The serenity of this real-life elopement location is just breathtaking. Imagine saying private vows to your lover on your wedding day, with towering redwoods and ferns surrounding you. It’s like a scene from a movie. And that’s exactly what Rachel and Jacob did – followed by a trip to the ocean with another killer view to watch the sun go down and continue celebrating each other while reading letters from family and friends!
How did you two meet? What were your first impressions of one another?
We met in high school, where I was friends with Rachel’s older sister. Our paths crossed through that connection, and I instantly had a crush on Rachel. She was so full of life and had this incredible energy that was impossible to ignore. I wanted to ask her to a dance back then, but I never quite worked up the courage—I wasn’t sure if the feeling was mutual. Over the years, we kept in touch through mutual friends, but life took us in different directions. It wasn’t until years later that I saw Rachel’s profile on a dating site, and something just clicked. I sent her a message, and after our first date, we were inseparable. It feels like everything came full circle, as if we were always meant to find our way back to each other.
Describe a hurdle you had to overcome in your relationship or during your wedding planning.
Wedding planning, as magical as it sounds, can also be incredibly stressful—especially when you’re trying to plan a wedding on the opposite side of the country! We lived on the East Coast while planning a wedding in Oregon, which added a layer of complexity to even the simplest details. Packing for the wedding alone felt like a feat—we traveled with four checked bags and carry-ons just to make it all work.
The biggest challenge, though, was learning how to balance our vision for the day with the reality of logistics. There were moments when it felt overwhelming, but we were so lucky to have Tori in our corner. She helped us focus on what truly mattered—the non-negotiable parts of the day that reflected who we are as a couple. Once we had that framework, everything else fell into place. It was those small, personal touches that made the day uniquely ours, and looking back, every bit of stress was worth it.
Any special ways you incorporated your family or family history into your wedding day?
Since we eloped, it was incredibly important to us to include our families in meaningful ways, even though they weren’t physically there with us. We found ways to weave their presence into our day through thoughtful details and cherished heirlooms.
From Jacob’s family, we included a silver dish inscribed with “Have a drink with the Dreibelbis’s,” a special piece from his grandparents, as well as a subway token they had used when they eloped to New York City to be married back in 1943. These items carried such deep history and connection, making us feel we were honoring the love stories that came before ours.
We also asked our family members to write letters to us, which we read during a quiet picnic overlooking the ocean. Their advice, love, and words of encouragement made us feel deeply supported. We’ll cherish those letters forever—reminders of the bonds that keep us grounded and loved, even from afar.
What part of your wedding day was/is most important to you?
Every moment of our wedding day was so special because we were able to curate every detail to reflect who we are and what we love most. But if we had to choose, standing under that majestic redwood tree and exchanging our vows was the most profound and humbling part of the day. There’s a serenity that flows through a forest of giant trees—a calm that wraps around you and makes you feel small in the most beautiful way. In that moment, it felt like we were the only two people in the world.
The vastness of our surroundings only made the intimacy of our vows feel even more meaningful. It was a moment that felt timeless, and now, we have a living landmark to return to—a place that will always remind us of the promises we made to one another.
What is the best thing you’ve learned from one another?
We’ve both grown so much since being together, and one of the best parts of our relationship is how much we’ve learned from each other.
From Jacob, I’ve learned how to set goals, plan for the future, and pursue dreams with purpose and heart. He’s shown me that building a life together isn’t just about big moments but about dreaming together and creating a shared vision for the future. His ambition inspires me, and his ability to approach challenges with determination has taught me to think bigger and more boldly about what’s possible.
Rachel provides the balance I’ve always needed in my life. She’s grounded, practical, and incredibly sure of herself, yet she approaches everything with empathy and kindness. She’s taught me not to worry about what others think and to find strength in simply being true to yourself. On a more lighthearted note, Rachel has shown me how to actually do things the right way. For instance, I always assumed hanging pictures on a wall was an intuitive process—just feel out the “spiritual” center and go for it. Rachel, however, brought out the tape measurer and showed me there’s a proper (and much better) way to do it. She’s handy, resourceful, and has all sorts of skills I don’t have, and I’m so lucky to have her as my partner.
If you had one piece of advice for other couples, what would it be?
It might sound a bit corny or cliché to say “communication is key,” but it’s true in a way that often gets overlooked. In any intimate relationship, there’s a natural tendency to assume that your partner is intuitively on the same page as you. You wake up, start running through all the things on your mental to-do list, and set about your day, only to feel dismayed or frustrated when your partner doesn’t seem to be aligned.
What we’ve realized—time and time again—is that the disconnect often comes from one simple thing: we haven’t said those thoughts out loud to each other. Taking just a few minutes to check in, share where you are mentally, and let your partner know what’s on your agenda can save so much heartache and misunderstanding. It’s not about grand gestures or long conversations; sometimes, it’s as simple as saying, “Here’s where my head’s at today.” Those small, intentional moments of connection make all the difference.
What is the most honest thing you can say about love?
Love is both the easiest and the hardest thing you’ll ever do. It’s easy in those moments when everything clicks—when you’re laughing together, building a life, and feeling completely in sync. But it’s also hard because it demands patience, vulnerability, and effort, even when things aren’t perfect.
The most honest thing we’ve learned is that love isn’t just a feeling; it’s a choice you make every single day. You choose to show up for one another, to communicate even when it’s uncomfortable, to grow together rather than apart. Love will test you and surprise you, but if you’re willing to nurture it, it becomes the most profound and rewarding thing in your life. It’s not about perfection but about partnership—about being there for each other, flaws and all.
Venue / Crook Point / https://crookpoint.com / @crookpoint
Photographer / Come to Bliss / https://cometobliss.com / @cometobliss
Hair + Makeup / Whit Marie / https://whitmarie.glossgenius.com / @whitmarie.hairmua
Florals / Nustad Family Ranch / https://nustadfamilyranch.com / @nustadfamilyranch
Catering / Miere Catering / https://mierecatering.com / @miere.catering
Brides Dress / Grace Loves Lace / https://graceloveslace.com / @grace_loves_lace
Grooms Suit / J.Crew / https://www.jcrew.com / @jcrew
Jewelry / Catbird NYC / https://www.catbirdnyc.com / @catbirdnyc
Engagement Ring / VRAI / https://www.vrai.com / @vraiofficial
Publisher at The White Wren and Bajan Wed, Award Winning Photography + Videographer at Live View Studios, Dad, 80s music lover, crunchy health advocate
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