Emily and Sam's Mount Hood elopement was a day of absolute PNW grandeur, from the sunrise over Mount Hood to the deep greens of the forest.

We began our hike before dawn, so that they could exchange of vows atop Bald Mountain Trail while the sun rose over the valley. Emily Sterling (Rooted and Wild) joined us and officiated with so many personal and poetic touches, including reading letters from their family and friends. They also brought a small picnic basket to use like a time capsule, which they filled with sentimental items during their ceremony.

My photography approach centers on authenticity, capturing real emotions in their most natural form. Emily and Sam made this easy, being fully present with each other and enjoying every single second of their elopement day.

Post-ceremony, our journey continued along The Old Salmon River Trail, one of my favorite forest trails in the Mount Hood National Forest. Each wind of the trail reveals different levels of the forest, from tall trees, to dense ferns, to the flowing river.

As the day drew to a close, Emily and Sam retreated to the cozy confines of Welches A Frame, a true mountain oasis in the forest where they could read more letters from family and friends.

Emily and Sam's elopement was more than a photoshoot—it was an adventure, a love story, and a testament to the beauty of genuine connection. If you're ready to embark on your own photographic journey, I'm here to capture every moment, emotion, and breathtaking vista along the way. Let's create magic together.

Vendors

Officiant: Rooted and Wild

Photography: Madeline Rose Photography Co.

Bride’s Attire: A And Be Bridal Shop

AirBnb: Welches A Frame