Doris & Bill had a day that was filled with so much joy that I didn’t want to say goodbye; the energy was infectious and just so sweet from beginning to end! From eating cake for breakfast to toasting with pink & purple champagne glasses after tying the knot, they truly made this day wholly unique to them, never afraid to do something a little different if it meant more authenticity and new memories to be made. What a gorgeous elopement at Rialto Beach and in Forks, WA, exploring the glorious Olympic Peninsula and celebrating alongside just a few of their most loved people!
Doris & Bill’s Coastal Elopement at Rialto Beach
A relaxed morning spent at their Airbnb in Forks
A lot about this elopement has stuck with me even to this day, nearly a year later, but what I remember most is just how present and happy Doris and Bill were throughout the whole day. They made sure the timeline of the day would be filled with a ton of fun and opportunities to make exciting new memories, but they also wanted to keep the pace relaxed—which completely suited their vibes as a couple; full of life and energy, but also a calm, peaceful love.
In order to start the day off on a laid-back note, rather than feeling rushed or hurried, Doris and Bill dedicated a lot of time to getting ready, savoring the morning with coffee together and even cake for breakfast. Because why not kick off the day on a sweet note by cutting your cake together instead of having to wait until the end of the day to enjoy it? 😉 We spent several hours at their Airbnb in Forks, each of them taking individual time to prep and write down their vows. Having this long at the Airbnb before heading off to the ceremony spot gave me so much time to capture their gorgeous details and gave them such a calm, beautiful start to their day!
For her bridal look, Doris chose a classic white gown with a subtle skirt and thick tanktop straps, a beautiful match for her minimalist jewelry, natural makeup, and loose waves adorned with a delicate crown of pearls. Bill opted for a killer light blue wool suit, a shade bright enough to bring some vibrance to the day but subtle enough as not to distract from the natural beauty of the landscapes around them. I loved how he matched his tie to the gorgeous orange flowers featured in Doris’ bouquet, just as his suit matched the ribbon tied around the stems! Once they were both ready to go, they headed out to the adorable little yard of the home for their first look, the sun shining down on them for what would be one of the only sunny moments of the rest of the day. It was simple, peaceful, and so perfectly perfect for them.
The sweetest day sprinkled with sentimental details
Doris and Bill’s details were EVERYTHING. They seriously found ways to incorporate sentiment and meaning into every little part of their day, starting with Doris’ locket, which had the world’s tiniest picture of her kitty Tegan inside of it—cutest thing ever, and such an easy way to feel the love from a pet or family member who can’t be present at your day with you! Their cake toppers were each of their favorite dinosaurs, Doris wore a headpiece that was worn by one of her best friends (her “something borrowed”), their friends decorated their car, and the invitation for their after party had the most adorable drawing of the two of them, also created by a friend. It was clear to me that these two have such a special support system and community in their lives, as each and every part of their day was touched in some way by somebody they loved.
For Doris and Bill’s first date, they went to see their friends’ band play, so that band recorded a cover of “Sea of Love” for Doris to walk down the aisle to. It’s a song that’s always been special to them, and one that Doris always sings to Bill, so it was the obvious choice for this big moment of the day! They even had a good friend of theirs officiate their ceremony so they could have a super meaningful, personalized reading and vow exchange.
If you want your elopement ceremony to be just as meaningful and personal as Doris and Bill’s, definitely take a look at my blog post about What to Do At Your Elopement Ceremony: Ideas, Traditions, Vows, & More!
A stormy elopement ceremony & newlywed portraits at Rialto Beach
Once the soon-to-be bride and groom had enjoyed enough coffee, cake, and private time together at the Airbnb, it was time to head off to Rialto Beach for their elopement ceremony! With it being the end of April on the coast, we weren’t sure what kind of weather we’d have—we were equally ready for both a clear, sunny day and a stormy, overcast one, and of course the PNW decided to deliver the latter. The greenery of the trees along the shore was absolutely stunning under the soft, gray lighting, really vibrant and breathtaking against the browns and grays of the surrounding landscape! You already know I love me a good foggy day on the peninsula, so I was stoked that we had such moody weather—and that Doris and Bill were just as down for it.
Wondering what to do if the weather isn’t ideal on your elopement day? Be sure to read my guide to How to Embrace “Bad” Weather On Your Elopement Day. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t have to ruin anything if you don’t let it 😉
One of my favorite things about shooting on the beaches of Washington is the driftwood, and the way it makes it a unique experience each and every time. Each couple gets their own arrangement, their own labyrinth of rainforest bones to explore on the beach, and what a beautiful arrangement Doris and Bill got! They exchanged their vows as the waves crashed next to them, as the wind blew and the fog rolled in. With just their friend as an officiant and two witnesses, it was the most beautiful ceremony that really revolved around them and their love for each other; nothing else mattered. Once they were officially husband and wife (and had shared the most gorgeous first kiss on the beach), they popped a bottle of bubbly to pass around to the group, all smiles, laughter, and even a few dance moves!
If you’re wondering what Rialto Beach might look like in the warmer months, take a peek at Kathy & Austin’s Summertime Rialto Beach Elopement—we got the perfect combination of sunshine, blue skies, and a foggy evening on the peninsula.
Celebratory elopement portraits on the ferry back to Seattle
After wrapping up our time at Rialto Beach, we all took the ferry back to Seattle together and got photos on the ride, which was so fun and cute! Doris and Bill signed their marriage license, enjoyed the views, and basked in the glimpse of sunshine we got as we arrived back to Seattle. The perfect end to the most wonderful day celebrating this lovely couple!
After their elopement, Doris wrote me the sweetest letter where she told me that her dad said the photos are like poetry—cue the tears. It was such a beautiful reminder of just how meaningful these photos are, and how especially important elopement photos are to share with loved ones that aren’t present on the day of. What an honor to have captured these two and to have witnessed the start of their new adventure!
Rialto Beach elopement vendors
Flowers: Taylor Richardson
Makeup: Makeup By Min | @itslikelymakeupbymin
Cake: Lil Cakery | @lil.cakery
Dress: Reformation
Stationery: Lemonbox
Suit: Indochino
Rings: Brilliant Earth
Headpiece: Anthropologie
Rialto Beach Elopement Photographer
I will NEVER tire of the unique beauty that the Olympic Peninsula has to offer, so if you’re planning your own elopement at Rialto Beach or any of the moody beaches nearby, count me in as your Rialto Beach elopement photographer! Would so love to chat with you about making all your adventure elopement dreams come true.
Don’t leave just yet—I’ve got a few more elopement resources I think you’ll find helpful as you plan your special day!
