Salem Oregon Elopement Photographer - Christmas nuptials at Deepwood Museum & Gardens

As I mentioned last week, I will be re-blogging some of my favorite elopements, now that they’re my main focus (for weddings, that is). This one is a perfect example of what a local elopement can look like…and what I’d love to shoot more of!

If you follow my blog, you’ll probably recognize this couple. I’ve been working with them for about 7 years now and they have quite the love story. I did their engagement session in early 2017, as they planned for their wedding that fall. Only Anna was diagnosed with breast cancer and the wedding was going to be right in the middle of treatment. So, they decided to elope in December of 2017 and then have their “big” wedding celebration in fall of 2018.

Choosing to say their vows in December meant Anna’s out-of-town grandmother would be there AND that the Deepwood Museum (ie. the big house) would be beautifully decorated for the holidays. I had photographed several weddings at this venue and it never disappoints, but this was the first time one of my clients actually got married IN the house, rather than outdoors.

After their “first look” and some portraits, they moved indoors for their ceremony. As the sun went down on that beautiful December day, Kan and Anna exchanged vows in front of their closest family members.

Salem Oregon Boudoir Photographer - cozy cabin + coffee + flannel

This is one of the many blog posts that I lost, when my website crashed a few years ago. With the current weather conditions (snow, freezing rain, ice), it feels fitting to share this kickass session that I did in Canby a few years back. Tiffany is one of my long-time clients, who I’m confident I’ll be friends with for the rest of my life. She’s awesome and I adore her.

West Coast Wedding Photographer - Nupials at Aah Ranch, in Lompoc, CA

I’ve known April for over 20 years, so when she asked if I would fly down to California to photograph her and Chris’s wedding last year, I did not hesitate to answer with a big, “Hell, yeah!” Not only was I excited to document this big day for my friend, but I was admittedly excited about shooting in the California sun. I’ve been fortunate enough to have a few clients in California and there is just nothing like the light you get down there!

Only it wasn’t sunshiny. At all. In fact, their part of the state had the most rain they’d had in decades and everything flooded just days before the wedding, including their venue (Aah Ranch). Even the airport closed! Thankfully, though, the water receded just enough to open most things back up…literally the day before I flew in. It rained most of the time I was there, including on their wedding day, but it was still beautiful and in the end it made for a great story. Plus, how fortunate to have hired a wedding photographer who is VERY versed at shooting in the rain?

Anyway, Christ picked me up from the airport when I arrived. That was my first time meeting him and it honestly just felt like I had known him forever. We chatted the whole drive, from the airport to my hotel, which was great, as it gave me a chance to get to know him prior to their big day.

April and Chris has a beautiful day, celebrating with family and friends. The love from everyone was palpable and I’m so happy I was able to be part of it. They just celebrated their first wedding anniversary (yes, I’m always this behind on blogging, lol), so HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, MR. & MRS. HUCKABEY!!

Oregon Coast Elopement Photographer - neskowin beach nuptials

In case you missed last week’s announcement, I have retired from shooting “traditional” weddings. However, I am thrilled to still be photographing elopements, courthouse ceremonies, vow renewals, and some receptions! Elopements have been my favorite, since shooting my first one ten years ago. In addition to less stress, and often less time, they’re just more romantic. Without all of the “stuff” that comes with traditional weddings (the guests, decorations, catering, speeches, posed portraits, etc.), the focus is completely on the love and the marriage, not the wedding itself.

Anyway, as a way to celebrate this big change to my business, I’m going to be re-posting some of my favorite elopements from the last decade. First up is Tracy and Jordon’s beach elopement in Neskowin, Oregon.

Oregon Portrait Photographer - hello, 2024!

HELLO AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I am excited to announce some changes at Kel Ward Photography. Please read below for more information.


#1 - NO MORE (traditional) WEDDINGS!

After fifteen years, I’ve decided to retire from shooting traditional/regular weddings! I am still booking intimate elopements, courthouse ceremonies, vow renewals, and some receptions, though, as those are my favorite (and far less stressful). I have adored working with my wedding clients over the years, but weddings are exhausting (physically and mentally) and I’m getting old. Haha!

Anyway, I’m looking forward to working with couples who are getting married without all the bells & whistles (bridal parties, bouquet tosses, and 45 minutes of posed portraits, etc.). I love courthouse ceremonies and backyard or beach nuptials (like in the photo above), but I would also love to photograph some beautiful destination elopements around the world!

Please CLICK HERE to check out my updated portfolio, which reflects this big change!

#2 - NO MORE STUDIO!

In case you missed it, I recently moved out of my studio! I’ve had a few different studios over the last decade, but the last seven years were spent in the same one, above Great Harvest, in downtown Salem. When my landlord informed me was selling the building, I had mixed feelings. The space has served me well, but my busy schedule and changing client needs meant that I was no longer using it on a regular basis. I’d been toying with the idea of moving out, but just couldn’t commit one way or the other, so it was actually a relief when the decision was made for me.

For the time being, I do not plan on finding another full-time studio. Most of my current clients prefer to shoot outdoors, but I do have access to several hourly studios in the Salem, Portland, and Corvallis areas, if needed.

#3 - BIRTH PHOTOGRAPHY IS BACK!

