Donna Ilin Photography

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Elopement at Government Cove

A January Elopement at government cove was exactly how I started my 2024 wedding year. Rachel had notified me of her recent engagement and she was looking for a small intimate elopement style wedding and I was so so excited for two reasons! One, being Rachel is a good friend and I was so excited to see her embark on this new journey and two, an elopement sounded absolutely stunning and fitting!

It was a cold brisk morning as is any January, walking into the apartment where Rachel was getting ready it was quiet and still, the girls were calm and collected getting ready for the day… as I candidly took photos Rachel’s bridesmaid quietly slipped away to give her a gift they had prepared earlier… she came into the room and gave Rachel a scrapbook “OH MY STARS” (if you know Rachel very well this is her line) totally blindsided she didn’t expect this… she began to open it and look through and soon the room was filled with sniffles, giggles and even bursts of laughter as they spoke of memories… truly a special moment as the girls talked away and sobbed realizing what was going to happen in the next few hours.

Arriving at Government Cove in Oregon along the (Columbia River Gorge) it was wet, windy, freezing and raining… they had originally planned on having their arch right where the view of the Columbia River but the weather throwing everything at us didn’t stop them from quickly re routing their location to another side where the hill covered us from most of the weathers ambitions. Close family arrived one by one and it was a very quiet and peaceful time, Rachel made her way to meet and have their first look and everyone just soaked in the very beautiful moments that happened before them.

After first look we waited a little more on family and began the ceremony, Rachel & Jordan said their
”I do’s” said some vows, exchanged their rings, had their communion together as a couple and were married! pretty soaked at this point we continued the day with their portrait photos at Latourell Falls close to Cascade Locks in Oregon. Reception to follow & they’re Married!