Intimate Woodland Elopement Inspiration

If you caught this morning’s gorgeous wedding, you might pick up on a theme for today. We love it when couples make it a point to include their friends + family into their day, utilizing their talents + willingness to lend a hand. Today’s styled shoot is yet another perfect example of how lovely a celebration can be when it’s handmade by those supporting the bride + groom.

Photographer, Kristen Marie, came up with an editorial concept based around the realistic and achievable aspect of weddings. She says, I wanted friends supporting them in their marriage, offering up labors of love and taking part in the day… a friend will make a cake, another friend will make a meal, another friend will marry them, another friend will be creating some arrangement that look like they were picked from the backyard that day. I wanted comfort, some good taste and overall, realistic plannings and decisions that are all coming together to hold a couple accountable and in celebration with their marriage. I loved the idea of first coming together in community and enjoying a meal before getting married. Usually wedding ceremonies can feel so out of place for guests because they don’t all know each other or are more transfixed on the bar opening. Sharing a meal before getting married is that perfect balance of comfort and getting to know others before coming together in support of the ceremony.

Homestead Seattle provided the perfect set up for getting ready, portraits and a meal with friends before venturing out into the Seattle woods and ‘getting married’!

Such a picture-perfect bouquet by Finch & Thistle. We love its wild, untamed feel.

Love the sweet + intimate feel to this celebration.

Time to debut the cakes made by friends!

You’ve gotta be eyeing this amazing dress! It’s by Rue de Seine from The Dress Theory and we’re completely in love!

Wasn’t that a breath of fresh air? We loved it! Thanks so much to the entire team below for sharing their beautiful work today. If friends + family are helping you craft your dream wedding, we’d love to hear all about it in the comments section below!

photography: Kristen Marie Photography // florals: Rachel Bowes, Finch & Thistle // hair stylist: Shyn Midili // makeup artist: Shyn Midili // paper goods: La Happy // calligraphy: La Happy // officiant: Ben Fife // models: Stefanie Konarska, Pat Konarska, Eleanor Lonardo, Ian Bruce and Riley McCormick // location: Homestead Seattle // consultant: Eleanor Lonardo // assistants: Michael Parker, Tyler Miles Ray // decor: France Lane San Francisco, ABC Rentals // wedding dress: The Dress Theory (Houghton and Rue de Seine) // groom attire: Suit from Ryan Ward (J.Crew, Banana Republic), ASOS, Free People // leather goods: Westward Leather // ties: Gold Coast Goods // cakes: Karen LoNardo for Finn's Bakery