At first look, these photos may appear to be from a traditional large wedding. However, Shelley and Christian’s special day was actually a gorgeous, small and intimate elopement. If you’re thinking, “but they’re not on top of a mountain, in the middle of the dessert or next to a river… how can this be an elopement?”, I get it because that’s what everyone imagines when they hear the word “elopement”. Shelley and Christian proved that you don’t need to travel to some secluded area to elope. You can stay close to home, with your loved ones, in a charming yet stunning little church on a ______ afternoon and still elope with the best of them!
When I received the message from Shelley asking me to photograph their elopement I was so excited! It’s an honor for me to be asked to be a part of anyone’s wedding but this request was extra special. My husband, Tommy and Shelley actually grew up together in Sandy, Oregon! I wasn’t the only vendor that was connected to the couple in some significant way. Shelley had made it a point to hire vendors that they knew personally or were connected to in some way. They even hired the Sellwood florist to support the community businesses and keep it local! I thought it was so unique but so special for them to do that!
Something else that made their elopement so special was how much it centered around their families and their love for each other and their precious little bundle on the way! They made sure that we got photos showcasing the bump! They’ll always be able to look back and remember that their daughter was there that day with them as well! The love of their families, especially their new little family, was so important and so apparent. You can just tell from the pictures!
It was a beautiful day. A day completed by details created by someone close to them, surrounded by their families, and their own love. And all right in the city where they live. It was a perfect elopement!
Venue: Oaks Pioneer Church
Hair: Karma Bunny Salon – Shaunti Speer
Makeup: Genevieve Blair
Lashes: Liz Donahue
Florals: Sellwood Flower Company
Catering: Figlia – Devry Juthans
Cake: JaCivas Bakery
Invites: Shutterfly
Band: Reece Marshburn – Moon Vine Music
Wedding dress: Maggie Sottero (Melanie ivory over light gold)
Shoes: Jimmy Choo
Suit: Vera Wang
