Intimate Washington Elopement at Fern Acres

Vanessa (she/her) and Tiffany’s (she/her) elopement day wasn’t about grand gestures or packed venues, it was about celebrating their love in an intimate setting that reflected who they are as a couple. With the lush greenery of Fern Acres as their backdrop and a dream team of vendors like Gypsy Lemon and Kim’s Creations And Tulle Shed bringing everything together, they crafted a day filled with warmth, connection, and authenticity.

What inspired your decision to elope instead of having a traditional wedding?

Vanessa knew from the beginning she wanted to elope. After being involved in several weddings, she experienced firsthand how chaotic and stressful the planning process could be.

Meanwhile, I took a little longer to get on board.

Vanessa’s extended family also doesn’t fully know she’s queer, and she didn’t want the emotional weight of potentially rejected invitations. Ultimately, we wanted our day to focus on love, honesty, and those who lift us up. Keeping it small and private felt authentic to who we are as a couple.

How did you decide on Fern Acres as your venue?

We wanted a location that felt intimate, beautiful, and stress-free. Fern Acres, owned by Tena Gagnon, was perfect. The venue offered an elopement package that included everything: a photographer, bouquets from Forks Outfitters, cake, hair and makeup, and even a coordinator, Kim Leppell, who managed every detail seamlessly. It made planning a breeze, even with a three-hour time difference. We had the freedom to be creative without the usual vendor headaches.

I searched high and low for my dress, visiting six bridal stores across three states before finding the one at David’s Bridal. Tiffany, on the other hand, ordered a custom suit online from Sumissura, which arrived just two weeks before the elopement.

Needless to say, she gave me a little anxiety with that last-minute approach!

Ultimately, our outfits reflected our personal styles and added to the magic of the day.

A view of tall evergreen trees behind a small rustic wooden shed in bright sunlight.

A curious deer stands at a mountain overlook, framed by rolling green hills.

What were some highlights of your elopement day?

The moment we arrived at Fern Acres, it felt like a dream come true. The weather was a perfect 75 degrees, the flowers were in full bloom, and everything was picture-perfect. The ceremony was led by someone who has known Vanessa since she was 15, adding a deeply personal touch.

Afterward, we honored absent family members by handing out custom playing cards and scratching lotto tickets. And, of course, the cake was unforgettable – it rivaled even Florida’s beloved Publix buttercream cakes. Miere Catering made sure the food was just as memorable.

Did you write and share your own vows? How was that experience?

Yes, we wrote and shared our vows. For me, it was a last-minute task that I tackled on the plane, while Vanessa wrote hers the day before the wedding. Despite being private people, sharing our vows felt like a powerful way to show our families the love and honesty that define our relationship. It was an emotional moment for both of us.

What advice would you give to other couples considering eloping?

Do it! Seriously, it’s so worth it. Eloping allowed us to avoid unnecessary stress and focus on what truly mattered – each other. We wouldn’t change a thing about our day, and we hope others embrace the beauty of an intimate, meaningful celebration.