La Push Elopement | Karen + Steven

Hoh Rainforest + La Push Beach

This La Push elopement was seriously the most perfect day.

Karen and Steven chose to skip the huge wedding and spend the day completely focused on each other instead, and from beginning to end, the entire day just felt easy in the best kind of way. From the Hoh Rainforest to the misty beaches at La Push, it honestly felt like we experienced every kind of Pacific Northwest magic in one day.

I actually met these two at their best friend’s wedding last fall, and we instantly clicked. So getting to come back and photograph their gorgeous elopement AND officiate their wedding ceremony felt incredibly special.

They spent the weekend staying at Quileute Oceanfront Resort right on First Beach in La Push, and it could not have been a more perfect setting for their wedding day. The morning started slow and intentional while they got ready separately in their cabins before meeting outside for their first look overlooking the coast.

One of my favorite things about Karen and Steven is just how much they genuinely enjoy being together. In their questionnaire, Steven said, “Karen is my sense of home and comfort. Also her risotto,” while Karen said, “Steven is my best friend. I love getting to share everything with him and build our little home together.”

And honestly, that feeling carried through the entire day.

After their first look, we headed into the Hoh Rainforest to explore the Hall of Mosses together. We wandered through the ferns, soaked in all the dreamy light filtering through the trees, and listened to Taylor Swift on the drive because obviously we’re all swifties here.

The rainforest looked unreal that day. Moss hanging from every tree, soft golden light filtering through the forest, quiet everywhere around us… it felt like stepping into another world.

Karen and Steven said one of the things they were most excited about for their wedding day was simply getting to adventure together in nature, rain or shine. And honestly, the Olympic Peninsula delivered the dreamiest atmosphere for them.

Later that evening, we made our way back to La Push Beach for their ceremony on the coast.

Steven’s best friend Sam, whose wedding I photographed last fall, is currently training in the military across the country. He wrote a letter for me to read to Steven during the ceremony, and it was one of the sweetest moments ever. Steven was fighting back tears the entire time.

Then during their private vows in front of this giant driftwood tree trunk, Steven cried again and said, “I just want to be married to her asap, and I just want this moment with her.” It was beautiful, and I just love how much Steven loves his bride.

One of the things Karen and Steven shared with me before the wedding was how much they loved that they decided to make their wedding day an adventure together because that’s already their favorite thing to do as a couple. Whether it’s cooking together, walking the dogs, skiing, biking, or simply spending time outside together, they’ve built such a beautiful life rooted in friendship and genuinely enjoying each other.

And somehow throughout this adventure, we also saw whales outside their cabin, seals, surfers, chipmunks… literally everything.

To end the night, Karen and Steven decided to run straight into the ocean together fully dressed, and honestly it was the perfect ending to the day. They got completely soaked, the water was refreshing, and there was so much laughter while waves crashed around them.

Just the absolute best day with incredible people.

Vendors:

Hair + Makeup: The Beauty Ranger / Dress: Belle Bridal / Suit: Men’s Warehouse / Photo + Officiant: Works by Sarah Jane Photography / Florist: New Leaf Floral Design / Rings: And Arlen + Thorum  //

For more Seattle Wedding Photography, check this wedding out here.