Where do you start when everything about it was perfect? I dunno.

But I know that this courthouse elopement in Bellingham was absolutely perfect and more. It was everything a low-key, mellow, artistic couple could want. It was down to earth. It was meaningful. It was lively and vibrant. Simple and sweet. Minimal and heartfelt. While some would argue a classic Pacific Northwest elopement is best, I’d suggest it’s tied. There’s something so versatile about being downtown!

R + M decided to elope at the courthouse with a close set of friends and close family. When M reached out, she told me, “We just want a happy, sweet, simple day!” And that’s exactly what this was. M’s dress was something out of a 50s fairytale dream. Honestly so perfect for her. And R looked as classy as they come in his bolo tie.

We started at the flower shop to pick up her bouquet and his boutonniere, then wandered around to shoot in various places. Finding the gems as we wandered along. I live for this - no plans. Just going with the flow.

After taking photos off and on while chatting in between with everyone following along, we stopped to warm up and grab a coffee. Everyone took their time and sunk into the moments. R + M were fully present and absorbed. I quietly observed and documented. I gave them space while making sure to capture everything that was meaningful. Their pup, Graham, who basically fell from dog heaven, was a staple in this day.

After coffee we made our way to the courthouse. It was as intimate and beautiful as it gets. People were crying. Laughing, Absorbed and swept up. It was mesmerizing and beautiful because it was just simple; two people making a commitment to each other.

We headed to the dessert shop for a few bride portraits after the civil ceremony.

We ended at Bellwether hotel with lots of family/friend photos and the cutest cake topper I’ve ever seen of sweet Grahamy boy.

I’ll never forget this one. It’s a favorite forever.