Every bit of Allison & Paul’s intimate wedding at Lake Crescent was sweet, fun, and unique to their relationship. They braved the chilly rain and freezing wind of the Olympic Peninsula by staying cuddled up together after the sweetest ceremony with their daughter (that brought me to tears). Honestly, who could be mad about some forced snuggles with the love of your life on a day as special as this?
Allison & Paul’s Colorful Lake Crescent Wedding
A one-of-a-kind experience true to their hearts
If there’s one thing you should know about Allison and Paul, it’s that they were committed to making every part of their day totally their own. Rules and traditions were thrown out the window from the very beginning, with these two opting for a wedding that felt so wholly them instead of sticking to the outdated societal norms expected of them. Right from the get-go, they let me know that their number one priority was being genuine to themselves, and that they craved an experience that felt loving & good to them, rather than necessarily how it’s “supposed to be.” I knew immediately that this was going to be a good one.
Sure, Allison wore a white wedding dress—but she also donned her favorite chunky trucker jacket and hiking boots.
Yeah, Paul wore a boutonniere—but he also wore a pair of mustard yellow Carhartts paired with a cozy, classic flannel top.
And their daughter Z even got to choose her very own fancy dress, full of vibrant colors and plenty of glitz & glam.
All three of them glowed all day long, shining as bright as the rainbow that was present for their ceremony (spoiler alert, I know!). It was such a joy to see a couple wearing clothes that felt completely authentic to them, and truly represented who they are as people, rather than forcing themselves to fit into whatever weird box we’ve put engaged folks into in the past.
This area around Lake Crescent was more than just a beautiful destination for these two; it was also a place Paul called home for several years. I can only imagine how special it was to be able to wander a space so personal and beloved on your elopement day that also elicits such wonder in the face of age-old beauty, from the rainforest along the peninsula down to the waves that crash on the shoreline.
Tearful commitments & a surprise from the universe
Decked out in rainbows and brightly-colored accessories galore, Allison and Paul made their way to a rocky spot on the water—just in time to see, you guessed it, a literal rainbow. We couldn’t believe our eyes when these two walked out of the forest underneath their rainbow umbrellas, Z carrying a basket full of florals wrapped in a rainbow ribbon she had chosen beforehand, now perfectly matching the sky lighting up in a show of love on an otherwise dreary day. It could not have been more serendipitous if we tried.
I absolutely loved their approach to their ceremony—that it wasn’t just a commitment between the two of them, but three. Z was involved from the very beginning, playing an important role in the ceremony as she wrapped the rainbow ribbon around the three of them as a symbol of their love. They read vows to her and EVERYBODY cried. It was one of the sweetest things I’ve ever seen at a wedding, hands down; I don’t often cry at weddings, but the beauty and sincerity in the joining of this family really got me in the best way.
As they all huddled close within the bounds of the ribbon, Allison and Paul shared a sweet, beautiful moment with Z that was maybe my favorite part of the entire day. The vows they’d shared to honor the union of their whole family coming together were so beautifully written, and this tearful hug between the three of them says it all.
More than just a beautiful destination
Post-ceremony portraits around the peninsula
Every “first” is important, but I think it hits different when you start off as friends. You might remember the first time you held hands, or your first hug, or for me, the first date-I-didn’t-know-was-a-date. A small but beautiful part of your story that will forever be etched in your minds.
So for their first round of newlywed portraits, we ventured around Lake Crescent itself, stopping at one specific spot along the way: the spot of their first embrace. It was cold and raining and the rain was cold, but Allison and Paul kept each other warm in their layers, dancing on the beach. I can’t think of any bit of “full circle” symbolism that could be any lovelier on an elopement day—where it first began, and where it begins again.
After taking in the dramatic coastal scenery and strolling through the lush rainforest, we ended the day with a second set of portraits at Salt Creek Recreation Area. It was in front of these iconic sea stacks that Allison and Paul celebrated the promise they’d been waiting to make to each other ever since they first met during COVID, savoring the moment just the two of them before meeting back up with their loved ones. There is truly no better way to wrap up an elopement than with an adventure around one of the most beautiful regions in the country—especially when you do it as husband and wife.
Lake Crescent wedding vendors
Florals: La Vie En Fleurs
Dress: The White Peony
Jacket: Flint and Tinder
Jewelry: Wildflowear
Officiant: Friend of the couple
Full Lake Crescent Wedding Guide
Lake Crescent is by far one of my favorite elopement locations in the Pacific Northwest, and I wanted to dive a bit deeper into everything it has to offer—so I put together this Lake Crescent Wedding Guide for you! Highly recommend reading through it to find out if this dreamy destination is right for your adventure.
Lake Crescent Wedding Photographer
It was so incredibly meaningful to witness this family being joined together as one, and I felt so lucky to capture this specific moment in time. Whatever your unique day may look like, let’s make sure it’s just as meaningful—and document every single moment along the way. Reach out now to start chatting!
For more elopement inspo on the beautiful Olympic Peninsula, check out the galleries + guide below:
