Hello, Hello!

First off, my heartfelt congratulations on your engagement, upcoming nuptials, and now crossing wedding photographer off your to do list!

We’re popping bubbly here because we’re over the moon you’ve chosen Even Keel Weddings. We can’t wait to celebrate and document your love with intention and style! Please let us extend our sincere gratitude for entrusting us with telling the story of this special time in your life.

OUTLINE

1

ETHOS

LEARN ABOUT MY MISSION AND VALUES THAT ARE IMBUED IN MY WORK

2

OUR WORKING TIMELINE 

LEARN WHAT WE’RE ABOUT AND WHAT WE’RE NOT. HOW OUR ROLE IN YOUR DAY WILL ENRICH YOUR EXPERIENCE OF THIS MOMENTOUS DAY 

3

QUESTIONNAIRE

AN ESSENTIAL FOR WEDDING DAY. THE HOLY GRAIL FOR INFORMATION YOU NEED ME TO KNOW 

4

WEDDING DAY 

LET’S WALK THRU ALL THE TRADITIONAL ELEMENTS OF AN ELOPMENT DAY TIMELINE WITH TIPS AND TRICKS TO MAKE THE MOST OF THEM FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF PHOTOGRAPHY 

5

Coastal Considerations

IF YOU’RE UNFAMILIAR WITH THE OREGON COAST’S UNTAMED BEAUTY, MY GOAL IS TO HELP YOU FEEL GROUNDED AND EXCITED, KNOWING EXACTLY WHAT TO EXPECT AND HOW BEST TO PREPARE SO YOUR WEDDING DAY FEELS INTENTIONAL, MEANINGFUL, AND CALM. HERE WE’LL COVER SOME ELEMENTS OF COAST LIFE TO CONSIDER WHEN PLANNING YOUR BIG DAY.

6

AFTER, ALBUMS & FAQs

YOU’RE MARRIED! NOW WHAT? WE’LL COVER WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER YOU’VE SAID I DO. HERE WE’LL COVER FAQS TOO!

7

BONUS PACKING LIST

SOME SUGGESTIONS OF WHAT TO BRING. TAKE WHAT RESONATES, LEAVE THE REST!

8

CONCLUSION

SOME FAQs, PACKING LIST, AND MY CONTACT INFO WE’RE HERE FOR YOU AS MUCH AS YOU LIKE. SEND US YOUR MOOD BOARDS, INTRODUCE US TO YOUR PLANNERS

now lets dive into the details…

ETHOS

As a wedding photographer, my ethos centers on capturing the profound emotions and unique energy of your special day. My innate reverence for love, and enthusiasm foreach couple’s creative expression still leaves me in awe over a decade into this work.

I invite you to reflect on the feelings you want to embody, envisioning the joy and love that will surround you. This feeling is what I hope you return to when you admire your photos years down the line.

Whether you’re union is an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, I am honored to witness and document the beauty of your love story in all its forms. 

I embrace the artistry of each wedding, and love to highlight the genuine moments that make your day truly sacred. 

Together, we’ll celebrate the essence of your love, free from the constraints of industry norms, allowing your authentic selves to shine through.

Our Working Timeline

Keep in touch

Your contract and retainer have been submitted! Cross wedding photography off your planning to do list! Drop a line at anytime if I can be of ANY help. I always love to see what’s inspiring you so send me your moldboards and DM me your favorite wedding content @evenkeelweddings

Add on

Don’t forget you can always purchase an album, engagement session, or film photography coverage!

Questionnaire

Your questionnaire is due one month before wedding day! Please submit it by then so we can schedule our final consultation.

Final Countdown

In the weeks before wedding day, we’ll schedule a final zoom to go over our time together and iron out any details!

Weddng Day

It is pure love joy and delight

Delivery, Albums, Reviews

Sneak peek comes within 72 hours, full gallery in 6 weeks, and Albums vary! If you enjoyed our time together and your photos now is a great time to leave a review!

GETTING READY & DETAILS

Lets start from the beginning: Typically when we arrive you’ll already have begun getting ready. For the sake of photography try to do so in a clean space that offers some natural light. I suggest setting the mood with some music and a beverage that makes you feel good. Have your hair and make up team set up next to a window if possible. If this isn’t available to you, we may opt to move you outside or a more aesthetically pleasing place with better light to stage more dynamic photos. Give yourself more time for hair and makeup than you think you need. Not enough time for HMUA is the most common way for timelines to be derailed.

