Imagine a mist-filled day in May, where the clouds blissfully dance over a deep blue lake in a corner of the Pacific Northwest. It’s bright out–diffused light makes the intense greens of the old forest glow, along with ferns and moss and fields of grass. The lake is lapping onto the shore at the base of a beautiful old lodge made of dark wood, echoes of generations of happy adventurers, honeymooners and vacationers quietly whispering in the corners.

This is the day Gina and Brooks eloped on the shores of Lake Crescent in the Olympic Peninsula, surrounded by their close family as they started their new adventure together as man and wife. The rain, which had occasionally been quite enthusiastic earlier in the day, transformed into sunbeams during their wedding ceremony. After saying their vows, we walked with them out to the long dock out on the lake, and into the surrounding old forest for photographs. Their first dance was out on the dock, floating under a beautiful sunset on a cloud of blue ripples.

Udaya and I left with a sense of wonder as we began our journey home, the lake getting darker and moody in the post-sunset behind us. The combination of a small, intimate wedding and all the stunning natural beauty had made a huge impact on us. The images tell such a unique story of two lovebirds surrounded by the beautiful place they live.

Our congratulations and love to Gina & Brooks! Here’s to a long life of happiness and adventure together!