Caitlyn + Avley got engaged beside the Atlantic Ocean, so it felt fitting to officially tie the knot clear across the continent on the beautiful Pacific coast of Oregon.
An adventurous elopement made the most sense to these two. “We knew we would feel the most like ourselves with an intimate ceremony and an unforgettable adventure to mark the occasion,” say Caitlyn + Avley. They collaborated Seattle-based elopement coordinators Rain & Pines and with all-star elopement photographer Henry Tieu. Henry’s got a gift for capturing epically romantic moments amidst breathtaking natural scenery and emphasizing the adventure of an elopement day. You might recognize his work from this three-dress elopement in Japan or this sunrise elopement in Canada or this Italian elopement in the Dolomites.
“I wanted to preserve everything Caitlyn and Avley experienced and felt,” Henry says. “Getting ready together, writing vows next to each other, hiking through the redwoods, taking a mid-day break for McDonald’s, exchanging vows in the craziest wind, having a picnic while feeling the ocean breeze, touching the Pacific Ocean water for the first time, and reading letters from family while the stars slowly coming out to dance across the sky. It was one long day, but it was one long day full of carefree laughter and loving words that made all of us cry.”
Let’s get into all the beautiful moments Henry’s captured!
We love that Caitlyn + Avley went with custom hardback vow booklets for their intimate day.
Caitlyn + Avley did all of their wedding planning together, including their dress shopping! The couple scheduled a joint fitting at Dearly Loved Bridal and found these gorgeous gowns! We love the way they both feature embellished bodices and romantic, flowy skirts but still feel so distinct.
These brides were totally ready for adventure in their Columbia waterproof hiking boots in Elk and Mountain Red.
Take a peek at our list of the coolest wedding boots for your wedding day or elopement if you’re looking for a sturdy, stylish option!
Don’t miss our free wedding vow template and guide to how to write your own wedding vows if you’re dreaming of writing something from the heart for your ceremony like Caitlyn + Avley but need a little guidance.
Caitlyn + Avley’s wavy down-do’s and warm, natural makeup looks were created by Fancy As Nancy.
Can’t head out on a hike without your backpack!! These two brought their trusty Himawari bags along for their elopement hike.
A Ceremony By The Sea
Check out our list of the 25 best places to elope for jaw-dropping photos if you’re eager to say “I do” somewhere breathtaking like Caitlyn + Avley did.
Cue the happy tears!!
A Coastal Celebration
These two found a gorgeous cliffside picnic spot to cut into their wedding cake from Sift & Gather.
Our Advice To Those Planning Now Our only advice is that planning should be fun and all about what you truly want as a couple! Whether you choose to have a big wedding or elope and throw a party when you get back (like we did!), follow your hearts and find the details that are going to bring you joy.
“Caitlyn and Avley and I connected over our coming out stories,” says Henry. “With how many struggles the couple had to face when they decided to live their truths, they came to realize that their wedding day should only consist of moments they truly care about, activities they truly love, and scenery they truly enjoy.”
“Even though we eloped, we still wanted to find a way to include our loved ones,” Caitlyn + Avley say. “As the sun set on our day, we read beautiful letters from our loved ones sharing their well wishes, love, and advice for our journey.”
Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding Aside from the ceremony, the most memorable moment was later in the evening when we hiked down to a secluded beach at sunset. Henry (our photographer) had us wade into the ocean and twirl in circles together while fanning our dresses out.
What was most memorable was how we felt: pure joy and happiness. Who knew getting your wedding dress wet and sandy could be so much fun??
It was such a perfect and magical moment that we’ll cherish forever.
Congratulations, Caitlyn + Avley!! Your coastal Oregonian elopement was as epic as it was intimate. GWS wishes you two all the very best!
photography: Henry Tieu Photography // planning: Rain and Pines // wedding dress: Dearly Loved Bridal and Dearly Loved Bridal // hair stylist: Fancy as Nancy // makeup artist: Fancy as Nancy // cake: Sift and Gather
