This terracotta-color-themed inspired elopement celebrates Michaela and Adrianne. The shoot was eco-conscious following the Leave No Trace guidelines.
Words by Photographer and Planner KMT Photos.
I reached out to Michaela and Adrianne with a beautiful vision for a terracotta-color-themed styled elopement in the mountains. I wanted the elopement to feel very casual. Almost like the two decided to get married on a whim by themselves with the wilderness as their witness.
It was just the three of us. I asked the two to write love letters to each other as 2020 comes to a close. It was really beautiful getting to be a part of it all because their letters to each other were so powerful and intimate. Adrianne talked about what a crazy year it had been. Both with her starting a new business and them finding themselves in the middle of a powerful movement, standing up for Black Lives Matter. Michaela talked about how Adrianne has been such a light in her life and that she will wake up every day with gratitude in her heart for and the life they share.
This shoot was eco-friendly, we packed everything in and out to follow Leave No Trace guidelines, and the florist was foam and plastic-free. All florals were recyclable and structurally reclaimable! We used a mix of fresh and dried blooms from Katie’s community garden for florals – a mix of roses, eucalyptus, hypericum berries, hydrangea, and spray roses.
Words by couple Adrianne & Michaela
How We Met
ELLENSBURG, WA – SUMMER 2015
Love at first sight? Some people understand it, and others think it’s cliche. With both Adrianne and Michaela spending most of their summer working for the university, it was only a matter of time before they crossed paths.
After sitting down for lunch together with a mutual friend, they both had to go back to work. Adrianne couldn’t believe she finally had her first conversation with the girl she had always wanted a chance with. Sitting at her desk day-dreaming and over-analyzing every word she said to Michaela, she looked down at her phone and saw a message. “It was nice to meet you finally, and we should hang out this summer!” BOOM. That was both as simple and as direct as it needed to be. And she was definitely not going to pass that up!
They made plans to hang out as friends with casual coffee dates and outdoor adventures. During which their feelings began to grow. Maybe it was swimming under the waterfall of Umptanum Falls together? Or perhaps it was the melted chocolate Michaela found on her leg that she dropped on herself the first time they were hanging out? Whatever it was, it still stands true today. They both love adventure, food, and each other.
The Proposal(s)
CLE ELUM & FRANKLIN FALLS, WA – SUMMER 2018
Graduation weekend was perfect. Both Adrianne and Michaela’s family would be in town to watch Michaela graduate. The question was, who proposes when there are two brides? BOTH! While Adrianne was talking to her mom about proposing to Michaela and asking Michaela’s parents for their blessing, Michaela was doing the exact same thing for Adrianne.
All of the parents had to keep their cool and go along with Michaela and Adrianne’s proposal plans without ruining their surprise.
With all of the family gathering for Michaela’s graduation party, Adrianne thought it would be the perfect time to pop the question. After Michaela was done opening her gifts, Adrianne thanked all of her family members for coming and showing their support. She then got down on one knee and asked Michaela to marry her. Michaela screamed, “HELL YES!”
But that’s only half of the story.
Little did Adrianne know, Michaela had planned to propose the very next day on a hike to Franklin Falls (they really like waterfalls) with some of their close friends. Michaela got down on one knee to propose right in front of the waterfall, creating the perfect setting for Adrianne. Of course, Adrianne cried and obviously said, “YES!” They popped a bottle of champagne with their friends to celebrate their next chapter and future adventures!
Photography by KMT Photos
Calligraphy & Paper Goods The Lettering Bee Co
Earrings Leah Dawson Creative Co
Florals Blooms and Twine Florals
Makeup Beauty By Yoana
Tabletop Rentals The Party Place
