A Whimsical Forest Elopement at Woodlands House, Oregon

Lesbian winter elopement in Portland Oregon forest USA

This styled elopement is set in the forests surrounding Woodlands House, Oregon, and celebrates the love between twin flames, Kayla and Megan.

Tell us the inspiration behind the shoot.

The inspiration for this shoot came from a place of wanting to create something outside the box of what we’re “supposed to be doing” as wedding creatives.

We wanted to host an elopement with a real couple that provided an opportunity for intentionality, experimental creation, genuine connection, and true moments.

Why was creating this shoot important to the team?

This styled shoot was the main shoot during a 3-day photography workshop and retreat, The Unhindered Photography Workshop. It was intended to serve as the ultimate opportunity for each attendee to expand beyond their creative limits. Leading up to this shoot, we presented education sessions on creativity and how to tap into thinking outside the usual realm and provided different props and objects to experiment with while taking photos. The creative industry can feel somewhat noisy at times, which actually can deter people from trying their creative ideas. Our mission is to host an inclusive workshop where we celebrate people from all walks of life while also encouraging our attendees to try the things they might’ve otherwise not tried because it’s not what they’re “supposed to do” as a photographer. With that being said, we felt it was important to have this elopement be different from the trends we’ve been seeing!

What are the key styling elements of the styled inspiration, and who brought them to life?

The Engagement rings from Ringed, the emerald green gatsby dress from Sew Romantic Designs, the beautiful florals from Bridge City Blooms, the shoot coordination, design, and styling from Emily and Kristi (creators of Unhindered).

Romantic winter gay LGBTQIA+ forest elopement Portland, Oregon USA (1)

Words by bride, Kayla

People often say that love shouldn’t be hard.

And I agree with that, to an extent. But, it’s important to distinguish if it’s hard or if it challenges you.

I think it’s okay and healthy for love to challenge you.

We have come to realize that we are twin flames, and finding your twin flame is a powerful and rare thing that has its own set of growing.

The love that Megan and I have feels like something that’s hard to find, but it hasn’t been smooth sailing the entire time. We have faced so many struggles together and dealt with grief, newness, and challenges that stretched and challenged us.

And though it can feel overwhelming in the thick of it, I know that what it’s doing is aiding in our growth in the long run. And we are pushing one another in those times to level up as we go through this life together.

The lessons we learn and tools we gain along the way strengthen our love and are important in paving the abundant and strong future we are building.

We can do hard things together!