When I arrive the first thing I’ll photograph are your personal details. I suggest before the wedding day creating a box of all the essentials for a flat lay and grouping all the attire you want documented. It saves so much time to have everything in one place. This includes your invitation suite (2-3 copies copies are helpful), all rings, bouquet, extra florals, vow books, perfume, cologne, dress, veil, shoes, suit, cuff links, sunglasses, heirloom jewelry, etc.

FIRST LOOK

While I respect whatever choice you make I also strongly encourage first looks (or even getting ready together!) for a few reasons:

• It’s a special moment that can be savored and documented for just the two of you

• A first look is a time to connect with your partner and calm your nerves on day that is filled with emotion and lots of moving parts. It also allows you to be with your partner for more of the day!

• It allows us to cover so many more "photography bases” before your ceremony, thus letting you be more present and have more time to party with your guests. ESPECIALLY if you have a wedding party.

• Want to take it one step further? Get ready together. It extends the time you get to spend together and it’s so fun to capture the palpable excitement!

WEDDING PARTY PORTRAITS

Lett us know in your questionnaire if you’re having a wedding party or not? If so, who is in your crew? Don’t have a traditional wedding party, but want a special portrait with your inner circle-- let us know and let’s schedule it into the day

Once we schedule your wedding party photos we encourage you tell your wedding party to be there 15-30 minutes before that time

We’ll plan to do a combination of group photos including the betrothed with each person of their wedding party. I do my best to be as efficient as possible so everyone can get to the rest of the celebration ASAP. Beyond a portrait, I’ll be documenting the inbetween moments. Enjoy the time you have with your favorite people on this day! Weddings take a village- enjoy and celebrate it all.

Typically the last photo the whole wedding party will need to participate in will be a formal photo at the beginning of the family photos portion of your day.

FAMILY PORTRAITS

I’ll be frank, this is typically the most chaotic and stressful time for couples even with small weddings. Coordinating more than a few people in the midst of big emotions, high energy, and alcohol is no easy task. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back. When making your list...

Keep it simple.

You want your list to be as complete yet concise as possible as. Keep in mind the more people you include the longer the process will take.

Get back up.

We highly suggest you delegate a family member or close friend who’s familiar with both sides of the family to be the “wrangler” in case we lost Granma Jen at the bar or your little sister is playing hide and seek. Participating family should know when to expect to be present

Cohesive colors & Communicate vibe.

Just as if we were having a holiday family photo session, I suggest having a loose dress code- make sure the whole family knows the degree of dressiness you’d like. Giving 2-3 colors to folks can help create a cohesibe loook and style. Speaking of style, Let us know if you like a more traditional formal portrait or something more laidback and casual

Sample List

Newlywed A’s side

Couple with Parents

Couple with Parents and Siblings

Couple with extended family

Both Families

Couple with both their immediate families

Couple with both their Parents

Newlywed B’s side

Couple with Parents

Couple with Parents and Siblings

Couple with extended family

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Individual photos with parents, siblings, or grand parents.

CEREMONY

First off- big breaths! Find some presence as this is the culmination of all your hard work. This is the ritual that will confirm your union. Once you’ve entered the ceremony space, meet your partner, hold hands and take a mental snapshot. Remembering to remember the moment will help solidify this amazing moment in your life. Now for some more logistical tips...

When planning, be intentional with the timing. Choosing a ceremony time 1-2 hours before golden hour is ideal. High noon or after dark are not recommended. Consider a sun tracking app to get an idea of where light will be during your ceremony. See Coastal Considerations for more on this!

Have your reserved parent/immediate family/ wedding party seating opposite of the side where you’ll stand so they can see you!

Once you arrive at your ceremony, let everything go and be in the moment! Everything you’ve worked towards planning culminates to this ritual.

If you have stage fright or public speaking isn’t your strong suit- practicing helps but if all else fails, lock eyes with your partner and tune the rest out!

COUPLE’S PORTRAITS

First off lean into it and enjoy the private time together! I want you to have the most epic and gorgeous portraits possible. The best light for this is going to be during golden & blue hour- the hour(ish) before sun sets and about 15 minute after sunset time.

I encourage you both to make sure you’re fed and hydrated throughout the day but especially before your portraits.

