Nagisa & Peter’s elopement on the Olympic Peninsula was a dream, and I’m so glad it all came together so beautifully. Would you believe me if I told you that this unforgettable camper van adventure was planned in just a few short weeks?
Nagisa & Peter’s Camper Van Elopement on the Olympic Peninsula
A sentimental day dedicated to their pup
I am the luckiest to get to work with couples who have such big hearts, and who hold so much deep love for the people + creatures in their lives. Nagisa and Peter’s sweet Alaskan Klee Kai, Mochi, had heartbreakingly passed before they were able to celebrate their big day with her, so a lot of the day ended up being a touching tribute to their girl. From including Polaroids of Mochi in their detail photos, to wearing custom cremation jewelry, to keeping her favorite toys in their van throughout the day, it was heartwarming to see all the ways they intentionally included her memory in their celebration—it was only right for the third member of their family who had been on so many adventures with them.
On that note, I’d love to share a few ways you can honor the memory of a lost loved one in your elopement day, human or animal:
- Including photos of them in your details, ceremony, or evening celebration
- Incorporating items of theirs into your details (collars, bracelets, etc.)
- Wearing cremation jewelry
- Spreading their ashes at a meaningful location
- Mentioning them in your ceremony/vows
- Featuring their paw print in your vow books, or on a decorative copy of your marriage certificate (obviously this one is specific to pets)
- Visiting a location they loved
- Performing religious, spiritual, or cultural ceremonies in their honor
Karate Kid + camper vans
Beyond the personal touches to honor the pup who was there for it all, I loved how much fun Nagisa, Peter and their loved ones had throughout every moment of the day. As Nagisa got ready with her mom and sister inside the Airbnb, Peter was out putting on his final touches in the campervan. It was super special to have their van play a role in their elopement, as they used to van life and go on the coolest adventures in it—the van was even their first completed home together. Talk about a full-circle moment! And as their friends waited, they watched the OG Karate Kid in the living room and we were all excitedly awaiting the “wax on, wax off” moment.
Check out this blog post to find out why I always recommend having your photographer document your time getting ready!
A moody mountain-view ceremony at Lake Cushman
After sharing a sweet first look in their camper van, we made our way around Lake Cushman to take portraits and for Nagisa and Peter’s ceremony. This stunning spot on the Olympic Peninsula holds a special place in their hearts because it’s a place they would go to stand-up paddleboard and kayak with Mochi—so they knew it would play a key role in their celebration. Exploring this area with their loved ones was such a gift; watching everyone take in the views, navigate the rocky shoreline, and create lifelong memories with the soon-to-be newlyweds. Nothing beats a day out in nature with the people you love most, especially when it involves marrying the love of your life.
We got some pretty wild weather throughout the day, and the ceremony was no different—nothing insane, but the dark skies and light rain definitely kept us on our ties. We had a lot of fun embracing the moody October day and the way it made the mountains look extra dramatic for the backdrop of their ceremony. Especially with those gorgeous yellow trees in front of the deep blue silhouettes of the peaks—just the perfect combination! Nagisa and Peter stood along the shores of the lake and exchanged heartfelt vows, with Mochi’s ashes in an urn nearby. Forever a part of the family🤍
The sun shone down on us for the final part of our evening on the peninsula, giving us the dreamiest golden light as we snapped portrait after portrait on the beach. And can you even believe those bright greens + vibrant oranges we were gifted at the overlook we stopped at? Mother Nature was showing up and showing OFF.
Cake + a home-cooked meal with loved ones
Nagisa and Peter ended their day back at the Airbnb, with a yummy home-cooked meal sat around the table alongside their loved ones. It was the sweetest and most wholesome way to celebrate in a way that felt true to them, especially because of the delish cake they enjoyed afterward, decorated to look like the mountain landscapes of the PNW!
Want to plan an incredible post-elopement reception like Nagisa & Peter’s? I’ve got a full guide to help you out here!
Olympic Peninsula elopement vendors
Faux florals: Romance Place
Hair & makeup: Blush Strokes Beauty
Cake: Celebrity Cake Studio
Cremation jewelry: Gems and Juniper
Rings: Made by the couple at Lawless Forge
Full Lake Cushman Elopement Guide
You know I wouldn’t leave you without extra resources to plan your own Lake Cushman elopement—because let’s be real, how could you not fall in love with this spectacular spot? Dive deeper (lake pun intended) into this dreamy elopement location in my full Lake Cushman wedding guide!
Olympic Peninsula Elopement Photographer
Hi friend, I’m Marla—an elopement photographer whose greatest joy in life is getting to explore beautiful places like the Olympic Peninsula with the most amazing couples. I’d absolutely love to be the one to document your own Olympic Peninsula elopement, whether it takes place on the shores of Lake Cushman or among the moody coastal rainforests. Get in touch and let’s get to dreamin’, shall we?
Curious what it could look like for you and your partner to elope on the Olympic Peninsula? I’ve got a couple other blog posts I think you’ll love:
