! We went with more medium priced bungalows and resorts (โcuz hey, still so cheap)! BUT, there are even cheaper options - check out Hostel World to find some rad overnight places!
Free breakfasts - everywhere we stayed had breakfast included! Which was SO nice! Most places have fresh fruit, omelet stations, and coffee, along with a variety of other choices! This made starting the day so easy and FREE! Something to think about when choosing a place to stay.
Planning your day - we always tried to plan our day with thinking about the heat. The mornings are often cooler, so we would go do our adventure first thing: hike, snorkel, drive around, etc. Then, make sure we were near some type of water (beach or pool) for the afternoon so we could constantly be cooling off! Evenings were always good for town walks, avoiding the sun and day heat as much as possible for meandering!
take a peak at a couple phone pics from along the way! ๐๐ป
A FEW MORE PHOTOS FROM THE TRIP
Andie and I swapped a few photos along the way so we could have some of Josiah and I and her and Mikal! The perks of traveling with another photographer, photo swaps for life! ;)
Dreamy 70s Retro Vibe Elopement Inspiration // Joshua Tree, California
IF YOUโRE ON THE SEARCH FOR SOME RAD 70s RETRO ELOPEMENT INSPIRATION, THEN YOUโRE IN THE RIGHT PLACE!
The desert vibes of Joshua Tree California paired with some fun 70s styling created this magic for our Makers & Movers Workshop styled shoot!
This amazing shoot could not have been done without the collaboration of these incredible team members! We couldnโt have imagined everything coming together any better!
Excited to share these photos to power your imagination and inspire you with ideas for your own special day! If youโre thinking of eloping in Joshua Tree, check out these vendors to build your vision:
WORKSHOP // Makers & Movers
COORDINATION & DESIGN // Wilder Events Co.
COUPLE // Katie & Joe
DRESS // Lovely Bride LA
JEWELRY // Serpentine & Fair
WEDDING BANDS // Sharon Z Jewelry
CALLIGRAPHER // Summit & Sage
FLORALS // Bluebell Florals
CAKE // Fantasy Frostings
H&MU // Chelsea Nicole
RENTALS // Otis & Pearl
TUX // ASOS
We began with a bit of cozy in home time in our desert airbnb! Joe and Katie spent time getting ready together before we headed out on gorgeous property to hang out with the Joshua Trees.
Northern California Waterfall Couples Session
Spent a sunny day with these two gems exploring this Northern California Waterfall in Lassen National Park!
As you explore Lassen National Forest, you may stumble across this gem of a waterfall in Shasta County. It truly appears out of nowhere, and if you get there at just the right time of day, itโs grandness draws you in with the sun beans bursting through the sprays of water!
Loved getting to explore Californiaโs beauty with these two!
Why Black & White Photography is Timeless | The Power of B&W Images
Exploring the Urban Jungle // Scott & Cassie
ANOTHER CITY EXPLORATION - CAPTURING LOVE IN AN URBAN JUNGLE!
As many of you know โ I have an equal love for all things adventure in nature AND a love for the creativity a city photo shoot holds! So, exploring down town with these two was so fun. Every corner was a new adventure and challenge to create a meaningful image!
AND, a fun story from this shoot! After chatting a bit, we realized Scott is IN the band that did Josiah and Iโs first dance song!!!!! WHAT THE HECK?! Basically, I met a celebrity and had a starstruck moment when I found out hehe. So, everyone should go check out @mybrothersandi and also go listen to the song Fly Away. K, thatโs all. I adore these two.
I also found a list of the 50 most beautiful cities in the world, while that may be kind of subjective, I still found myself wanting to go to every single one of them! So, check them out and maybe we can go explore one of them while doing photos! ;)
Winter City Wedding // Portland, OR
THE DREAMIEST WINTER WEDDING IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN PORTLAND, OR
This gorgeous city wedding at Castaway in downtown Portland, Oregon was the perfect way to wrap up 2019! A winter wedding in the urban scapes was all sorts of dreamy! And, a little extra snuggly! ;)
Allie and Andrewโs day was SO FUN! From giddy getting ready moments to the biggest dance party every! Their winter wedding was effortless and joy filled the whole day through!
Enjoy these moments from their day and scroll to the bottom to see the amazing team that put all these details together!
ENJOY!!