If you had your makeup done hours ago, keep back up makeup on hand for touch-ups especially if you expect to be emotional throughout the day. Include a handkerchief to remove kiss marks on your partner

TRADTIONS & LICENSE SIGNATURE

Elopements and micro weddings are usually pretty simple, but if you plan to incorporate any wedding traditions, please let me know so I can be prepared and we can make sure they have a portion of your timeline. You’ll also want to make sure you have your marriage license on hand to sign!

DANCING /SPECIAL SURPRISES /“LAST CALL”

Again, let me know if you plan to do a first dance or if you have any special surprises. Once we near the end of our time together, I will let you know and ask if there are any “last call photos” this can be a pose, a grouping or jumping into the ocean! Whatever your heart desires— nows the time to make it happen!

From there I will likely be stoked but sweaty and in lieu of hugs will blow you kisses goodbye. As soon as possible I back up your images and you’re now in my editing cue!

note: not every wedding includes all these elements. Take what applies and resonates and leave the rest…

Weather: A Living, Breathing Element

On the Oregon Coast, weather is not something to fight — it’s something to partner with.

You may experience:

• Soft fog

• Gentle mist

• Dramatic cloud cover

• Sudden bursts of light

• a wide range of teperatures

• Wind that brings everything to life

Overcast skies often create the most romantic, cinematic images. Light rain rarely disrupts the day — and often adds to the story.

Wind: Part of the Magic

Wind is one of the most defining features of the Oregon Coast — and one couples often underestimate.

What wind affects:

• Hair and veils

• Dresses with long trains

• Florals and décor

• Sound during your ceremony

Helpful tips:

• Heavier fabrics move beautifully and photograph better

• Shorter or weighted veils are ideal

• hairstyles that do well with wind

• Florals benefit from sturdy stems and minimal loose elements

• Embracing movement creates stunning, emotional imagery

Wind is not the enemy — it’s part of the story.

Tides, Timing & Light

Some of the most breathtaking coastal locations only exist at certain tides.

We plan your day intentionally around:

• Low tide access

• Safe ocean conditions

• Make sure to check tidal charts, especially during winter King Tides, and educate yourself on sneaker waves that are especially prevalent in fall and winter.

• Sunset and Sunrise times are generally the best for photography, but in the PNW these times can vary greatly! Shooting mid day in summer is not advised, whereas int he fall or winter it may be ideal. I highly reccomend you consider light when deciding when to have your ceremony. I can help with this!

  
  
  
  
  

Public Spaces & Presence

The beaches here belong to everyone.

You may share the shoreline with walkers, dogs, or quiet onlookers. This is part of the experience — and often fades into the background once the moment becomes yours.

To minimize crowds consider:

• Weekday ceremonies

• Sunrise or early evening timing

• Shoulder-season dates

• Thoughtful location selection

Even when others are nearby, moments can still feel deeply intimate.

Permits & Simplicity

Small, minimal elopements rarely require permits but this is your responsibility!

The coast favors simplicity:

• Fewer guests

• Minimal setup

Permits are typically required if you plan to:

• Bring chairs, arches, or large décor

• Use amplified sound

• Host 50+ guests

• Attempt to reserve space

Safety & Awareness

The ocean is powerful and deserves respect.

Please stay mindful of:

• Sneaker waves

• Rising tides

• Cliff edges

• Slippery rocks

Your well-being always comes first.

Movement, Footwear & Reality

Sand is soft. Trails are uneven. Wind is real.

Bring shoes you can walk in. Layers you can warm up with! Even better if they go with your wedding style!

Sound, Vows & Ceremony Flow

The ocean will be part of your ceremony — audibly and emotionally.

Short, intentional vows often feel best here. We’ll guide positioning so your words carry, even when the wind joins in.

Guests & Accessibility

If loved ones are present:

• Choose easily accessible locations and confirm parking access and location as there is often limited cell phone service and some beaches.

• Let guests know how best to dress including layers and best/safe foot-ware

• Keep ceremonies short and warm

• Set expectations kindly and clearly

Comfort and clear expectations allows everyone to be present.

Connection Over Perfection

Again, cell service can be limited. Plans may shift.

This is an invitation to unplug, soften expectations, and trust the experience.

Leave No Trace

We honor this place by leaving it exactly as we found it. Respect wildlife, tidepools, and the sensitive landscapes

No footprints beyond the moment. No impact beyond the memory.

