Spring Elopement, Smith Rock, Oregon
Anne and John’s Intimate Smith Rock elopement was so tranquil and beautiful. You could tell they had found their match in each other in the way they laughed together and looked in to each others’ eyes. The couple traveled to Oregon to wed and decided upon Smith Rock sight unseen. They knew they wanted a quiet, beautiful location somewhere in nature, and we found a private area tucked away near the river. They said their vows, admiring the beautiful clay colored rocks that stretched above the river and laughed together at their secret elopement. They had ventured to Oregon without telling friends or family and were delighted to send a cryptic photograph of themselves wearing bunny ears (their elopement day landed on Easter AND April Fool’s Day) after they said their “I do’s”.
After the ceremony and a few more photos of John and Anne wearing their adorable bunny ears we wandered along the river stopping to make some portraits before hiking back up to the upper lot of Smith Rock. As we paused for more portraits the wind blew in and the temperature dropped. Anne braved the cold in her sleeveless blush tea length dress. We took a brief break to warm up in our cars and then jumped out for another 10 minutes when the sun began to set and created that GORGEOUS golden light beaming through the rocks. If you have ever visited Smith Rock around sunset you know that magical light I am talking about. It was INCREDIBLE.
I love intimate weddings and elopements because the couples and weddings are so laid-back. Can you imagine deciding to get married at a location that you have never visited before? And only visiting that spot the day before to explore for a couple hours before deciding on the perfect spot to say your vows? Elopements are a great plan for those who don’t want to spend the energy and time planning all the details that can go into a large wedding and want to focus solely on the commitment they are about to make.
Some folks plan an “elopement” months in advance, others stick to the more traditional definition and plan their spur of the moment elopement just days in advance. I find location scouting, whether here in Central Oregon or across the Atlantic at a foreign destination such as Iceland, part of the experience and am always happy to assist my clients (local or destination based) find their perfect spot. Check out this Iceland elopement for more elopement inspiration ->Adventure
Gwen Shoemaker is a seasoned professional photographer with 14 years of experience capturing the beauty of human beings all around the world. From Iceland to Antarctica, and Colorado to Bend, Oregon, Gwen’s passion for love and adventure has led her to specialize in wedding photography. Known for her ability to capture moments of raw emotion, she’s been humorously described by a client as an “emotion vulture,” always ready to swoop in and capture the perfect moment. Gwen’s love for travel and new experiences began when she studied abroad in rural Spain at the age of 17 and has since taken her to 15 different countries. Interestingly, it was in the least populated continent, Antarctica, where she found her true love. Gwen seeks to work with clients who share her love for the universe, are madly in love with their partners, and are full of joie de vivre.