VENDORS //
VENUE // CASTAWAY, PORTLAND
STYLIST + PLANNER // RACHEL ROSE EVENT PLANNING
FLORIST // NOBLE FLORAL CO
DRESS // ESSENCE OF AUSTRALIA, ANIA BRIDAL
GROOMโS ATTIRE // MENโS WEARHOUSE
DESSERT + CAKE // NOTHING BUNDT CAKES
DJ + VIDEO // 1859 ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY
Engagement Photos in the City // Allison & Joey
LOVE THE CITY? OBSESSED WITH THOSE URBAN VIBES? LETโS GO EXPLORE THE CONCRETE JUNGLE FOR YOUR ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS!
There are so many incredible locations to head to for your engagement photos - and the CITY is one of those! We explored The Pearl district in Portland, OR for Joey and Allisonโs engagement session!
I love all the dynamic lines and angles the city offers for photos โ every corner is a new challenge and canvas to make a good photo. There is so much creativity to be had in urban-scapes, and Iโm grateful to all my couples who trust me to co-create images with them in those kind of spaces!
Cathedral Park Intimate Wedding // Amanda & Paul
AN INTIMATE FALL WEDDING ALONG THE PORTLAND SKYLINE UNDER ST. JOHNโS BRIDGE.
Amanda and Paul travelled across many states to come to Portland and have their intimate wedding under the St. Johns bridge in Cathedral Park.
These two truly felt like friends from the very beginning. I loved getting to know them through the moments and details that were a part of their day โ the game of thrones make up brushes, Frida Kahlo patterned robes, moody romantic fall colors, stories from their high school beginnings (including a prom pic, yep, pure GOLD), the vows they said to each other on this gorgeous autumn day, and the joy in the faces of their friends and family โ all pieces to their story. It was nothing short of amazing to be a part of this day!
Every moment felt effortless, they truly chose to be present in EVERY moment. Even when we arrived at the park to ANOTHER WEDDING PARTY USING THEIR CEREMONY SET UP!!! I mean, if that doesnโt trigger stress, not sure what would! But, Amanda and Paul had so much peace and grace, they chose joy over stress. And it was beautiful to watch them soak up and love every second of their beautiful wedding day! From their first look under the bridge, to an emotion-filled ceremony, to waterfront photos with the Portland skyline, to a meal celebrating their love, to getting DOWN on the dance floor โ these two were so present with each part of the day.
Iโm honored to share these moments with you all!
AMAZING VENDORS FROM THE DAY //
DRESS // BHLDN
SUIT // MENโS WEARHOUSE
FLORALS // LINDSAY HELZER
CEREMONY LOCATION // CATHEDRAL PARK
RECEPTION LOCATION // THE NIGHTWOOD
PNW Riverside Engagement Photos // Allie & Andrew
SOME PNW EXPLORING AT SUNRISE WITH THESE TWO LOVEBIRDS!
Why would you wake up at 3:00 am to drive east into the Columbia River Gorge, you ask? Well, let me tell ya, it was well worth waking up before the sun to explore the rugged pnw with these two babes! Also, coffee helps! ;)
You really canโt get much more Pacific Northwest than the Gorge โ pine trees, moss covered boulders, foggy mountains, and windy rivers! It was a perfect morning to watch the sun rise!
There was lots of cuddling and snuggling up to keep work in the early dawn hours, but I think red noses and chilly cheeks are cuteโฆ right? ;) We had a blast exploring this secret Oregon cove, and soaking up having the WHOLE SPACE TO OURSELVES! It was a gorgeous morning together!
Baker Building, Portland Wedding // Jay & Meagan
A lovely Fall wedding at the beautiful Baker Building in Portland, OR.
I met Jay & Meagan for tea over a year before their wedding day โ and I knew right from the start I wanted to capture their wedding day! The joy the carried was undeniable! I was immediately drawn to their vision of an intimate, October, city wedding in Portland โ surrounded by a small group of their closest friends and family.
Fast forward to a year + a couple months later, their day was just as dreamy as I imaged it when they described their vision the summer before. Fall colors, moody Oregon skies, a minimalistic industrial space, earthy tones, decor that was unique and special to them and who they are, and an intimate setting to make their promises to one another. It was beautiful.
The Portland Baker Building is STUNNING. The space is full of warm woods and white walls, with soft window light โ itโs a creativesโ dream for urban, minimalism!
I was blown away by the love these two share! Every piece of the day was meaningful, everything had a purpose or was special to them. The gifts โ their wedding song lyrics, an โinside jokeโ shirt, and a pair of dream shoes. The decor โ old, collected books, intricate beer steins, and posters with poems. Dinner โ the BEST pizza (thatโs their thing โ see engagement photos hehe).
