Sometimes this job takes me places I never thought I’d go — and this summer, I found myself photographing not one but two destination weddings in the span of a single week. From the rugged Oregon coast to the peaceful mountains of Montana, it felt like I was living in a dream.
This was my very first time in Oregon, and honestly, it felt like I had landed in another country. The trip there was not for the weak — canceled flights, rental car changes, and a six-hour drive along the coast just to make it in time. But once I arrived in Gold Beach, all of that melted away, because Brittany and Zion’s wedding day was pure magic. Their ceremony took place on top of a mountain overlooking the Pacific Northwest, with valley views stretching endlessly into the distance. The air was fresh, the scenery was unreal, and the love between Brittany and Zion made it all feel like something out of a fairytale.
As the day went on, we chased the sunset to a cliffside that opened up into a panoramic view of the ocean and wide-open skies. Standing there with them, wind in our hair, waves crashing below, colors shifting across the horizon…it was one of those breathtaking moments I’ll carry with me forever.
And here’s the thing… one of the biggest reasons I always plan to arrive 48 hours early for destination weddings is exactly because of situations like this. Flights get delayed, flights get canceled, and things rarely go as planned. Even when my Medford flight was canceled at midnight in LAX, I was already mapping out backup options, even considering a 10-hour overnight drive just to make it to their wedding. There was no way I wasn’t going to be there. That buffer of time gave me the flexibility to roll with the punches, find a new flight, rent a car, and still show up fully present for Brittany and Zion. It wasn’t just a wedding; it was an experience that reminded me how incredible it is to witness love in places that take your breath away.
You’d think after a whirlwind trip like that, I’d have stayed on the West Coast and gone straight to Montana. But instead, I flew back home to Arkansas for two days in between. Why? Because I had a very special birthday session waiting for me.
This little girl has been in front of my camera since before she was born — I photographed her mama’s maternity session, her newborn photos, and every milestone since. There was no way I was missing her birthday shoot. Clients like this don’t just become clients; they become family. So, after Oregon’s cliffside sunsets, I was right back home celebrating another kind of love story — one of growth, milestones, and the joy of watching a family blossom through the years.
Two days later, I was boarding another plane, this time flying into Butte, Montana. Compared to my wild trip to Oregon, this one felt smooth, peaceful, and almost otherworldly. On the way in, my plane flew over Yellowstone, and I got to see the sweeping views of the park from above. It set the tone perfectly for what was to come.
Taylor and Jordan’s wedding was the kind of day that makes you slow down and soak in every detail. It was an intimate micro wedding, tucked away in the heart of Montana, with mountains rising in the distance and pine trees surrounding us. The air was crisp and cool, carrying with it a stillness that made everything feel intentional and sacred.
The entire day flowed seamlessly. No stress, no chaos, just pure romance. Every moment between Taylor and Jordan was filled with quiet love, tender glances, and a sense of peace that wrapped around everyone present. Their wedding was proof that sometimes the simplest days hold the most beauty.
Oregon and Montana, just days apart. Two completely different landscapes, two beautiful love stories, and one whirlwind week of travel I’ll never forget. Sometimes I look back and wonder if it all really happened because it feels like a dream… but then I see the photos, and I’m reminded that yes, I was there, and I got to be a part of something so special.
I guess I really do love the fast-paced life, even when it gets crazy. These back-to-back weddings — with a special stop at home for a dear client in between — reminded me that no matter how wild the journey, love always makes the destination worth it. And if there’s one thing Oregon proved, it’s this: no matter the obstacles, I’ll always get there.
