Weddings, Elopements and Portraits for the Adventurous at Heart

Olympic National Park Engagement Session – Kali + Shawn

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

A day spent on the twisting and winding roads leading out to the Olympic National Park is a day well spent. I met Kali + Shawn for their engagement session in the Hoh Rainforest and we explored the ancient treasures of mosses and massive trees within for awhile before we packed up and headed out towards the coast to catch the last bit of light on the Pacific. On our way we encountered a rather large Elk who was relaxing near an estuary. We hit the driftwood kingdom of Ruby Beach just before the sun set for the evening. The sky was darkened and a hue of hazy pink due to the Summer wildfires burning throughout the Northwest. We dipped our toes in the ocean and Kali and Shawn ran and laughed like the youngsters at heart they are. It’s truly magical to experience this level of love and connection between two beautiful souls. After this session I knew I had a great wedding to look forward to.

olympic-national-park-engagement-session-coast-1-of-17(pp_w480_h719) Olympic National Park Engagement Session - Kali + Shawn Engagements

olympic-national-park-engagement-session-coast-2-of-17(pp_w480_h320) Olympic National Park Engagement Session - Kali + Shawn Engagements

olympic-national-park-engagement-session-coast-4-of-17(pp_w480_h320) Olympic National Park Engagement Session - Kali + Shawn Engagements

olympic-national-park-engagement-session-coast-5-of-17(pp_w480_h719) Olympic National Park Engagement Session - Kali + Shawn Engagements

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Black Diamond Gardens Wedding – Ceferina + Nate

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

I am always honored when friends ask me to shoot their wedding. There’s a certain level of faith involved in choosing your photographer (trust me, I just recently had to hire someone to shoot my own wedding!). But I knew that Ceferina and Nate were going to put on a beautifully planned and detailed wedding so it seemed like a total win. They chose to tie the knot at the lovely Black Diamond Gardens near Auburn, WA. The property is located on 11.6 acres of land and has a wonderful lawn area for the ceremony, large greenhouse for covered reception, lovely bridal suite and a large pond as well. Oh, and I can’t forget to mention the goats and chickens they have as well!

The fine details and strong DIY ethos on display is one of my favorite aspects of this wedding. Ceferina is an artist through and through and she made so much of the decor herself and did a ton of calligraphy that really made a personal touch to the decor. Strong gold, green and brown tones were a constant, very earthy vibes. Her dress was handmade in Bulgaria and her ring was custom designed by herself, the brass crown she wore was handmade by a close friend Miki who crafts under the name SVNLIGHTS; her creativity and attention to detail was on display everywhere.

Now this wedding wasn’t great only because of the style, they had a excellent taco truck handle the food service and we had a lovely warm day to boot! Rina and Nate exchanged personal handwritten vows beneath the flower covered trellis on the property and Nate’s Father officiated a heartfelt ceremony followed by dinner, drinks and naturally dancing as well. The Best Man; a long time friend of Nate’s just happened to share a birthday with the wedding date so they celebrated him as well during the toasts and even brought him out his own little cake!

Bride’s Dress:
Custom made by Tonena Atelier

Bridesmaid’s Dress:
BHLDN

Groom’s Suit:
Suit Supply

Floral:
DIY by Bride

Venue:
Black Diamond Gardens

Catering:
Taqueria Los Chilangos

2 comments

ShayNovember 15, 2017 - 5:26 am
❤️ Everything about these shots is crazy good! Love, love, love…ReplyCancel
- slaylorNovember 15, 2017 - 2:20 pm
  Thanks Shay! I can’t take all the credit, their awesome decor and love as well as their openness really made it all work perfectly.ReplyCancel

Tacoma, You’re Beautiful

Saturday, July 29, 2017

Underneath the Tacoma Narrows. Shot on film w/Pentax 67, 45mm, Ektar 100 www.taylorjonesphoto.com

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Hood Canal Waterfall Elopement – Chelsea + Matt

Thursday, July 20, 2017

Focusing on the intimacy of your wedding and doing something your own way speaks to me on a personal level. Getting married next to a waterfall sounds like a dream come true to many I’m sure; the spray from the falls adding sensory depth to the experience, the smells of nature and the lush green and earthen hues complimenting each other. In the midst of such beauty it’s easy to feel at one with the surroundings and also create a truly unique experience for your vows and your guests.

Chelsea and Matt are both avid outdoor enthusiasts and I find that the love of the natural world is a great binding force with people. In WA you’re never too far away from nature and it’s a great reset to get out and explore the wonders all around us. Originally from the East coast, the trip out West was a welcome experience to their families.

Their rings were matching, custom made bands with antler inlays made by Antler Rings and Chelsea opted for a foraged bouquet that she made herself. They kept things minimal and focused more on creating a experience rather than focusing on the material items of the day.

We started the day out by meeting at the lakeside cabin that they call home, we did a quick first look and then piled into the cars to make the 2hr journey around the Hood Canal to the beautiful raging Murhut Falls near Brinnon, WA. After looping through the woods on a forest service road that crisscrosses the Duwamish River we arrived at the trailhead and proceeded to hike the last .8 miles to the base of the falls. The ceremony was short, heartfelt and sweet while the vows were deep and full of special meanings for Chelsea and Matt.

After they exchanged vows we got dirty making some portraits of the newlyweds. Good thing they both brought their boots! We climbed down a steep bank and found some large boulders to pose on and they braved the frigid water long enough for a few shots as well.