Sweet Brookings, Oregon & Redwoods Elopement Experience

Nicolette and Bret had a sweet Brookings, Oregon and Redwoods elopement experience over the course of two days. From adventuring the coastline to strolling through the Redwoods, the two incorporated unique aspects from Danner Boots laces to a rope braiding in their ceremony.

They wanted a day that was connected to nature – their faith comes partially through connecting with the world around us and experiencing the magic of it. It was why they loved combining the variety of the California Redwoods and the coastline just north of Brookings, Oregon, along Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor.

“When Bret and I began this wedding planning thing, I felt so discouraged about a day of our lives that was supposed to be SO exciting. I dreadfully (big emphasis on dreadfully) navigated between venue after venue for something that “spoke to me.” Through this process, we both came to realize that doing something adventurous and intimate was what we needed to do to make the first page of our story, as husband and wife, have a vibrant, transformative, and authentic beginning.” – Nicolette

Despite COVID, their day went off without a hitch and was a perfect way to start their new lives together. We explored the Redwoods and wondered at the tall giants standing quietly sentinel over them as they embraced. Then we explored the Oregon Coast for a sunset adventure, complete with dancing and playing in the water.

“So many times we thought “Thank goodness for Sam”. She was flexible with COVID, helped with our timeline, and was super responsive. We didn’t have to worry because she took care of us. I (Bret) wasn’t expecting that our photographer would be this involved and care enough to build a relationship with us, but Sam’s whole process, from the “getting to know you” Zoom calls to our wrap up call when we got to see our images and album draft, was fantastic and helped build connection between all of us.

Sam’s view on eloping really aligned with how we feel. Eloping really just reaffirmed that, while we do care what people think, there are days and times where we’re going to ultimately do what we feel is right for us, and that can be regarding any typical societal expectations, like buying a house or having children or how we get married.

Our elopement day was adventurous bliss. We wish we could recreate it again and again, and it was so fun working with Sam.” – Nicolette & Bret