Due to my busy schedule, I have been unable to take on any birth clients over the last two years. I’ve taken some things off my plate, though, and am thrilled to be documenting births again! I’m available immediately for scheduled inductions and cesareans and will be available for “on call” births, starting July 1st.

To view some of my favorite birth stories, CLICK HERE!

#4 - PRICES HAVE BEEN UPDATED!

I didn’t make any big changes to my pricing, but I did add some more options for portraits and headshots. You can view my 2024 pricing by CLICKING HERE.

Salem Oregon Photographer - goodbye, 2023!

I just want take a moment and share some of my favorite photos from this past year (minus boudoir, of course). My 2023 was very busy, but so full of LOVE! Thank you, to all of my awesome clients, for making this year so fantastic!

Salem Oregon Family Photographer - Newborn Asha

You may recognize these parents, as they’re long-time clients of mine. I also posted some of their gorgeous maternity photos recently, which you can see HERE and HERE. In those posts, I explained that Anna found out during her pregnancy that her cancer had returned, hence the chemotherapy while pregnant.

I met baby Asha at my studio in 2022, when we captured these precious photos. Ken brought one of his guitars and played some beautiful music for his little girl, who obviously loves it (look at that smile!).

Salem Oregon Family Photographer - fun & colorful studio session

The color coordination within this session brings me so much joy! The green hair matches the green shirt and then the purple necklaces (against the green shirt) matches the purple hair! I love their style and the love these kids have for their beautiful Mama.

Salem Oregon Photographer - cozy camper christmas!

I’m currently on vacation! Well, technically it’s more of a “staycation,” but I’m off work for a few weeks! I had a very busy year and didn’t really get a chance to do any creative/personal work, so this little holiday themed shoot in our camping trailer was exactly what I needed. Once I wrapped up all of my client work for the year, I went out to the trailer (in our driveway), turned on some Christmas music, made myself some cocktails, and decorated the tiny space. It was just what I needed to unwind, espeicially after such a busy fall season, This seems to have become an annual thing for me, although not always with the same trailer.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

Vanvcouver Washington Family Photographer - backyard session with K & A

These photos are from last year’s session and boy has this little guy grown a lot since then (I recently did their annual Fall photos)! I met up with this family at their Vancouver home on a foggy fall morning, which worked really well with their colorful outfits! We took a quick stroll along the path behind their home, which was perfect for their session!

Salem Family Photographer - time flies

I know I say this all the time, but time really does fly. I started photographing these two “kids” when they were barely out of diapers and all of a sudden, they’re both actual adults! They were kind enough to do one last session with their Mama (my dear friend, Michiko) last year.

Salem Oregon Family Photographer - at home session with a family of 19!

I met Loui (in the white turtleneck sweater) my freshman year of college, when we were on the same cheerleading squad. Eventually, we became roommates and then lifelong friends! Shortly after meeting Loui, I met Amber, when I was her high school cheerleading coach. Loui ended up marrying Amber’s brother and here we are, nearly 30 years later, doing a big ‘ol family portrait session!

Salem Maternity Photographer - stunning, bald, inspiring

I think these photos speak for themselves, but for a little context…this beautiful mother-to-be was going through chemo and decided to do some photos without her wig.

For anyone who is curious…these two are now the proud parents of an adorable little girl! Anna has metastatic breast cancer, but she is stable and doing well.

Salem Family Photographer - flannel shirts & lots of love

While flannel shirts are practically a PNW wardrobe staple, they mean more to this family. Jennifer’s mom, who died shortly before their family photos last year, loved flannel shirts. So, it only seemed fitting to honor her in this way. Plus, they look cute as heck!

This session took place at Deepwood Museum & Garden (previously known as Deepwood Estate). I shoot at this venue a lot because I love the variety and the fact that we can usually shoot there in the rain, thanks to the tree cover, gazebos, and a few other little spots. Plus, it’s close to my house, which is a bonus.

Salem Maternity Photographer - beautiful family maternity session! LGBTQIA+

I’ve been photographing this couple since they were engaged and I have loved watching their family grow. The are now a family of four (I’m just way behind on blogging) and their two kids are so darn cute! Anyway, we got some beautiful photos at Deepwood Museum & Gardens (formerly Deepwood Estate) during golden hour.

Cannon Beach Senior Portrait Photographer - downtown stroll, with a bonus bug!

This girl could not be any cuter and I love that we got so much variety, all in the downtown area of Cannon Beach! I’ve known her since she was born and I can’t believe she’s already graduated from high school (class of 2023).

Salem Portrait Photographer - goodbye, studio!

In case you haven’t heard, I recently moved out of my studio! The landlord sold the building, so it was not something I chose. I’ve been in this space for 7 years and it has served me well. I loved the evening light that came through the large windows (as seen in the photo below), the exposed brick, the amount of usable space, and how greaty my landlord was. Saying goodbye to Studio 343 (that was her nickname) was definitely bittersweet. I have not used the studio very much over the last two years, so it makes sense for me to let it go, but I’m still going to miss it.

For the time being, I do not plan on renting a full-time studio, as my schedule doesn’t allow me to do a lot of studio work. However, I will have access to part-time studios in Salem, Portland, and Corvallis, which I can rent hourly, when needed.