We all know that planning a COVID wedding is no walk in the park. But maybe it could be a walk in the rainforest! Taylor and Andrew were set on April 7th, 2021 as their wedding day – the date of their four-year anniversary. While the original plan was to marry in Glacier National Park (where they first exchanged ‘i love you’s’!), the weather conditions were not ideal for the season. Instead, the Hoh Rainforest of Olympic National Park and Lake Crescent became home to their vows, and the beginning of their lives together!
An event planner by trade, Taylor took on the responsibility of planning the elopement herself! With the help of photographer Meg Layman, they were able to scout the perfect locations for their mossy vow exchange and intimate picnic. Let us tell you about all the pretty details!
One Pebble at a Time
Simplistic blue invites created a memorable suite to commemorate the occasion. The focus was on the water and the trees – symbols of significant moments in their relationship’s past.
We adore this wedding ring set from Marrow Fine! It’s simple, feminine, and tad-bit vintage.
A rainforest venue didn’t stop Taylor from having an outfit change! When asked about her main wedding dress she said, “I was hesitant to get it ruined in the rainforest, which is why I decided last minute to buy a dress from Lulu’s for the rainforest and have a second look. I’m so thankful that I did!”
A Rainy Vow
The Hoh Rainforest receives between 140-170 inches of rain each year. It comes as no surprise that rainfall was forecasted on this April day! But by no means did that stop Taylor and Andrew from saying their I Do’s in the Hall of Mosses.
Nervous about rain on your wedding day? Check out our Tips for What to Do If It Rains on Your Wedding Day!
Although the picnic at Lake Crescent was amazing, there was something so magical about walking hand and hand through the Hall of Mosses in the rainforest in the rain. The most memorable part of the entire day was standing under an umbrella saying our vows as we laughed, cried, and exchanged poems together.
We couldn’t think of a more romantic scene to exchange vows!
Andrew’s blue velvet suit is a welcome, unexpected twist! Not only did it have loads of personality, but it also blended in perfectly with the wet forest scenery.
Picnic on the Lake
While they originally planned to dine dockside, construction got in the way. Instead, a little setting off to the side of the lake made the perfect picnic!
Their intimate picnic on Lake Crescent was the perfect way to sit back, relax in nature and soak each other in. However, a rain forecast was likely and almost ruined the opportunity for a picnic. Despite fear of getting rained on, we set up the picnic and just enjoyed ourselves. The picnic was inspired by bold jewel colors to stand out against the scenery of the lake. We sourced the cake and florals locally from Port Angeles, WA to make transporting them easier.
Can we hear a little commotion for the dress? This Willow by Watters gown was an idyllic dream!
I had been to many places looking for the dress and decided to go to a Willowby by Waters trunk show at Bridal Boutique in Lewisville. I knew it was the one the moment I slipped it on.
Eloping is the way to go! Marriage is about the two of you and the life you want to create together. What better way to start that journey than to do it your way? Because I plan events for a living, I knew I could bring my vision for my elopement to life, however, I don’t recommend doing it yourself. It’s so much more added stress. We had officially gotten married a couple of months before and it helped take the edge off of making the elopement perfect but it gave me the sense that I couldn’t spend the money to make it easier on myself. If I had to do it over again I would lean on my photographer more for location scouting and timeline and I would have hired a company to source and set up the picnic portion so I could relax more.
A gorgeous capelet and bouquet couldn’t have gone any better with the backdrop of Lake Crescent. Flowy, organic, and incredibly romantic!
A Canoe for Two
The magical day ended with a leisurely canoe ride on the lake. Andrew and Taylor were all smiles celebrating their newly established nuptials! 
What a magical day! While at times it can be tough when original plans don’t come to fruition, it just may turn out better than you ever imagined. Taylor and Andrew – congratulations on your beautiful love story!
photography: Meg Layman Photograohy // venue name: Hoh Rainforest and Crescent Lake, Olympic National Park, Washington, USA // florals: Farm & Flower // wedding dress: Willow by Watters (picnic dress) // wedding dress boutique: Bridal Boutique Lewisville // hairpiece: Lack of Color // bride's ring: The True Gem (engagement ring) // groom attire: Suit Supply // cake: Wildflower Cakes // tabletop rentals: World Market // furniture rentals: World Market // linen rentals: World Market // wedding ring: Marrow Fine // rainforest dress: Lulus
This is gorgeous!!!!
This is beautiful and exactly what I’m hoping to design for my own wedding. Are there planners to help create something like this for others? I wouldn’t even know where to begin, but am absolutely in love with this elopement!