Unique Mermaid Inspired Elopement in the PNW

What inspired this styled shoot and its dreamy, coastal aesthetic?

Allie (photographer): This was a passion project born from a shared obsession with mermaid-inspired imagery that we had all been reposting on Instagram. I reached out to bring the team together, and the concept grew from there. 

We envisioned something editorial and fashion-forward, yet intimate, to capture the essence of a seaside elopement. The moody Seattle weather and rugged beauty of the Pacific Northwest beaches gave us the perfect backdrop. 

What were the standout styling elements, and who brought them to life?

Allie: The fashion was a collaboration between Fai (our stylist) and me. Nora’s two-piece set with the pearl bra top was effortlessly cool, while Jo’s satin gown gave the perfect romantic vibe. We added layers of pearls, avant-garde jewelry, and vintage accents to give a Victorian, maximalist feel.

Meghan, our florist at Twisted Bramble, anchored the tablescape design around two stunning shell coupe glasses she found. She incorporated driftwood, wildflowers, and organic textures, blending the natural elements into the styling seamlessly.

Michelle of Michelle Wight Makeup Artistry nailed the wet hair look for Jo’s short cut and gave Nora textured, volumized curls. The cathedral veil floating in the water added a final, ethereal touch.

How did you incorporate the Pacific Northwest beach into the setup?

Allie: The location was everything. The moody Seattle weather delivered exactly what we hoped for – dramatic skies and the perfect light for a coastal shoot. Driftwood, natural rocks, and wildflowers were intentionally integrated into the tablescape. 

The raw beauty of the Pacific Northwest served as both the setting and inspiration.

Tell us about the bridal bouquet and its design.

Allie: The bouquet was all about blending natural and coastal elements. Meghan from Twisted Bramble combined white peonies, blue delphiniums, blush roses, and greenery to echo the ocean’s palette. 

The loose, flowing design fit perfectly with the editorial tone and coastal theme.

What were your favorite details from the tablescape?

Jo: It’s hard to pick just one, but the shell coupe glasses stood out—they tied the whole mermaid vibe together. The minimalist white cake, created by Fidalgo Bay Cakery, set on driftwood, felt like a modern nod to tradition. Everything, from the taper candles to the floral accents, worked so harmoniously.

Nora: I loved how it felt embedded into the environment. The soft fabrics, wildflowers, and even the seaweed made it feel like it belonged on that beach.

Tell us about the lovers, Jo & Nora.

Jo and Nora’s love story began on the very first day of college in 2019 and quickly turned into something extraordinary. From the moment they met, the connection was undeniable. At the time, Jo was in a relationship, but spending 36 hours with Nora made it clear what was missing. 

Jo ended the relationship two days later, and just a couple of months later, came out as a nonbinary lesbian. 

Their love blossomed, but the early days weren’t without challenges. When the pandemic hit, they were forced to be apart – Nora in Seattle and Jo in Los Angeles – for five long months. But as soon as they reunited, they decided to make the leap, moving in together and, in classic lesbian fashion, renting a U-Haul and getting a cat shortly after.

Fast forward to 2022, their relationship continued to grow. While Jo graduated that spring, Nora felt a bit stuck with school, so they made the bold decision to start a new chapter together in Seattle. 

By December, they were married at the courthouse – “fiancée” felt too long, and they were ready to celebrate their commitment, even without all the traditional fanfare just yet.