Ethereal Prairie Creek Redwoods Elopement

In this article, we will follow Keary, Rustin, and their pug Mister Meatloaf on their journey towards forever as they exchange heartfelt vows in a forest cathedral. Through challenges and triumphs, they held onto each other, finding solace in the embrace of the majestic redwoods. Join us as we delve into their love story, reliving the moments that made their wedding day serene and unforgettable. From the special place where it all began to the heartfelt vows under the redwoods on Cal Barrel Road, we'll explore how Rustin and Keary's journey towards forever was made all the more magical by the tranquil beauty of Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.

Canyon Run Ranch Wedding in Early Fall

Chase and Karina held the most beautiful early autumn wedding at Canyon Run Ranch.

The ranch itself has everything—from wildflowers fields to waterfalls to a woodland area perfectly cleared for a ceremony space. For Chase and Karina’s wedding, the raw and wild ceremony arbor was adored in hanging florals, and at the entrance to the aisle stood a doorway of hanging white petals. The owners of the ranch, Amy and Gary, have a keen eye for design, and created the arbor—it stands ready for all their couples; and the Twilight inspired floral installation was beautifully crafted by the flower goddess Flohemian Floral.

'The Wedding Tree' Jackson Hole Wyoming Elopement

Bri & Matt planned a destination elopement to Jackson Hole because of how special of a place it is to them. They visit several times a year, both for winter skiing and for summer hiking, so it just made sense to them to say their vows in this breathtaking place. They picked an early summer date so that the meadows would still be filled with wildflowers and their favorite range would still be outlined in snow.

Most Peaceful Place Near San Francisco

Have you ever heard the sound of silence?

We have…in Muir Woods National Monument, a seedbed of inspiration, a safe haven located only seventeen miles from the chaos of downtown San Francisco.

During our last visit, we paused for a few minutes on the Hillside Trail just to listen to the forest. The mountain behind us blocked the breeze from blowing through the trees and it created the perfect environment for absolute stillness.

eastlyn brightFebruary 21, 2020California, Forest, National Park Comment

Hocking Hills Ohio Sunrise Elopement

Every love story is unique—and Nate and Ashley are no exception to the realness of this sweet cliché. Their affection for the outdoors inspired them to commit themselves to each other in a place, although hundreds of miles from their home, that was meaningful to their story and passion for nature. They welcomed the mud and dirt and chilly morning air, all as part of their wedding party, and the waterfall filled the outcropping with celebrant applause.

Backyard Wedding on a Rainy Day in October

The details of Seth and Josie's wedding were more ornate than anything you could ever find on Pinterest, only nothing about their wedding was cliche "Pinterest," in that, everything they added to their day was purposeful and meaningful to them and to their families.

The wedding party spent the morning in historic downtown Fredrick where they got ready at a cozy, Victorian-style bed and breakfast. This is also where Josie and Seth had their first-look--on the home's garden-surrounded, wrap around porch.

weddingseastlyn brightNovember 2, 2016Backyard, Rain, Autumn, Fall, Outdoor, Tented, Forest Comment

Coffee Shop Wedding in Toledo

As you'll soon see in the images below, Kyle and Samantha's wedding day was far from ordinary. Before the wedding, the couple wanted to spend time together, but it was also important to them that Kyle not see his bride before the ceremony. So with Josh, I orchestrated the meeting in order to keep Samantha hidden from her groom. With Kyle's eyes closed, Gentry, Kyle's best man, led Kyle to the center of the Oak Openings pine grove, and positioned him so he could not see Samantha approach. Happy tears graced sweet Samantha's eyes the moment she saw her soon-to-be husband. She beautifully walked toward him, and gently touched his arm.

weddingseastlyn brightAugust 15, 2016Ohio, Indoor, Forest, Traditional Wedding Comments

Hoover Dam Engagement Session in Columbus, Ohio

The two most important technical aspects that Sam and Kyle wanted for their session was a sunset and to use smoke. At the reservoir we found a beautiful pine grove, and because it was after 7pm, the sun was low enough to create harsh directional, horizontal light and shadows. After taking a few shots, we decided that this was the perfect spot to use the smoke. I positioned Kyle and Sam in a light streak between two shadows, and then Josh lit a green smoke stick and ran around them. As the smoke moved through the air, Kyle and Sam embraced and connected; and I photographed my back lit subjects, taking one shot after another. It wasn't until I looked through my playback that I saw what we just created together. I showed Kyle and Sam, and we were all ecstatic. You'll see those images at the bottom of this post. In summary, the smoke illumined the sunbeams that were already shining in between Kyle and Sam's embrace. The true beauty, to me, is their beautiful connection--the sunbeams and smoke just actuated it.