Skamania Lodge – Elopement

I was nervous all week as I checked my weather app like a sugar addict keeps an eye on the cookie jar. I had two big shoots scheduled, neither could move their date.  Rain, rain, rain – the app consistently predicted rain just the percentage would change anywhere from 90%-60% RAIN. I wonder when I will learn to stop worrying about the weather. I can’t control it and somehow it works out – it always does!  This would be my first elopement and I was really looking forward to the opportunity.  While I’ve done many weddings I had never had the experience of photographing an elopement. I loved it! 

Our first shoot for the weekend was Andrew and Tara up at Skamania Lodge. Their original plan had been a large wedding last September but with our lovely pandemic, family needing to  travel out here from back East, as well as all of the pandemic restrictions the wedding was postponed. 2 weeks ago I received a call from Tara asking if I was available for a quick elopement session in two weeks time. They were done waiting and ready to move forward. I was thrilled to let them know I was available. 

I was familiar with their location up at Skamania Lodge and was immediately planning on where I wanted to the first look to be etc.  In the back of my mind I wondered if they would be up for something a bit more adventurous just down the road…

One of the things I love about photographing weddings is the opportunity to be behind the scenes which often means lending a hand whenever needed. With an elopement we were even more involved. Jeff and I were helping with bow ties, dress bustles, signing the marriage certificate as witnesses and Jeff even held their phone as their ceremony played out on FB live.  We had so much fun!

Yes it rained

Tara and Andrew still wanted to do the first look and some portraits before the ceremony. This is where I really, really wanted to catch a break in the weather.  No such luck! But where I did catch a break was with Andrew and Tara! Given some indoor options they opted to go for it out in the glorious outdoors. We came prepared with umbrellas and honestly the pictures are beautiful! Tara looked amazing thanks to the help of stylist Karina Talaro – Karina is a stylist at https://blossomandbeauty.com/. Her hair held up beautifully through the wind and rain (but we tried our hardest to keep our bride dry!)

Waterfall Option

Tara, Andrew and I meet for the first time the day before the wedding. As we discussed different options Tara mentioned she thought it would be amazing to have a photograph at the base of a waterfall. Yes!!! I happened to know of one just 20 minutes down the road from the lodge. We had so much fun forging the creek and hiking down to the waterfall. It made for some really dramatic pictures and while it was windy the rain stayed away and we even had a sun break! 

Thank you Andrew and Tara for an amazing experience with you two. I wish you many years of happiness!

Moving from elopement to an Extended Family Session

Both of my sessions this weekend are the result of the disruption caused by this pandemic. This beautiful family had been separated for a year. Sweet Sophia was born and she had yet to meet her aunt, uncle or cousin. Last weekend they all finally came together and they decided it would be a perfect time for a photo session.  Thankfully we did catch a weather break with this session. While it was a bit chilly the lighting was wonderful and we had a great time getting to know this family who only recently moved to this area.

Following our outdoor session we had a cake smash celebration with Sophia who is now 1. Sophia and her sweet cousin wore matching dresses and just looked adorable!  

Catherine Creek – North Loop

While we were in the Gorge last weekend we decided to explore a new to us trail.  I knew of this trail which is just East of Coyote Wall off of Hwy 14 past. It is wildly popular in the Spring when the wildflowers boom. It is still a bit early for this Spring bloom but it is still a spectacularly gorgeous trail! The entire time I was drooling over the lighting and the massive Oak Trees, sweeping views of the Gorge and the raw beauty of the place. 

I highly recommend this hike and if your up for it this is definitely on my Adventure Session List! With an easy 15 min walk you are at an abandoned homestead with old fencing, beautiful trees and a creek. A strenuous uphill hike of roughly 2 hours will get up to the stunning scenery and massive oak trees. Either option would just be fantastic locations for a session.

Thanks for stopping by!

Shelly