Sometimes it’s hard to believe a day existed within reality. Muddy feet trudged through the trails of the Hoh Rainforest, as sprinkles of raindrops and mist kissed our cheeks and fogged our glasses. Once emerging from the forest, the most perfect rainbow displayed her glory for us to witness, as if we were not in awe before. We were wet and a bit dirty, but experiencing the deepest sense of peace with the world around us. This was Shaney + Brady’s elopement in Washington.

The day started in a tiny  private cabin on the coast off of Highway 101, south of Kalaloch. Nestled in the trees, uphill from some other properties, Shaney + Brady’s little getaway home was filled with mementos of their day ahead.

Their outfits hung on the coat hangers of the cabin – Shaney in a mint green tulle dress and Brady with an eggplant brown colored suit, with a floral tie to match. I remember the breath of fresh air and excitement I felt seeing the nontraditional attire, with Shaney’s dinner outfit hanging next to the others. A deep crimson red silk dress to honor her heritage. Just moments later they helped each other into those outfits and the shoes that sat below. We climbed in the car and pulled out a map to the Hoh Rainforest.

Once arriving at the trails, with little to no cell phone service, we began our exploration. Soon, the shoes were kicked off and our feet were sinking deeper in the ground as we walked to each location, welcoming the mud and misty rain as part of the experience. Shaney carried her dress most of the way, but let it trail behind in some instances, collecting dirt and twigs on the edges. Creating an ombre of the trails remains on the tulle.

They climbed up fallen trees covered in moss, rinsed off in the rivers surrounding the forest, and let ambitions go while feeling the mist of rain fall on their skin, looking up to the sun to celebrate their marriage. To say this day was a dream is an understatement. Their elopement truly transcended reality.

We left the rainforest feeling more full than when we first arrived, but back at their tiny cabin  was another celebration to be had – Hot Pot and champagne. 

Shaney quickly changed into her dinner outfit and began preparing the ingredients for the dinner. The aromas of enoki mushrooms, leafy bok choy, and thinly sliced fish cakes filled the walls of the cabin. We ended the night sitting crossed legged, sipping on the broth of Hot Pot, and reflecting on the most intimate and wild adventure.