A couple’s photoshoot is extra special when it marks a decade together. Ten years of inside jokes, countless adventures, and probably at least a few “what do you want for dinner?” debates that still don’t have a clear winner. For C+M, their anniversary session kicked off in Portland’s own backyard—Hoyt Arboretum—where redwoods and winding trails gave us the perfect backdrop to honor such a milestone.
We started the day meandering through the trails, letting them soak in the moment together. By the time we reached the redwood deck, we were wrapped in that warm, earthy forest magic. Light peeking through the trees, lush greenery, stillness, and their laughter gave us everything we needed to set the tone for the rest of their adventure session.
From Hoyt Arboretum Straight to Cannon Beach
After soaking up the calm forest vibes at Hoyt Arboretum, we packed up and hit the road for part two of C+M’s anniversary couple’s photoshoot: Cannon Beach. Now, if you’ve ever been to the Oregon Coast, you know it plays by its own rules. Forecast says sunny? Cute. The coast says, “Nah, let’s give you some moody skies and mist instead.” You never really know what you’re going to get, but it always delivers a kind of magic you can’t fake.
The shift from sun-dappled trails to the gray-toned coastline went cozy and intimate, to cinematic. Haystack Rock stood tall in the background (as it always does, it’s the Beyoncé of the Oregon Coast). Suddenly, their photos had this moody, timeless edge that only Cannon Beach can provide.
P.S. See this Secret Beach proposal on the Oregon Coast!
Champagne, Pup Snuggles, and & Coastal Couple’s Photoshoot
What’s a 10-year celebration without a little bubbly? C+M popped champagne on the beach, and there’s just something about those candid, mid-laugh, champagne-spray-everywhere moments.
Of course, their doggo stole the show more than once. Pets have a way of grounding sessions like this, and your furry sidekicks are always invited and encouraged to join.
As the sky darkened, we obviously had to bust out the lanterns. They were twirling and running along the shore like they were the only two people on the planet. Some of my favorite frames came in black and white, letting the movement and emotion take center stage. It was romantic, playful, and just the right mix of epic and intimate.
Tips for Planning an Oregon Adventure Session
Pulling off a two-location adventure session like this one takes a bit of planning, but the payoff is so worth it. Starting in the forest and ending at the coast gives you the best of both worlds. If you’re dreaming of variety in your gallery, this combo is hard to beat.
That said, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: Oregon weather. It’s unpredictable, it’s moody, and it’s part of the magic. My advice? Bring layers, don’t stress if the sun decides to ghost you, and embrace the vibe the coast gives you. Sometimes moody skies end up being even more romantic than a golden sunset.
Hey, I’m Mattie—your PNW adventure elopement and couples photographer. I’m here to help you plan sessions that are as meaningful as they are fun. Whether it’s redwoods, rugged coastlines, or popping bubbly in the rain, I’m all about capturing love stories in their truest, silliest, most beautiful forms. Let’s make your adventure one for the books.
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