Elopement at Hoyt Arboretum Portland | Jeffrey + Eugene

I was honored when Jeffrey & Eugene asked me to be their videographer for their special elopement at the Hoyt Arboretum in Portland! It was one full of adventure, and most of all, love! You can read about their sweet story below:

How did you two meet?

We’ve been study buddies since our early undergraduate years at Pacific University. Although we were both biology majors, it was “chemistry” from the start!

What are your favorite things to do together?

Going on hikes, road trips, movie binges, and chilling with our pup Nana!

How did your significant other propose?

It was under the tall giant sequoias of the Redwood National & State Parks where Jeffrey proposed to me (Eugene). Jeffrey had been keeping the ring in his pocket during our weekend trip, anxiously waiting for the picture perfect moment! After just a short hike that went along a coastal bluff and descended through a couple switchbacks
in a lush forested area, we arrived at the secluded at Enderts Beach, made up of dark grey sand, ancient rocks, and driftwood piles. It was under a small natural arch opening toward the ocean where I said “yes!”

Eugene and Jeffrey’s wedding took place in two different worlds; and yet both of these places can be found in the heart of Portland. First, they spent their morning getting ready at The Jupiter Hotel in downtown. There, I tried my first slice of Sizzle Pie pizza. I also took advantage of the time and walked around for 2 hours to just capture ASMR-like footage for them 😂 Once Jeffrey & Eugene were all dressed and ready to go, we made our way to the Hoyt Arboretum to for their marriage at the Redwood Observatory Deck deep in the woods. IT WAS ALSO MY FIRST TIME SEEING REDWOODS IN PORTLAND AND I WAS SO SHOCKED! A majestic redwood is embedded into the deck, and we were surrounded by nature and peace (especially since there’s no cell signal there, haha).

Their ceremony included a beautiful Chinese tea ceremony with close family. After, they said their “I Do’s” with their dog. Then, Hannah and I got to run around with Jeffrey & Eugene in the woods and capture a ton of epic shots!! Finally, after stuffing our face with pies from the Pie Spot and champagne, we all drove to @saltandstraw after dark for dessert!! This wedding right here ladies and gentlemen… is the perfect definition of a Portland elopement!!! 😍

Planning an Elopement at Hoyt Arboretum in Portland?

Make sure to set aside at least $300 to reserve this place for your big day (which you can do here). There are also application fees and a deposit of $250. The max capacity is 40 people. Last, because this place is in nature, there’s no bathrooms or cell service, so keep that in mind!

Need a videographer for your big day? I got you! You can go here to get in touch with me.