Pittock Mansion
Portland, Oregon
A black and white photograph shows a small child holding hands with adults while wearing a white ruffled dress.

 

On my way back from photographing a corporate retreat at Skamania Lodge in Washington state

 

A couple shares a romantic moment under vibrant autumn maple trees with red and orange foliage.

I stopped to have lunch at Pittock Mansion. Because how can you go to Portland and not do some sight seeing? After visiting Portland a few times, I'd seen and done a lot already, so I was looking for someplace new to explore. I discovered Pittock Mansion and that it had an incredible view of the city. So I picked up lunch, drove out, then walked to the picnic tables in the back and had myself a peaceful solo lunch date taking in the views of the city with all of the beautiful fall colors. As I finished my lunch and packed away my trash, I noticed something starting to happen...

Person in blue puffer jacket and grey hoodie relaxing on wooden bench surrounded by autumn foliage.
A close-up sequence of hands exchanging wedding rings during an outdoor ceremony.
Three figures embrace while enjoying autumn views of Portland's skyline from a hilltop viewpoint at sunset.

This couple was definitely eloping and there was no photographer in sight


A group walked up, including a couple similar in age, the young woman wearing white. There were two other men, who seemed to be friends, an older gentleman, a toddler, and a newborn.


Assessing the situation I thought, "There's no way. This only happens in blogs or viral reels, it doesn't actually happen." Then maybe after some slight eavesdropping, I heard them discussing where to stand and someone mention "Do you have the rings?"


My heart kept telling me over and over again, "Go offer them photos, make this day special for them." But my shyness got the best of me so I packed up and walked away.


About 10 steps later, I stopped for a minute and thought, "Don't not do this just because you're scared. They're obviously eloping. Just ask if they have a photographer. If they do, great! If they don't, ask if they want photos. Your gear is on you. This could be something really special."

I've always believed we shouldn't avoid doing things just because we're scared. More than likely, that's all the more reason for why we should do them. So I turned my butt around and walked up to them and asked, "Do you guys have a photographer?" They said no. I followed up with, "Would you like professional photos? Completely complementary!"


They ecstatically accepted and allowed me to capture their ceremony. They had planned on having their friend just take videos on his phone, but now they got to have real professional photos to go along with their phone video.


Everyone was open to light guidance (me telling them not to stand in front of an ugly post that was covered in stickers when they could take 3 steps over and have the magnificent view that's at the top of this post) and then the day just flowed. They exchanged their vows, their adorable daughter presented the rings, and they shared their first kiss in front of the whole city.


While we didn't have time to do any couple's portraits, we did snag a couple group photos of everyone who was there for this moment.

This was such a cool experience. I've photographed weddings and elopements in Alaska, Italy, Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and so many other places and have never felt the way I felt approaching this young couple in this moment.


It's so easy when couples seek you out, you plan together, create a game plan, have a schedule, or an idea of who your couples are and what they want.


Going into this, I was flying blind. Didn't know what their stories were, their circumstances, the essence of their relationship, or even what their names were. I was throwing myself into a situation that was completely spontaneous and I felt totally unprepared.


But I leaned on what I knew and I ebbed and flowed with this moment and it's one of my favorite memories of 2025 and of my trip to Portland.


Let this be a reminder to all to never run away from what you're scared of. Run towards it.

A group gathers at a scenic overlook with autumn foliage and city views in the background during golden hour.
Two students chat while holding books on a path surrounded by autumn foliage with orange and yellow leaves.
Black and white photograph showing multiple wedding party group shots arranged in a collage style format.
A child wearing a pink winter coat and tiara walks between adults during an outdoor autumn gathering.
A couple shares an intimate moment under vibrant autumn maple trees with red and orange foliage.
A sequence of photos showing someone resting their head on an outdoor picnic table on an autumn day.
Person in a blue puffer jacket and light pants stands on a wooden deck during autumn.
Group of people gather at a scenic mountain viewpoint surrounded by fall foliage and evergreen trees.
A group gathers outdoors in formal attire during autumn, with evergreen trees and fall foliage in the background.
A black and white outdoor ceremony takes place on a scenic overlook with mountains visible in the background.
A series of four photos showing someone sleeping peacefully in a car seat with a plush brown blanket.
A child's feet wearing white socks and black mary jane shoes stand on dark soil next to a pink plush toy.
A couple shares a romantic moment at a scenic overlook with autumn trees and city views in the background.
Visitors gather at a scenic viewpoint overlooking Portland Oregon on a misty autumn day with fall foliage.
A baby wearing a pink dress and sunglasses sits on outdoor steps during autumn with colorful fall foliage in background.