Every time I photograph an elopement I feel so privileged to be the person my couple chose to witness and document personal moments with the people they love. So many couples choose to elope for privacy and it’s a huge honor to be included in these days. Kristina and James’ Skagit Valley elopement is no exception.

Their afternoon started at Deception Pass State Park where they exchanged vows on a cliff overlooking Puget Sound, surrounded by their closest people. Kristina’s brother-in-law officiated, James’ best friend helped record their vows and take photos on his own camera, and Kristina’s family took care of Banksy, their sweet dog (who was dressed up for the occasion).

K + J are a fun couple with a love of vintage aesthetics so we added Super8 video onto their coverage. Super8 is incredible for naturally capturing the emotion and nostalgia of elopements. The format leans into “imperfection” in the most beautiful way. It complimented their ceremony and second location beautifully.

After the ceremony we wrapped up photos with their loved ones, split from the group, and headed to the Roozengaarde tulip fields at Skagit Valley. Roozengaarde hosts one of the most renowned annual tulip festivals in the area and is beyond accommodating to people and photographers who would like to use their grounds for photos. Email them at tulips@tulips.com to request their permissions form.

Kristina and James choose the tulip fields not only for the expanses of colorful flowers, but also as an homage to James’ Dutch heritage (he even has a tulip tattoo!). We spent the remainder of our time together walking through the fields, documenting their first moments together as a married couple and discussing their Hawaii honeymoon plans.

Their day was intimate, custom to them, and had a little bit of both worlds: moments that included their loved ones and some for just the two of them.

Inquire to start planning your elopement