Portland Coffee Shop Elopement Photographer

With Covid-19 in full-force, a lot of couples are having to pivot and reimagine their wedding day they've spent months planning. It's heartbreaking, frustrating, and overwhelming. As I've been focusing a lot of my own energy helping couples navigate this, my heart hurts for them.

In our conversations, I always bring it back to allowing the couple to choose what would feel right to them. We're simply making the most out of a situation with what we can do with new restrictions and so many unknowns.

A lot of couples, I'm seeing, are opting to elope on their original date, and postponing their larger celebration next year. Some, are choosing to wait until next year, and some are eloping with a live stream and cancelling the larger reception completely. I definitely encourage that all of these choices are okay as long as their headspace is in the right place.

At the end of the day, this is your wedding day. This is the day that should feel so special and unique to amplify your love story and celebrate in a way that reflects your relationship.

Throughout all of these shifts and changes to wedding days, it makes me think of this styled elopement I put together with Cindy of Peachy Keen Coordination, RIGHT before the shelter in place order went into affect.

I always always always love to work with a wedding coordinator when it comes to styled shoots. Just like a regular wedding day, it really allows their expertise to shine. It also allows me to step back from the planning aspect and focus primarily on what I do best. This makes it a win-win for everyone involved.

This idea had been stirring around in my head ever since I saw the gorgeous, colorful, quirky mural inside Kainos Coffee in downtown Portland. That's when the Portland Coffee Shop Elopement came to life.

Cindy really helped me pull together my idea and really nail down all of the specifics. She connected with all of our vendors prior to the shoot and really helped my vision come to live.

Our chosen couple for the shoot are married and really do have a passion for coffee. We realized what a perfect pairing Stephanie and Tyler were for our shoot. I love when styled shoots feel as real as possible to the couple - as if this event was truly made for them. The vibe is everything.

Our rentals were provided by Vintage Meets Modern, for added elements to simply elevate our idea and make it feel more like a real wedding.

Portland Coffee Shop Elopement

Stephanie's hair and makeup were done by Aryka of Vivid Chromatics. She wore a stunning gown from Blue Sky Bridal, paired with gorgeous necklace and wedding ring by MiaDonna. We also picked up these lovely statement earrings by Eden Luxe Bridal. Her shoes came from Bella Belle Shoes.

Tyler's suit came from The Black Tux, and online service that shipped this custom gold and black suit right to us! We felt like it complimented Stephanie's neutral floral bouquet by Floral Sunshine PERFECTLY.

My husband, Nathan, owner of Ochoa Wedding Films, joined us as well. Documenting moments like these side-by-side is our favorite thing to do together. He created an adorable highlight film from the shoot. You can watch it here.

I can't say enough good things about MEB Calligraphy. I mean, we share a first name (Taylor) so there's that, haha. But she is SO CRAZY TALENTED. She provided invitation suites, name cards, and the beautiful sign that reads, "Wherever you are is home." Oh, my heart!!

It wouldn't be a quirky Portland elopement without straying from tradition a bit. Instead of a cake for dessert, the couple enjoyed Pip's Donuts instead, a locals favorite. (Literally can't go to Portland without getting these little donuts - they spark so much joy.)

This shoot has been featured on Storyboard Wedding.