Getting Back to Weddings
Back in 2023, I had the chance to photograph Jacob and Elizabeth’s wedding on the Oregon Coast—my first wedding back after a bit of a break. They weren’t looking for anything overly posed or curated. What they really wanted was to spend the day with their people, soak it all in, and have photos that felt like real memories, not just social media highlights.
From the start, they made it clear they weren’t after “perfect” images—they were after honest ones. Photos that felt like documentary film, full of color and movement, and true to what the day actually looked and felt like. And the Oregon coast, with all its moody skies and saturated greens, delivered something really special.
Here’s a look at their day—quiet, calm, full of love, and beautifully unpolished.
The morning started with everyone getting ready at their respective airbnb's, sharing laughs and enjoying the still moments before their intimate ceremony that would take place later that morning.
Capella by the Sea
Jacob and Elizabeth chose Capella by the Sea as the spot to say their vows—a small, wood-and-glass chapel tucked into the trees above the Oregon coast. It was quiet, intimate, and exactly right for the kind of day they were hoping for. Just a handful of close friends and family gathered inside, with light pouring through the windows and the sound of the ocean not far off. No frills, nothing performative—just a peaceful space that held a lot of meaning.
An Afternoon on the beach
After the ceremony, we made our way down to the beach—just Jacob, Elizabeth, and me. They weren’t looking for a big portrait session; they just wanted a bit of quiet before the rest of the day picked up. So I tagged along, camera in hand, as they wandered the shoreline, talked, and let the moment sink in. It was simple and calm, and full of beautiful moments between the two of them as the sat in the emotions of the day. It felt like the kind of pause that special days like this deserve.
Let's Celebrate
The following week, Jacob and Elizabeth hosted a larger celebration back home—a chance to bring together their wider community of friends and family. It involved a short rehash of their ceremony, dinner, and a lot of dancing. It was just a big, joyful party. The kind of night with hugs at the door, music that got loud, and people who were genuinely happy to be there. It was less about tradition, more about presence—and it felt like the perfect continuation of their story.
Simple Moments, Lasting Meaning
From the quiet intimacy of the Oregon coast to the energy of a hometown celebration, Jacob and Elizabeth’s wedding wasn’t just one day—it was a full, honest reflection of who they are. It wasn’t overly choreographed or picture-perfect in the traditional sense, and that’s exactly what made it beautiful. I’m grateful they trusted me to document it all as it unfolded—real, colorful, and entirely their own.
