Snowy Winter Elopement: Brittney + Bryce

On a snowy December day, Bryce and Brittney woke up early, eager to start this new chapter in their love. After preparing tea and snacks, they welcomed makeup and hair artist Crystal Jenkins into their home. The morning was filled with yummy snacks, a cuddly pup, and a cozy start as Crystal facilitated a personalized hair and make-up moment before heading out to Lake Kachess. Photographer Megan Montalvo met them at the couple’s home to help take the couple north. Bryce and Brittney were delightful hosts, greeting their support team with warm drinks and cheerful holiday decor. Meanwhile, Kate of Tapestry Event Co. organized the second carpool from Seattle—including Angelene of Villanelle Floral and Lynnsey of Lionlady Photo — to make their way up to prepare the elopement site. They wanted everything to look just perfect to celebrate the couple.

PREPARING FOR THEIR ADVENTURE.

Prior to this morning, Kate and Megan had been working as a team to pick the elopement location. They understood the importance of the planner and photographer working together in conjunction to keep the team safe and the experience aligned with the couple’s vision. Two weeks before, they discussed what locations predicted the best snowfall for Bryce and Brittney. Kate and Megan picked locations on Mt. Rainier that would guarantee snow with their high elevation, not to mention the breathtaking views.

Two days before the elopement, the snow was coming in too heavy. There were reports of high wind and multiple feet of snow that would detract from the experience for everyone involved. Kate and Megan selected Kachess Lake as “Plan B”, a lower-elevation destination that would likely have patchy snow coverage early in the winter season, but would create a far more fun experience during the elopement. They prepared the team to receive a final update, accompanied by schedules and carpools for Plans A and B so that everyone could adapt with ease. On the day of, Kate and Megan were up at 6:00am to make the final decision, committing to Kachess Lake with the approval of the rest of the team and the couple. They all wanted to prioritize the experience of the couple and the team of vendors rather than aesthetics.

Looking for some elopement inspiration in the city? Check out this blog with similar elopement vibes in Seattle.

SETTING UP THE SHOOT.

When Kate arrived at Lake Kachess at 9:00am, she knew they had made the right decision. The lake was lined with a couple inches of snow and the day’s snowfall had just begun, dusting the beach beautifully. Attitudes all around were positive. After a five mile drive to the back of the Kachess Lake, her team hiked down to the beach. The faint snow and gently lapping lake made the perfect scene for Britney and Bryce’s elopement. Lindsay framed up the perfect location for the ceremony so that Angelene could set up her ground arches. She chose foraged plants and dried flowers to make up her ceremony ground installation emphasizing the “leave no trace” culture of the Pacific Northwest. The idea was not to force anything to stay alive, embracing the seasonality of the region by taking the beauty nature gives us during winter.

The theme of reuse followed through in using Brittney’s family heirlooms, like her inherited furs, her own boots, and other pieces that made the moment feel uniquely her own. She wore a beautiful two piece ensemble by JNSQ that tied her vintage look together.

EXECUTING + ENJOYING THE DAY.

Bryce and Britney arrived all dolled up and ready to get hitched just before noon. Lake Kachess was beautiful, untouched, and they couldn’t have been happier. The wind blew Brittney’s hair wayward in gusts, and Bryce zipped up his coat, but for these two PNW natives, it was a welcome site of beauty, nature, and an opulence of greys between the sea and the sky.

Bryce and Brittney met online a few years ago. Though both were nervous and hesitant, they were thankful they both threw caution to the wind and met in person. They haven’t missed a day of talking since. Bryce was present, calm, and focused on Brittney throughout the entire day. They emitted a quiet joy together, reciting their vows through blinding smiles.

The calm from the couple was made even more tangible in the words of Brittney’s vows:

“Loving you is not like anything I’ve ever experienced, and I knew it from the start. Meeting you I learned that I haven’t never truly been myself in any other relationship. I think because meeting you was like coming home. Exciting, comfortable, easy.”

This team of vendors is part of a collective called Runaway With Me Elopements, a group passionate about creating styled elopements in their Pacific Northwest home. These team members each brought elements to the elopement that celebrated their love story and vision for the day. Alia and Becca of Lady Grey Seattle baked a beautiful banana bread cake to withstand the cold and falling snow. Stacey created gorgeous acrylic detail cards that announced their elopement as well as an embroidered handkerchief to commemorate their elopement

The ceremony and celebrations afterwards were full of laughter and reflection while indulging in delicious cake. The team of vendors took care of the clean up so that the couple could enjoy each other. Bryce and Brittney were taken to staring off into the lake, up into the sky, or at each other. The quiet intimacy of the couple’s hushed tones were made even sweeter by the falling snow. Runaway with Me Elopements could not have been more honored to work with such a fantastic pair.

— Kelleen, Tapestry Content Manager

All photos courtesy of Megan Montalvo Photography.

THE RUNAWAY WITH ME ELOPEMENTS VENDOR TEAM.

Officiant & Planner: Kate // Tapestry Event Co. // @tapestryeventco // tapestryeventco.com // Seattle, WA & Beyond

Photographer: Megan // Megan Montalvo Photography // @meganmontalvophoto // meganmontalvophotography.com // Pacific Northwest & Beyond

Videography: Lynnsey // Lionlady Photography // @lionladyphoto // lionladyphoto.com // Seattle, WA

Florals: Angelene // Villanelle Floral Company // @villanellefloral // villanellefloral.com // Seattle, WA

Hair + Make-up: Crystal // Opal Artistry // @opalartistry // opalartistry.me // Seattle, WA + Beyond

Stationary: Stacey // Oh Hey Face // @ohheyface // ohheyface.com // Seattle, WA

Cake: Lady Grey Seattle // @ladygreyseattle // ladygreyseattle.com // Seattle, WA

Dress: JNSQ // @jnsqofficial // lajnsq.com