Whimsical Summer Elopement Among Lupine at Timberline Lodge

Some elopements feel like stepping into a storybook, and Isabella and Justin’s summer elopement at Mount Hood was exactly that. From the very first moment I met them, I felt an instant connection — the kind of energy that makes saying goodbye at the end of a session bittersweet, especially knowing they live on the opposite side of the country from me.

These two have a love story that spans years and miles. They met at the end of 7th-grade field day and were friends for years before dating through high school. They navigated long-distance through college — Justin in the quiet middle of nowhere Ohio, Isabella in the bustling chaos of Los Angeles — visiting each other whenever they could and discovering just how different, yet complementary, their worlds were. Together, they’ve built a life full of adventures: cooking and baking together, exploring museums and cities, trying new foods, and simply enjoying one another’s company.

Their proposal was as magical as their love story. On the tail end of Isabella’s brother’s wedding last October, Justin planned an unforgettable trip to Oslo, Bergen, and Copenhagen. In Bergen, he took her on a challenging hike up a cliff they had spotted on a fjord boat tour the day before. Amid lingering morning fog, they reached the top, and Justin proposed in a private, breathtaking moment that felt like they were the only two people in the world. Of course Isabella said yes, and so the elopement planning began.

A Summertime Elopement at Mount Hood

For their Mount Hood elopement, we started in the woods among vibrant wildflower meadows. Next, we hiked above Timberline Lodge where they would be surrounded by lupines to read their personal, emotional vows to one another. The mountain loomed behind them, the air was crisp, and every word felt like it was carved out of the love they’ve been building for years. The connection between them is palpable — vibrant, ecstatic, and full of joy in the best possible way.

Cake, Italian Soda, and a Sunset to Remember

To finish the evening, they spread out a picnic blanket and indulged in cake and Italian soda as the sky exploded into colors post-sunset. Watching them relax, laugh, and enjoy such a sweet moment after all the adventure of the day was the perfect way to end their elopement. It was playful, whimsical, and so deeply them — exactly what an intimate mountain elopement should feel like.

As always with couples like Isabella and Justin, parting is bittersweet. I left with a full heart, grateful for the opportunity to capture their story and wishing I could keep following them wherever the next adventure takes them. Their elopement wasn’t just a beautiful event in a stunning location — it was a celebration of their years together, their joy, and the magic of finding someone who truly sees and loves you for all that you are. I hope we meet again soon!

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