Although this Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Elopement along the Skykomish River in Washington State was nothing like Drew and Riley had originally planned for their wedding, it wound up being extra special. Their original large 2020 wedding changed to this elopement with only immediate family and best man + maid of honor at an airbnb in Washington state. As with many of our 2020 couples, their day was changed due to Covid and original booking was modified to take into account these changes. After many conversations as the ebb and flow of 2020 progressed on what was allowed, what wasn’t allowed, and such – this day was decided on.

Their only child, fur-baby Gunner even had a ‘first look’ with mom and dad all dressed up and was included in photos immediately after their own first look. Seriously the sweetest thing. (Lots of Gunner can be found throughout!)

The Location

The Skykomish River is a 29-mile long river in the U.S. state of Washington which drains the west side of the Cascade Mountains in the southeast section of Snohomish County and the northeast corner of King County. It was the perfect spot for these two to enjoy their intimate day.

Their Day

These two dealt with the whole Covid wedding re-planning PTSD that many other couples endured last year. After enduring all of the changes due to covid… what happened come September? The fires. September 2020 was a very bad year of fires throughout the PNW. However, these two persevered and no one was in danger luckily. There was just smoke in the air and it was during those weeks where all of Oregon and Washington didn’t see the sky because of the smoke. So.. no sunset but.. still a wonderful day!

First Look

Their first look took place on the bank of the Skykomish river- isn’t it just stunning? Here you can see the lasting smoke from the fires and although the fires were horrific, their was a rainbow after the storm. The smoke made for such a mystical and romantic feel in their photos. Their first look was a tear jerker and so sweet to watch and capture.

The Ceremony

Next, as mentioned, most of their original guest list didn’t attend due to restrictions and constraints from covid. So, their ceremony was live streamed for their family and friends who could not attend. It was a beautiful ceremony in the beauty of the forest, and although small, there was no shortage of love or joy in the air.

The Reception

Their reception took place in this gorgeous cabin they had rented as their air bnb. It was just like the ceremony- intimate and cozy. They were surrounded by immediate family and friends as they laughed, toasted, and enjoyed their big day coming to an end.

Additionally, with being such a small wedding, it was so sweet feeling so very included by not just Drew + Riley but also their entire family. Little things like making sure I had something suitable to eat after my meal made me feel so loved and appreciated. The meal I got made by the restaurant ended up being the one burnt dish and they literally dished up part of their own meals onto a different plate so I had something suitable to eat. It was very sweet.

First Dance

Next, their first dance took place just outside of the air bnb among the lights that surrounded them. It was such a sweet and romantic part of their day.

This day might have been small but still encompassed all those special moments. From Prep, First Look, Couples photos, Ceremony, Reception with cake cutting, first dance, and toasts. They ended the night in their custom soccer jerseys. They technically are a split family now, meaning they each like rival teams. (As do their families which made for a lot of fun banter when they put those on) 😉

Review

“Ann Marie is seriously the most amazing photographer we’ve ever had the pleasure to work with! As a 2020 couple, my husband and I’s big wedding was quickly downsized to an intimate elopement. Every step of the way Ann Marie was there with so much support! From our ever changing personalized schedule to multiple Zoom calls, she truly went above and beyond to make our day so so SO magical!! We were married on a Saturday and had sneak peak pictures by Sunday evening, which were AMAZING!! They are some of the most stunning and breath taking photos we’ve ever seen. Thank you for everything to Myrtle Creative Co. for everything!! I cannot recommend them enough!!! 💗💗💗”

-Riley + Drew

Vendor List

Photographer: @myrtlecreativeco

Florist: @flowersbyalana

Desserts: @simplysweetsbyjen

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