Kelsey + Mike invited me along for a year's worth of beautiful life moments. It means so much that they trusted me not just once, but three times to document the moments they hold dear! From maternity, newborn, and family portraits to their Central Oregon elopement at Smith Rock State Park I had a fucking BLAST getting to know those two (now four!) and their world so much better.
They are those people you can be standing in the cold with for hours around a campfire without forced feeling conversation and without even noticing the intermittent silences. During all our time together Kelsey, Mike and all those they surround themselves with showed me so much kindness; like I had always been apart of the gang.
They rented a beautiful home in Redmond, Oregon and everyone was invited to stay there with them. This was truly a day of collaboration and group effort...that's definitely a part of the beauty of micro weddings and intimate elopements: when every single person in attendance has a hand at making it exactly what it is.
From their officiant to their florals and food, everyone was determined to see their elopement day a success.
Quite possibly my favorite part of Kelsey's elopement planning was her choice to THRIFT her wedding dress. It was originally from David's Bridal and then she found it secondhand on Poshmark. That's already a win in itself, but she happened to rock the shit out of it, too! And the personalized Pendleton blanket was such a beautiful touch in the high desert of Central Oregon. Oh, and the sunset that did indeed make me want to weep as it sparkled through the still falling rain sprinkles!

We finished the evening off back at the house, munching on meats and cheeses, drinking beers, and smoking a joint or two. Check it out for yourself below!
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If you are planning your own Central Oregon elopement for 2023 or 2024, don't be shy! Hit me up.

Tim and Rayann married in front of their closest family and friends at the historic courthouse in Fossil, Oregon. Wheeler County Circuit Court was built in 1902 and is obviously still in use today! After their intimate ceremony we took the cutest family portraits out in front of the courthouse in the shade of some very old trees that lined the walk. This particular July day was a scorcher! We were all doing our best to stay cool in the serious heat of last summer. After family portraits, we headed out into the peak afternoon heat, I'm talking like 95 degrees, to take portraits in The Painted Hills of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument just north of Mitchell, Oregon. We popped a bottle of champagne and adventured around the Painted Hills! Let me tell you, I am NOT afraid of direct sunlight and honestly, these portraits are some of my absolute favorites! Clear sky with cute little fluffy clouds and fun to play with sunspots and sunflares. I'm obsessed.
And you can be, too! These two and I created fun, and vibrant images together on a beautiful summer day in the Painted Hills for their central Oregon elopement and I am so glad they chose me to tag along to be their professional third wheel! We ended the evening cooling down with beers at Tiger Town Brewing in Mitchell, Oregon. Much needed.

Hit me up so we can start planning your own, unique and super fun Painted Hills elopement -- >