Latourell Falls QUEER ELOPEMENT
TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT WHAT YOU BOTH SPEND A MAJORITY OF YOUR TIME DOING.
Hey! We’re Sarah (she/her) & LJ (They/Them) and we’ve been together 3 years.
We live in Portland, Oregon, with our four children and two dogs. LJ spends their time being a dual language middle school teacher and Sarah spends her time running a dance school and preparing for large dance performances.
HOW WOULD YOU SPEND YOUR IDEAL WEEKEND?
We would get to sleep in and not have our children wake us up at 6:30 a.m.! Then go hiking or paddle boarding and get to enjoy some amazing food with friends.
WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU REMEMBER ABOUT THE OTHER WHEN YOU FIRST MET?
Sarah: I really liked LJ's smile, energy, and they just seemed full of joy.
LJ: Her contagious excitement and passion for dance and for children.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE QUALITY ABOUT THE OTHER?
Sarah: I love LJ's laugh AND they have a very cute butt!
LJ: I have to choose just one?! I can't. Her bravery, her perseverance, her compassion, and the way she loves those around her so fully.
IF YOU COULD RELIVE ONE PART OF YOUR WEDDING WHAT WOULD IT BE?
The whole thing!!!! We hiked into a beautiful waterfall and exchanged vows and solidified commitments to one another. We chose to elope and it was such a great decision. It felt like it was just the two of us having a very sacred, personal, vow exchange.
HOW DID THE PROPOSAL GO DOWN?
LJ proposed to me hundreds of times! We had snuck away together for a quick trip to the beach when I received my sparkly ring, and we finally made it official.
WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO OTHER QUEER COUPLES PLANNING AN ELOPEMENT?
Do it!
It is one way (perhaps the only way) to keep the focus not on pleasing others, but being just with one another and really able to be in the moment with your partner.
WHAT WOULD YOU TELL YOUR 7 YEAR OLD SELF?
You will be happy. You will be surprised. You will be stronger and softer and more amazing than you can imagine. Life will not go as you have planned; it will end up much more interesting and full.
wHY DID YOU CHOOSE STEPH FOR YOUR WEDDING DAY?
Steph was the perfect combo of fly on the wall, giving directions when we were unsure, and she was up for anything!!! We hiked into our wedding spot and then Steph even joined us for ice cream after the ceremony. Steph went above and beyond and we felt so comfortable the entire time. Having Steph shoot our ceremony was one of the best parts of our wedding!
