Imagine a relaxed morning with your family and your love, eating pizza by-the-slice in a beach house overlooking the Oregon Coast. Then dressing up in clothes that make you feel your best and surprising your partner on the beach, feeling the ocean air and enjoying their embrace. Then taking an adventure over to the local Redwoods grove to have an intimate ceremony under the tallest trees you’ve ever laid eyes on.

This could be what your wedding day looks like.

For North Carolina-based couple, Nicole and Mike, their wedding day was just that! For them, making the decision to elope in the California Redwoods Forest was as easy as saying “I Do”.

WHY NOT?

“We had one of those ‘why not’ moments when choosing to elope in the Redwoods! Early on we decided for a small outdoor ceremony, and after discussing a few locations we decided why not do it under some of the biggest trees out there! We visited the park a few years back and it left a strong impression on us – it was amazing to share the experience with our families, some of who had never been before.”

What sparked THE decision to go for an intimate elopement vs. a larger wedding?

“To us, simplicity played a huge role in our wedding. An intimate elopement allowed us to focus on the things we truly wanted, and not stress about some of the formalities that come with larger ceremonies.”

Favorite Moments of their California Redwoods Forest Elopement

Mike – “Seeing my wife in her wedding dress on the beach for the first time was awesome. The ceremony was nice, but I had more fun walking through stout grove taking pictures and trying to make it a fun little adventure. Other things that stick out were family time, pizza, laughs, all the sights and smells. An all around kick ass day!”

Nicole – “After the ceremony was over and all the photos were taken it was time to head into town to meet everyone for dinner. I’ll never forget the drive out of the park – there’s a one lane road that goes straight through the middle of the park, engulfed by some of the largest trees. Mike raced through it to fill our bellies, but it was such a fun moment for the two of us!”

Elopement Planning Advice from the Couple

“Keep it simple! Prioritize the things you really care about, and everything else will fall into place.”

Kind Words from the Couple about their California Redwoods Elopement

“We were quick to choose Marissa Solini Photography to photograph our wedding! She was recommended by a family member who told great things about their experience with her. We loved her photography style and really appreciated that she was willing to travel to our wedding location!

Marissa was thorough and detailed about what to expect beforehand, which took all the stress out of it! We’ve never had professional photographs taken and I was worried it may be awkward, but she made us feel comfortable and relaxed. She communicated every step of the way and delivered beautiful work.”

Wanting to have an elopement of your own?

Fill out my Contact Form and we can start planning your dream day!

Vendors

Photographer: Marissa Solini Photography

First Look Location: Brookings, Oregon

Ceremony Location: Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park (Crescent City, California)

Bridal Outfit: Lulu’s

Officiant: Bride’s Brother, Cliff

Florals: DIY

P.S. This bride, Nicole, is an AMAZING creative who runs her own woodworking business builiding magical works from locally salvaged materials!

You can check out her work here at Solstice Woodworks (Photos below not mine! Just some pics to show you her awesome skills!)