We’re over the moon for you, and so damn grateful we got to be a part of it! We hope you look back on the images of your wedding day and can instantly tap back into the energy of all the joyous love and celebration that’s surrounded you on your special day. We know you’re going to be anxious to receive your photos and trust me that we will get you something to see and share as soon as possible! Oncer we arrive back from your wedding we upload all your images to ensure that they are safe and backed up! Now heres what to expect with photo delivery and albums!

PHOTO DELIVERY

Your sneak peek will arrive within 72 hours. I aim to offer a small assortment of photos that show off your newly wed bliss. Within two months you’ll receive a link to your whole wedding gallery. All images come color corrected, edited, and some light retouching. Once you receive your photos I reccomend clicking the download icon in the top right of your gallery. Choose the option to download the entire gallery in high resolution. Then back up your photos in a minimum of 3 locations. For example- your computer, a cloud storage, and an external hard drive.

ALBUMS

These photos are meant to be printed! If you did not purchase an album upfront, do not worry its not too late! Your wedding gallery comes with a store to purchase albums and prints from vendors I trust! All album pricing comes with design and retouching.

FAQS

Will you photoshop me?

Every image gets color corrected and edited with my signature style. Some images receive light retouching of the skin, and occassionally I will photoshop bodies. This is a rare occurrence though! I’ve had clients who’ve dealt with body image issues and while I cannon solve that for you, I can hold space for you and we can talk about strategies to better be able to look back on your photos and think “Damn I looked good!”

How many images will I recieve?

I guarantee 50 images per hour of shooting. This number can be much higher, but the amount delivered depends on many factors, and I’m constantly trying to aim towards quality over quantitiy!

Will a second shooter coming with you?

In the past I’ve brought my beloved husband Sean with me when possible. His own career path precludes me from being able to bring him on every shoot now. Typically he functions as an assistant-- he helps me with gear, gets me water, keeps me organized and will shoot some back up of your ceremony and speeches. If you have a larger wedding count, a big wedding party, or a complicated timeline I suggested investing in an additional shooter. In this case I would hire another working professional photographer colleague who’s work is on par with my own.

Have a question I missed?

Please reach out! I love connecting with clients and the more I can help clarify and support you the better! Message me thru your portal or shoot me a text: 626-390-8093

REVIEW
If you loved our time together and are over the moon with your photos I would absolutely love a review. A simple statement about what about our time together was meaningful, impressive, or valuable to you!

BONUS!!! Oregon Coast Elopement Packing Checklist

A thoughtful guide to feeling prepared, comfortable, and fully present.

Wedding Attire Essentials

• Wedding dress / suit

• Comfortable walking shoes (sneakers, boots, sandals)

• Ceremony shoes

• Extra socks (especially for cooler months)

• Layers (sweater, jacket, shawl, or coat)

• Veil (shorter or weighted styles recommended)

• Hair accessories (clips, pins, ties — wind happens)

• Jewelry

• Backup outfit or cozy change of clothes

Weather & Comfort Items

• Clear or neutral umbrella

• Blanket or wrap (for warmth + photos)

• Hand warmers

• Lightweight towel (sand, mist, tide pools)

• Lip balm + moisturizer (wind is drying)

• Hair spray or smoothing product

• Small mirror

• Sunscreen (yes, even on cloudy days)

Practical & Movement-Friendly Items

• Backpack or tote bag

• Dress clips or bustle ties

• Safety pins

• Fashion tape

• Bobby pins

• Wet wipes or face cloth

• Compact first-aid kit (band-aids, blister care)

Ceremony Details

• Vow books or printed vows

  (I highly recommend not reading from your phone!)

• Marriage license

• Rings

• Ring box

• Officiant paperwork (if applicable)

Celebration Touches

• Champagne or favorite beverage

• Glassware or cups

• Snacks or picnic items

• Cake or dessert (with secure container)

• Blanket for sitting or celebrating

Logistics & Tech

• Fully charged phones

• Portable charger

• Downloaded maps & directions

• Emergency contacts saved offline

• Printed timeline (optional)
  
  
  
  

Optional, Thoughtful Extras

• Florals (wind-friendly designs)

• Meaningful keepsakes

• Letter exchange notes

• Cozy socks, rain boots, or barefoot sandals

Gentle Reminder:
You don’t need everything — just what helps you feel grounded, warm, and present.