Beach Elopement On The Washington Coast
2020 has been the year for elopements and intimate weddings. As tragic as the COVID19 pandemic has been it’s also been wonderful to see so many couples understand that they can still have an amazing wedding experience safely (See more on how to elope during COVID19 here). Kate and Chad were definitely the eloping type already, however. They are one of the most laid back and easy-going couples I’ve ever worked with. Which made things even easier given that they invited me with only a month’s notice to photograph their coastal elopement at their family beach house in Pacific Beach. Kate is actually the cousin of another past couple of mine who have become quite dear to me, Kenzie and Aaron. I photographed their college graduation photos, proposal, engagement, and wedding (see here). So, it was incredibly special that they invited me into their family once again for another special event.
The day turned out perfectly. The entire drive down from Seattle to Pacific Beach was clear blue skies, which would have been welcomed, but isn’t exactly the best for midday photography on the beach because of how bright and harsh the light is and that it makes people squint. 5 minutes outside of the tiny little beach town that is Pacific Beach however, I could see a looming pocket of fog cover. This stuck around much of the day which made for incredible light and a really romantic atmosphere. After their backyard ceremony with a small number of friends and family we took the short walk over the bluff and onto the beach for portraits. Kate and Chad warned me that they were awkward and photogenic (says every couple ever, and I promise you you’re not) but they absolutely killed it during this time. Kate embodied such a free-spirited manner as she ran barefoot, kicking the sand and letting her dress flow. The dress that her grandmother made by the way. Meanwhile Chad couldn’t stop smiling. I’m so thankful I was able to be a part of their day and document this story together.
Hey, I’m Warren and this is my why behind everything I do!
I believe this is where it all starts and is at the heart of everything, so let me tell you. I have a soft spot for sentimentality and I think love is awesome. I’m so grateful that I discovered photography early in life because I’ve been able to document my own journey in a creative fashion. For that reason, I have a strong passion for giving that same experience to others and take great pride in getting the responsibility of documenting their stories. Each picture has a story or feeling behind it and I love to capture that novelty. Arresting those moments in time allows us to remember and feel more intensely. I know how much I value that and enjoy passing that along to others through photography. I would love to be a part of telling your story.