Lexi + Brendan

An Intimate Elopement near Seaside, OR

When I think of Lexi and Brendan’s wedding I cannot help but think of all the sweet and intimate details that made this intimate ceremony fit just for them. From the kitten figurines dressed in wedding garb, to the song Lexi commissioned a local Portland artist to write about their love story, to the moment at sunset when the two newlyweds raced from the sneaker wave playing at their feet on the beach. This day was truly and wholly theirs.

When I first met Lexi and Brendan they were planning a large wedding at a Country Club which their families were members of. With the pandemic changing all the plans of those who planned large celebrations in 2020, Lexi and Brendan decided they would celebrate instead at Brendan’s mom’s beach house near Seaside Oregon with just their immediate family.

Taryn, an associate photographer of ours tagged along with me and we left Portland around 9am, driving through some pretty intense rain on the way to the coast. Arriving at the beach house however, it looked like the rain clouds were lightening up and as we entered this amazing home which was filled with light from the floor to ceiling windows and numerous skylights I knew I had a good feeling that this day was going to be nothing less than perfect.

Lexi was in the bathroom finishing up her hair and makeup. In the past Lexi has participated in many many parents, so doing professional quality hair and makeup was well within her abilities, and as she pinned up some perfect curls she was beaming with an inner glow that showed just how happy she was that this day had finally arrived.

Brendan was helping his family with last minute preparations in the kitchen and as I brought him out to the deck to don his tie and jacket in the soft coastal light which was filtering through the clouds, his childhood pup kept insisting on coming up to him to give him some love and spread some white fur on Brendan’s royal purple suit.

We had a little extra time in the morning while waiting for Lexi’s mom and sister to arrive. Her mom had actually been in a fairly serious accident the day before and it was touch and go whether she would be able to attend, but one of Lexi’s parent friends was able to swoop in and save the day by picking her up and caring for her during the journey out to the beach.

While we waited, Taryn, Dane our fantastic videographer friend from Casperson Productions and I trekked out towards the beach to pick a location for the first look. Brendan’s mom’s beach house is located in a really unique area which is situated between a golf course and a wide expanse of field which leads down to the beach. Only the day before Lexi was texting me photos of a giant herd of elk who were munching their way through the field and had wandered right up to the front lawn of the house!

There were no elk today, but the beach was absolutely stunning and I couldn’t wait to get some epic portraits of Lexi and Brendan so we hurried back to the house just as Lexi’s mom was getting settled in the living room. Lexi slipped into her beautiful gown which fit her like a glove and we stashed Brendan downstairs while Lexi and her mom shared a touching moment together.

Taryn took Brendon out to the first look location and Dane and I followed with Lexi leading the way. As she called Brendon’s name and he turned, his eyes were glistening with tears but his face lit up with a smile that parted the clouds! They shared an embrace as all the stresses of the months of planning fell to their feet and their wedding day truly began, together.

I had a blast photographing these two as they made their way across the field and toward the beach. The coastal wind was just soft enough not to be too much of a bother and the sun shone warmly on Lexi’s porcelain skin and dark hair. Laughing and turning back to the house we could hear the whooping and hollering of Lexi and Brendon’s families who had come to the porch to see these two lovebirds enjoying the first moments of seeing each other.

As we returned to the house the remainder of Lexi and Brendan’s family arrived and we were able to get through all the family portraits before the clouds started to turn heavy again. Lexi and Dane set up all the video feeds for friends and family to tune in from all over, and the music began to play as Brendan and his mom made their way down the aisle.

Their ceremony was beautiful and included both laughter and tears as the two shared intimate vows which promised to forever carry their deep friendship and love into the future. The rain pattered down the large windows to add a bit of luck to their wedding day, but as the rings were exchanged the sun again broke out, almost as if the day itself was glad to see these two joined for life.

As they shared their first kiss as husband and wife their families cheered and they danced their way back down the aisle to an intimate moment shared with just the two of them before returning to the deck to sign their marriage license.

Although Lexi and Brendan’s beloved cats were not present at this momentous occasion, many references to them were made throughout their vows and when they cut their cupcake, the little cat figurines were placed in a prominent location so that this portion of their fur family was honored in this celebration as well!

Lexi surprised Brendan with one of the most unique gifts I have ever seen at a wedding- she had commissioned a local Portland singer/songwriter to write and record a song that told the story of Brendan and Lexi’s love and journey thus far. Brendan held it together much better than I would have, and there honestly wasn’t a dry eye in the whole room as he grabbed Lexi’s hand, gazed into her eyes and they shared a slow kiss just at the end of the last chorus.

Brendan had a little gift up his sleeve for Lexi as well and she shrieked with joy and doubled over with laughter as he presented her with a beautiful cat pendant!

A lovely lunch was served amidst the most beautiful autumn table settings and Lexi and Brendan gave gifts to ever member of their families who attended! Could these guys be any cooler?

We slipped out for some sunset portraits as guests started to don coats and head back to their cars. I can honestly say that this was one of the most enjoyable times I’ve ever had just hanging out with a couple and photographing them on their wedding day. Just down from the beach house was this gorgeous long boardwalk which used to sit over the beach, but now ends in the middle of a beautiful grassy field. We laughed as we had Brendan and Lexi slow dance, a far cry from their usual line dancing and swing skills, but perhaps a bit easier to do in a full wedding gown and suit!

We then headed down to the beach where the wind swaying the tall grasses and the ocean waves crashing below took my breath away as Lexi and Brendan embraced, soaking up the last rays of sun on their first day of marriage.

These guys were true adventurers at heart and were down to run in the sand as the waves nearly crashed at their feet, and even snuggled up amid the tall beach grass for some seated images!

As the light began to dip below the horizon we headed back to the house, only to find Brendan’s family who came out to meet us and snap a few last minute selfies and create a boomerang or two to celebrate the day.

It was an absolutely magical wedding and I couldn’t be happier for this sweet and fantastic couple.

Lexi and Brendan I wish you nothing but the best, and know that you two have an absolutely gorgeous life ahead of you. Thank you for inviting me to be a part of such an intimate and moving ceremony!

Check out some images from their stunning day below and leave a comment of love for this beautiful couple!