Alice & Travis | Intimate Elopement in Opal Creek Ancient Forest, OR

September 28, 2012

Salem Wedding Photographer

They’d been officially married for a few days by this time. They’d gone on a bike parade, drank champagne and boogied all night. Yet something was missing that their ceremony at the Multnomah County Courthouse and reception in Laurelhurst Park couldn’t fulfill. Something a bit… Quieter.

I met the newlyweds and their families at Jawbone Flats, an old mining town that’s nestled in the middle of an old growth forest called Opal Creek Wilderness. To get there, you have to drive East of Salem, OR until you get to a parking lot. Then, you walk for 3 miles on a gravel trail until you find yourself in Jawbone Flats proper. Population: 10, by the way.

I’m blogging the story of Alice & Travis in reverse because their actual wedding day was so epic that I wanted to give a small taste of who these two are before we overdose on their awesomeness. Needless to say, Alice and Travis are outdoorsy.

They’re also kind, goofy, and utterly in love– with each other, their families, friends, and the world that surrounds them. I’ve never felt so much positivity and respect in one place before.

It was hard to believe our time out in the wilderness was real. At one point, we stopped to ooh and ahh at a waterfall. I couldn’t help myself, the words just came out. “So, are we gonna see a unicorn out here or what?” For that moment, though, it wasn’t a joke so much as an honest question.

From their cabin, we hiked until certain family members that shall remain nameless couldn’t hike any longer. Alice and Travis picked a clearing, jumped up on some logs, and said their vows amongst waterfalls, 500 year old trees, their loving family and probably a few unicorns, too.

It’s not often that I get to combine this kind of business and pleasure. As a fellow lover of the outdoors, I couldn’t be more honored that Alice, Travis and their tight knit family extended the invitation, and loved seeing their lighthearted approach to what was a truly magical day.

Salem Wedding Photographer - Jawbone Flats Cabins in Opal Creek Ancient Forest

Salem Wedding Photographer - Group Yoga before ceremony in Opal Creek Ancient Forest

Salem Wedding Photographer - Groom saying ohms during group yoga - Jawbone Flats - Opal Creek Ancient Forest

Salem Wedding Photographer - Group Yoga - Bride saying ohm before ceremony in Opal Creek Wilderness

Salem Wedding Photographer - Bride and Groom hiking to ceremony - Opal Creek Wilderness

Salem Wedding Photographer - Wedding Party hiking to ceremony in Opal Creek Ancient Forest

Salem Wedding Photographer - Portraits of Bride and Groom hiking to Ceremony - Opal Creek Wilderness

Salem Wedding Photographer - Father of Groom crossing a bridge in Opal Creek Ancient Forest

Salem Wedding Photographer - Wedding Party at Opal Creek Ancient Forest

Salem Wedding Photographer - Ceremony in Opal Creek Ancient Forest

Salem Wedding Photographer - Father of bride recording the ceremony in Opal Creek Ancient Forest

Salem Wedding Photographer - Bride and Groom exchange vows in Opal Creek Ancient Forest

Salem Wedding Photographer - Bride and Groom hug after exchanging vows in Opal Creek Ancient Forest

Salem Wedding Photographer - Father of Bride records ceremony in Opal Creek Ancient Forest

Salem Wedding Photographer - Bride and Groom doing Yoga near waterfall - Opal Creek Ancient Forest

Salem Wedding Photographer - Bride's makeshift forest details - Opal Creek Ancient Forest

Salem Wedding Photographer - Bride and Groom making funny faces after hiking through Opal Creek Wilderness

Salem Wedding Photographer - Bride's necklace and bouquet on a tree stump in Jawbone Flats - Opal Creek Ancient Forest

Salem Wedding Photographer - Bride holding small bouquet while laying in field in Jawbone Flats - Opal Creek Ancient Forest

Salem Wedding Photographer - Bride and Groom laying in a field in Jawbone Flats - Opal Creek Ancient Forest

Salem Wedding Photographer - Bride and Groom kissing in a field in Jawbone Flats - Opal Creek Ancient Forest

Salem Wedding Photographer - Groom getting snuggles from his bride in Jawbone Flats - Opal Creek Ancient Forest

Salem Wedding Photographer - Groom enjoying a beer at his cabin in Jawbone Flats - Opal Creek Ancient Forest

Salem Wedding Photographer - Bride knitting a blanket at her cabin in Jawbone Flats - Opal Creek Ancient Forest

Special thanks to Jade Sheldon-Burnsed for joining me on this session.

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COMMENTS

[…] lack of time, or energy, but words. I have no idea how to properly express my gratitude — to Alice and Travis, their family and friends, and the good luck that brought us all together. I love it when a client […]

Water purifier? Now, that’s intense! :) Such gorgeous photos, as usual! You certainly honored them.

I could not possibly love this anymore. It would be beyond the laws of physics. I love it so much, physics be damned.

This might have been the coolest wedding ever. What a beautiful idea! Thanks so much for sharing, Kim!

This has such a magical and deep power…wow.

Hi Kim! You are amazing; your photos captured the beauty of Alice and Travis and so many of the people who love them. I can’t thank you enough. As for unicorns, I’m pretty sure I saw some and if they were photographable (word?) I know you would have gotten them! Yes kudos and love!

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