C & A’s Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park Kayaking Elopement

A Slow and Intentional Elopement in the Redwoods and Along the Coast

When C & A first reached out to me about their elopement, they shared a vision for their day that immediately resonated with me. They wanted a celebration that was slow, intimate, and intentional—a day spent completely immersed in the natural beauty of the Redwood National Park and the Oregon Coast. From the very beginning, I knew this would be a special day to witness.

A Morning of Connection and Preparation

The day began at their cozy Airbnb nestled in the hills of Brookings, Oregon. The morning was unhurried, allowing C & A to truly savor the start of their journey together. They took time to write their vows, share a quiet cup of coffee, read letters from their loved ones, and get ready together. Their first look was intimate and heartfelt, followed by a tender moment reading letters from loved ones who couldn’t be there in person. Before heading out, they even prepared a simple lunch for the adventure ahead, grounding themselves in the everyday acts of love and care that define their relationship.

A Ceremony Among the Giants

As we stepped into the redwoods, we were greeted by the most magical, soft light filtering through the towering trees. The serenity of the forest set the perfect tone for their ceremony, which was attended only by the trees, banana slugs, and birds. It was a deeply personal and moving moment, reflecting the essence of their love. After exchanging vows and rings, they celebrated with a walk through the forest, pausing to pick a few wild blackberries along the way.

Hiking, Kayaking, and Chasing Adventure

Following their ceremony, we explored one of my favorite trails in the area. The light streaming through the trees felt like a dream, creating the perfect backdrop for capturing their joy and connection. Then, it was time for their big activity of the day: kayaking on the Smith River.

We arrived at the riverbank, where C & A enjoyed their packed lunch with their toes in the cool water. Once they were ready, they hopped into their kayaks and paddled through the crystal-clear river, the sunlight dancing on the water’s surface. Their laughter and excitement were infectious as they explored the river’s hidden corners. Eventually, we found a remote riverbank for a brief pause. C & A decided they were enjoying their time on the water so much that they wanted to extend their kayaking adventure. Adjusting our plans, we made our way to one of my favorite accessible beaches for the evening’s golden hour.

Dinner and Sunset by the Sea

As the golden light bathed the beach, C & A took a moment to wander and soak in the beauty of the Pacific Ocean. Meanwhile, I set up a cozy dinner spot for them, complete with candles. They shared a meal of fresh clams, broccoli, potatoes, and, of course, cake and champagne. With the waves gently crashing in the background, they watched the sun dip below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink.

Ending the Day with a Dance

As blue hour settled in, C & A shared their first dance on the beach. The moment was pure magic—a perfect reflection of their love and the intentionality that defined their day. The simplicity and beauty of their elopement felt timeless, a reminder of what truly matters: connection, love, and shared adventure.

A Day to Remember

C & A’s elopement was a day that perfectly encapsulated their values and their love for each other. Every detail, from the quiet morning moments to their candlelit dinner by the sea, was uniquely them. It’s a day I’ll never forget, and I’m so honored to have been a part of their story.

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