And, the most emotional moment, the last few pictures of this dayโฆ
Jay had written Meagan a song, a secret song. As the night drew to an end, he pulled her into a side room and sat her down. When he started singing, I think we all had goosebumps and tears. These two truly cherish one another, deeply. Those last photos remind me why I do what I doโฆ itโs not about the perfect room, or the most aesthetic spaceโฆ itโs about those moments. The ones that wreck you and remind you that youโre capturing a small piece of a much bigger story. And that, is an incredible honor.
TIPS FROM THIS DAYโฆ
I. MAKE IT YOU. Like Meagan and Jay did, bring in little details that speak to you and your relationship โ wear sneakers, bring old books, eat some pizza โ you do you.
II. LOOK AT EACH OTHER A LOT. These two had the most in love looks, even across the room. Remember to take time to soak it up, stare into each others eyes, get all mushy gushy, this is your day!
III. GO SOMEWHERE SPECIAL. They really wanted to walk across the street and do photos in a coffee shop they loved! Thatโs awesome! Somewhere you really want to do photos?! Letโs do it! There is no โnormal.โ
VENUE SPACE: Baker Building, Portland Oregon
FLORALS: Sammyโs Flowers
Makers & Movers // Bend, Oregon 2019
Sunrise Engagement Session on the Columbia River Gorge // Sam & Kaylee
THIS COLUMBIA GORGE ENGAGEMENT SESSION WAS WORTH THE 3:00 AM WAKE UP FOR THIS GLOWING, GOLDEN SUNRISE!
November in the PNW is always hit or miss for weather (usually a miss haha), but Kaylee and Sam had the most BEAUTIFUL sunrise in the Columbia River Gorge for their engagement session! One might even say it was GORGE-ousโฆ haโฆ ha. Too much? K done with puns.
We all stood in awe as the fog flowed over the hills and became illuminated by the sun. Everything felt as though it had been painted in gold, and the light was absolutely stunning!
I love doing couple photos in the Gorge, and Rowena Crest is up there on my list! It always looks different depending on the season you go. The fall colors were in full saturation this time, and those earthy tones stole my heart right away!
I had such a blast hanging out with these two wonderful people! We met as strangers, but left feeling like friends. Iโm so grateful for this job โ the stories I get to hear and moments I get to be a part of! It was seriously such an honor to savor this season of life for these two, and soak up all the beauty of an Oregon fall sunrise!
So, make some coffee, curl up, and enjoy the moments below (without having to get up at 3 am haha).
PLANNING YOUโRE OWN ENGAGEMENT SESSION AND NOT SURE WHERE TO GO OR EVEN WHERE TO START? WELL, CHECK OUT MY OREGON LOCATION GUIDE FOR THE BEST PLACES TO DO ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS!
Vintage Meets Modern City Wedding // Portland, OR // Emily & Johnny
THE TIMELESS VINTAGE DECOR MIXED WITH A MODERN SETTING IN DOWNTOWN PORTLAND โ IT WAS A DREAMY DAY!
This urban wedding at the Castaway in downtown Portland was the perfect blend of vintage meets modern. Every aspect was timeless and each detail was creatively and beautifully thought through! I mean, just scroll down and check out the GORGEOUS whimsical arch that they built themselves for the ceremony! I want it in my house!
Castaway is a rad urban venue with a clean slate for all your creative ideas! Every time I shoot there, I find new spaces to photograph and explore. This time, it was a modern white brick building on the corner โ a stunning, minimalistic backdrop for their first look and other wedding party photos! Thereโs something that seems to fit every couple there!
All the tables were set with books, handmade bowls (that Johnny created himself, AMAZING), and vintage Portland postcards with table letters for seating. For the Love of Floral also created STUNNING florals for the entire space, with colors that made everything come to life and glow in the late afternoon sun.
Emily & Johnnyโs day was incredible, full of so much love and life โ not to mention vows that made me sob behind the camera! Itโs an honor to capture a love story that is so so so drenched in pure love and commitment to the journey together. Emily and Johnny have such sweet and gentle spirits, yet their love is fierce for one another.
Iโm so excited to share these few highlighted moments throughout their day!
VENDORS //
DRESS // A&BE
FLORALS // FOR THE LOVE OF FLORAL
VENUE // CASTAWAY, PORTLAND
WEDDING PLANNER + STYLIST // POP FIZZ CLINK
HAIR + MUA // BLOSSOM & BEAUTY
DJ // JOHN ROSS MUSIC
