If you think planning a wedding in 9-12 months is tough, try doing it in two weeks. That is what Trisha and Shain did for their Point No Point elopement. Shane was to be deployed right after their elopement. (He has since returned and everyone is super grateful for his safe homecoming).
Shain and Trisha flew in from two different parts of the country. Two of their close friends drove up from San Francisco to meet them – their only guests, and simultaneously, their witnesses. Everything was super simple, yet meaningful. Two important witnesses, a bouquet of flowers they found at their Airbnb, and a beautiful location selected in the PNW.
Point No Point was the idyllic location for their sunset wedding on the beach. Forts were erected out of driftwood that laid across the shoreline and the setting sun warmed Trisha and Shain’s faces perfectly during their ceremony.
Throughout the ceremony, Trisha kept sneaking glances with her two friends. Their closeness was evident and you could tell they were happy to share this milestone moment together. Laughing, then crying, and laughing some more. Without even hearing any of the words from the ceremony, you can understand how meaningful and intimate the ceremony was by just looking at the photos. Their expressions and emotions are telling.
After the ceremony, we took the time for creative portraits around the beach. The sun was descending behind the lighthouse at Point No Point. We watched the waves crash on the shore as the sun dipped below the horizon.
Trisha and Shaine shared a final quiet and heartfelt moment during our creative portrait time. I continued to photograph as Trisha rested her check on Shain’s chest. This embrace felt special and is difficult to fully put into words. I can’t exactly imagine what they were feeling, but to me, I think the excitement that led up to their wedding, along with their impending temporary separation was weighing heavy on their hearts. As a storyteller, the symbolism of this moment and the evident emotion tied in beautifully with the flag in the background – almost as an ever-present reminder of their future of service, humanity, sacrifice, and love.
As a photographer, I’m always watching for moments like this. The unscripted moments. The moments that are not obvious. The moments that were not posed. These moments tend to be the most memorable and cherished. For that, I feel so proud to have captured these moments. Please enjoy these special photos from Trisha and Shain’s Point No Point Elopement.
