Also featured in Inspired By This
Chyra and Phong’s Columbia River Gorge elopement took place on a semi-private island in Cascade Locks, Oregon. It was a romantic, scenic, late August day, with the couple surrounded by striking mountains and calming rivers. The scenery set the mood for the entire shoot. As evidenced by the photos, it was magical to be in such a romantic environment with a couple who was so madly in love.
Columbia River Gorge Elopement
The Columbia River Gorge is a breathtaking canyon, a perfect wedding location in the Pacific Northwest, resting as an expansive border between Oregon and Washington. We found ourselves on a little island in Cascade Locks, Oregon, with only rivers and trees to witness the love story between Chyra and Phong. (Plus some talented vendors who helped pull this gorgeous day off.)
Golden Hour at Cascade Locks
The part I’ll always remember from this shoot likely stood out to Chyra and Phong too. The shoot was winding down as the sun slowly set. These two sat down and took the day in, embracing each other, the sunset and reflecting on their recent vows.
Unconventional Meets Romantic
What began as a right swipe on Tinder for Chyra and Phong turned into a beautiful love story and a lifelong commitment. Perhaps eloping at a place called Funk’s Island fits perfectly with this couple’s story. This unconventional couple knew from the beginning they didn’t want an average wedding. What they did want were beautiful photos that documented their declaration of love. As a result, they wanted to keep things private, instead allowing the location to take all of the credit. Once we found Funk’s Island in the heart of Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge, the design inspiration immediately flowed.
Details & Inspiration for This Romantic Oregon Elopement
Our team of photographer, florist and design artist wanted to keep décor and color romantic, bespoken and light, so we could allow the island’s beauty to shine. We wanted every aspect of this elopement’s aesthetic to enhance the spectacular view with the couple’s love remaining as the center focus.
The bride’s dress came from Krustallo Couture, a mermaid style gown that danced with the island’s wind. Moreover, it encompassed both elegance and freedom, just like our bride’s personality.
Our florals were created by the ever so talented Katherine Gidlow from BLUE. Knowing how magical the Columbia Gorge is, we wanted the florals to be subtle and minimal to allow the gorge to steal the scene. The circular arch represented modern femininity, with a soft and sleek appearance.
Above all, the vision of this elopement would be nothing without Rebecca Foster from Indigo Event Design. Her beautiful mind took a simple brainstorm of mix-matched ideas and turned it into an ethereal, romantic and epic elopement.
The invitation and announcements were designed by Rebecca Cheung Tran, an upcoming, talented calligraphist who beautifully illustrated the event details on linen paper.
Our couple wasn’t big on sweets, maybe some bubble tea and ice cream every now and then, but they did want something traditional in their elopement. Consequently, they opted for a simple, yet elegant cake from Rosycakes Bakery and decadent macaroons from Tous Les Jours. And of course you can’t have a celebration without a celebratory drink, and there’s nothing better than shaking up a bottle of crisp champagne on a semi-secluded island.
A Sweet Thank You
Best of all, after more than four hours of styling and shooting, exhausted and exhilarated, the whole wedding team knew they’d done their job when Chyra took a peek into the back of my camera and smiled with tearful eyes. Finally, after months of planning, she would have beautiful, timeless photos that showcased the love between her and her husband.
Thank you to this team of amazing vendors, but especially to Chyra and Phong for letting me document your love. You were such a fun couple to work with, with a very genuine and forthcoming love for one another. I hope you’re as in love with these Columbia River Gorge elopement images as I am.
Cheers!
Rithy
Vendors:
Photographer | RTFaith Photography
Event Planner | Rebecca Foster from Indigo Event Design
Florist | Katherine Gidlow from BLUE
Dress | Krustallo Couture
Cake | Rosycakes Bakery
Macaroons | Tous Les Jours
