Smith Rock State Park Sunset Elopement

One of my favorite things about being married to Drew is that we share an adventurous spirit (maybe as adventurous as the rad couple from this Smith Rock State Park elopement!). He’s always game for visiting a new place, hiking a new trail, trying a new sport, and eating something new (well, maybe we’re still working on that last one a little bit lol). So, this past winter, we set out to learn how to rock climb. We got a membership at Vertical World and we fell in love with it! There’s something methodical and scientific behind climbing, each movement dependent on the ones previous to it (anyone else a fan of Free Solo? That movie will make you fascinated in the methodology behind climbing!). And, it’s a great trust exercise when your spouse is on the ground as your belay!

This might have seemed like a random story to kick off a blog post with. But, the point of me sharing the fun fact that Drew and I began the process of learning how to rock climb is to only further prove how freaking epic this couple is. I’m really excited to introduce them to you. They’re so freaking inspirational.

Brenna and Zach planned to elope in Smith Rock State Park in Central Oregon. These two met while rock climbing, so it only seemed fitting to tie the knot while clipped in on top of a massive natural rock climbing tower. Now, before you get too excited about scrolling through pictures of a rock climbing elopement, this blog post is meant to take you to the day before the climbing harnesses came out. A post about their epic wedding day is soon to come to Between the Pine.

Update: The day has come! You can find Brenna and Zach’s Smith Rock state Park Elopement here.

I loved Brenna and Zach’s idea of taking photos at sunset in Smith Rock State Park the night before their wedding day! They really wanted photos that were also along the high desert floor, and sunset was the perfect time to make it happen. Their gorgeous golden retriever named Rowan (you should follow her on Instagram) came along for the pre-wedding bliss, and it truly was magic.

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Plan a Trip to Smith Rock State Park

Have Brenna and Zach inspired you to plan your own trip to Central Oregon yet?! Just in case they have, make sure your check out LOGE for a place to rest your head, the City of Bend (endless coffee shops and breweries), and of course the Smith Rock State Park’s website here.

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Where to Elope in Smith Rock State Park

Brenna and Zach’s wedding weekend was so reflective of who they are as a couple. This is so important. Your wedding should be a reflection of who you are, what you love, and what the two of you love together. So, climb to the tallest mountain peak, throw your rock climbing harness over your wedding dress, book an Airbnb in the middle of the forest, and say “yes” to forever the way you want to!

As we explored the high desert floor of Smith Rock at sunset, we spotted a ladder and without hesitation, Brenna, wedding dress and all, lead the charge to see what awaited us at the top. A sweeping view of Smith Rock was before us and it was truly incredible.

Smith Rock State Park Elopement Personal Touches

The photo right below this description is on of my favorites from the entire day. Not only does it capture Smith Rock, both Brenna and Zach’s hands, and climbing gear, it also captures their wedding rings. And these aren’t just any rings! Zach custom made both his and Brenna’s rings himself. Yes, like made the rings with own hands.

Portraits on your wedding day, the day before your wedding day, and even the day after your wedding day are so important. They are some of my favorite photos to capture! There truly is so much emotion to capture between the couple. It was the sweetest to capture Brenna and Zach in this sweet bliss as the sun dipped away.

After we wrapped up there sunset session, I whipped out the chips, guacamole, and LaCroix. I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate the current beauty that we were in and to toast to the epic day that would come.

 

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Between the Pine is an adventure elopement and wedding photography brand created by Mollie Adams. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Mollie travels with her camera in hand to document “I dos” in epic landscapes including Washington, Oregon, California, and Hawaii.