Do you ever meet someone and instantly feel like they’re family?

That’s exactly how I felt when I first met Tawnya over a video chat.

We had so much in common and clicked almost immediately, so I was absolutely giddy when Tawnya + Danny chose me to photograph their intimate Oregon Coast elopement.

And then I got to meet them in person…

Yep. My people.

A Destination Elopement on the Oregon Coast

Tawnya + Danny and their families traveled all the way from Wisconsin to have a destination wedding on the beaches of Oregon.

And it was PERFECTION.

The weather was beautiful. Their families were wonderful. The Oregon Coast was showing off. And most importantly, these two got to marry their favorite person.

What more could you ask for?

After 20 years of photographing weddings, I’ve realized something about myself:

These tiny, intimate celebrations of love are where my heart feels most at home.

There’s something incredibly special about being invited into a wedding where the guest list is small, the moments are personal, and everyone there is deeply connected to the couple.

I don’t just leave days like this feeling like I photographed a wedding.

I leave feeling like I’ve become part of the family.

And my heart is FULL.

A Ceremony Filled With Meaning

Before Tawnya + Danny exchanged their wedding rings, they passed their wedding bands around to each guest.

Each person had the opportunity to hold the rings, bless them, and pray for their marriage.

I thought this was such a beautiful way to involve everyone in their ceremony.

These weren’t simply guests watching a wedding happen.

They were part of it.

And because this wedding was also about bringing two families together, Tawnya had another incredibly meaningful moment during the ceremony.

She spoke her own vows to the three children.

It was precious.

There were so many layers of love packed into this tiny ceremony, and I was incredibly honored to be there to document it.

After they sealed it all with a kiss…

It was time to play.

Sunset on the Oregon Coast

We headed down to the beach as the sun began to set, and these two absolutely rocked it.

The Oregon Coast gave us dramatic scenery, beautiful evening light, and the perfect backdrop for some fun newlywed portraits.

We wandered, laughed, snuggled, explored, and soaked up those first moments of being husband and wife.

And that sunset?

EPIC.

I am SO thrilled with the photographs we created for them.

But more than that, I’m grateful for the experience.

For the connection.

For the trust.

For being welcomed into a beautiful little family for a day and getting to witness the beginning of this new chapter.

Tawnya + Danny, I wish you both the happiest life together—full of love, laughter, adventures, and lots of snuggles.

Thank you for choosing me.

And congratulations to the newlyweds! ❤️

Oregon Coast Elopement Vendors

Florals: Rustic Barn Blossoms
Hair & Makeup: Tauschia Hair Studio
Officiant: Your Pastor Dude’s Weddings — Junction City, Oregon
Guitarist: Olem Alves