Ethereal and Luxurious Styled Shoot at Heceta Beach Showcases Oregon Coastal Elopements

A styled shoot inspired by the Oregon coast came to life with help from a team of talented vendors with an affinity for the locale. Conceptualized by Riley Jean, the shoot was designed to showcase the moody ambience of Oregon's beaches, and a classic foggy day with a little mist set the tone on the day of the shoot. As an Oregon photographer, Megan VanDoran said she works with a lot of couples who come from around the world to experience Oregon's natural beauty, and crafting a design that could showcase a more intimate elopement was important to the team. 

There’s just something about the Oregon Coast that makes you feel so alive! The beaches are so unique and are fairly private in the off season. You also get so much texture and variety of landscapes for photo backdrops, like interesting rock formations, mountains and year-round greenery.
— Photographer Megan VanDoran

The location for this coastal editorial showcased Heceta Beach, the Cape Creek Bridge and Heceta Head Lighthouse with an artistic eye. Organic florals created a whimsical pop of texture next to our altar, with drift wood and natural accents on display. "My inspiration was to create a romantic and moody bouquet that had a contrast of light and dark colors with the quicksand roses and burgundy anemone and scabiosa," Floral designer A Bloom Studio described. "It was the beginning of Spring so I wanted to add some local spring flowers like fragrant freesia, Japanese Pieris and ranunculus." 

A wind-swept drama overtook many of the details, enhanced elegantly by bride Rachel's tiered tulle gown. Loose sleeves found soft motion in the wind, along with a trailing deep pink ribbon tying our bride's bouquet together. Opting for a peachy-pink dress sets our bride apart from the more neutral, foggy surroundings with a subtle, but distinguished pop that speaks to her individuality. As the dusk set in, our couple posed with string lights and lanterns to illuminate a romantic, moody love. Photographer Megan advises couples that are interested in eloping on the coast to go for it and embrace nature, but suggests working with a photographer who is familiar with the terrain to best capture the atmosphere and moments through any weather or unexpected surprises.