Some couples just stick with you, and Nissi and Zach are very much those people for me. Their micro-wedding in Olympic National Park in June 2024 was one of the funnest days I’ve ever photographed, and over the course of planning and spending the day together, we became fast friends. Now, two years later, we frequently travel between Seattle and Astoria, Oregon to hang out, and our dogs are friends too! 🐶🐶 Going through their wedding photos always takes me back to all of the fun memories of the day – everything felt easy, adventurous, and unforgettable, just like them!
Lakeside first looks and ceremony with family
We started the day with a dockside first look between Nissi and Zach, and it was the perfect moment for them to slow down and spend a quiet moment together before the festivities began. Nissi also got to do a bonus first look with her dad, which was such a sweet moment! Always love when dads cry! 🥲 I also got to meet their pup Cider, aka the star of the show with her floral collar and goofy smile.
From there, we headed over to Lake Crescent to meet up with their families for the ceremony. Everyone had traveled from the southwest (Arizona and California) in hopes of some moody Washington weather, but it turned out to be the hottest day of the year! We found some shade under towering evergreens, with everything so lush and green. Nissi’s brother officiated a short and sweet ceremony, and the two exchanged rings surrounded by their closest loved ones. Afterward, we celebrated with cake and charcuterie before venturing off for some foresty portraits nearby. The rainforest is the perfect escape on toasty summer days, with afternoon light filtering through the mossy canopy.
A sunset adventure high in the olympic mountains
For the next part of the day, we ventured up to the mountains for a sunset hike. Nissi and Zach are avid hikers (Zach is a park ranger!) and they were so excited to check a new trail off their list. After a steep climb, we were rewarded for our effort with a stunning sunset among the peaks. Nissi and Zach frolicked through the meadows, chasing views and magical golden light. As the Olympics changed from blue to purple and the day drew to a close, they shared private vows with only a few deer as witnesses. The moon peeked out and lit the way on our hike back down to the car – one last little wedding gift from Mother Nature.
All in all it was an incredible day in one of my favorite parks, and I’m so grateful Nissi and Zach chose me to be their photographer. Seeing clients turn into lifelong friends is the absolute best part of this job and will never get old! 🥰
ELOPEMENT VENDORS
Photography | Hannah of The Foxes Photography
Hair and Makeup | Anne Timss
Florals | Lexi Mara
Cake | Gathered Bake Shop
Dress | Mia Solano
Suit | Indochino


