Sam and Dylan’s Intimate Wedding in Neskowin

Weddings

Sep 13

Sam and Dylan are two of my favorite people in the world, and this summer, they gave me the privilege of photographing their big day at the Oregon coast. For their wedding week, they rented out an AirBNB called Our Plaace, a house where they’ve spent a few weekends before.

On the morning of their wedding, we all woke up bright and early for a quick polar plunge in the ocean. After some warm showers, everyone gathered in the kitchen to cook breakfast and talk by the fire. Meanwhile, Mal helped Sam with her hair and makeup in the kitchen while Dylan finished writing his vows on the deck.

This morning felt so calm that I nearly forgot I was working. Nat and I had the luxury of taking our time with all of the details, running around the house in our pjs and taking photos of all the pretty things Sam had collected. Among them were some thoughtfully curated jewelry, a thrifted slip dress to get ready in (and to party in later), a bouquet made by her friend Chas, collected vintage plates with handmade name cards, and about a dozen of their film cameras that were scattered all around the house.

As the morning turned into the afternoon, everyone slowly started getting ready for the day. Sam and Dylan chose to get ready together and helped each other get dressed — Sam put on his tie, and Dylan hooked on her custom cape. Afterward, Sam surprised Dylan with a custom necklace of his name, then they took some time to take a handful of film photos of each other (featuring Dylan’s beloved incredible large format.)

After a quick outfit reveal with their guests, everyone gathered on the deck to watch the ceremony. Navajo, their dog, led the couple down the aisle to Dylan’s brother, who was their officiant that day. They said their vows overlooking the Oregon coast, a place that has been so prevalent throughout the course of their relationship — seeing those two exchanging vows while Navajo sat at their feet felt like watching a puzzle fit perfectly into place. This was exactly how they were meant to be married.

The rest of the evening mirrored the way the day began, with everyone cooking food together and hanging out in the main room (with a very necessary break in between to run around the beach at sunset.) A simple schedule to end the night — stuff our faces with baked ziti, cut the cake, pour the wine, grab the mic, and sing our hearts out until midnight (or at least it felt like midnight because we’re all old now.)

THE VENDOR TEAM OF MY DREAMS: