Columbia River Gorge Elopement | Miriam + Eli

Elopement

Jul 29

Sweet sweet, Miriam and Eli! These two know how to pack the emotions and fun all into one day! Their Columbia River Gorge elopement on Government Cove Peninsula was truly SO special! In every part of the day you could see and feel every emotion from their faces to their body language. The same was true of their family and friends too. Everyone was so excited for them and full of love, there were lots of happy tears shed and the sweetest hugs and speeches and sentiments. I can still feel it all looking back through their images!

Government Cove Peninsula in the Columbia River Gorge is privately owned land that operates like a public park. It’s incredibly unique because it’s right on the Columbia River AND you have views of the mountains and the gorge directly behind you so it’s 360 degree views for daaaaaaaays. You also get to see a lot of the trains coming and going! It’s main attraction is the plateau at the top, but there are lots of little corners of mossy rocks and trees, wildflowers, and cliffs. It was the perfect place to say I do!

Because there was a little hiking involved to get to the ceremony location, Miriam came up with the idea to cut leg holes in the bottom of an Ikea bag. She used it to scoop up her dress, using the bag handles as straps over her shoulders, and wore leggings under it so that she could easily navigate the wild brush! No getting snagged, no branches or dirt, she could move around SO comfortably. GENIUS! Right before their first look she was still wearing the bag and we instantly shared a knowing look - ”You want to wear that for your first look and prank Eli, right?” - me “ABSOLUTELY” - her. They’re all about humor and joy and spontaneity and it was the perfect fit for them. Seeing his reaction in these photos still kills me!

Every moment, every smile and happy tear was simply perfect and the intimacy of this sweet elopement is exactly what I love so much about elopements! The quality time, the true personal touches, the things that matter most. They all shine so brightly when the day is pared back to just the basics and I wouldn’t change a thing about getting to be a part of these smaller weddings!