Erica Swantek Photography

Erica Swantek Photography Soulful weddings handcrafted in the Pacific Northwest. Intimate wedding & adventure elopement photog

Last Saturday, Katy and Andrew celebrated their intimate wedding here in Bend, and the whole day felt so true to what th...
07/03/2026

Last Saturday, Katy and Andrew celebrated their intimate wedding here in Bend, and the whole day felt so true to what they had envisioned.

They began the morning getting ready at Andrew’s family home in Sunriver, surrounded by family and a few close friends. From there, we headed to a nearby trailhead for their first look, with everyone watching and cheering them on before we took family photos.

Afterward, Katy and Andrew, their officiant, two witnesses, and I ventured to a more remote spot for their ceremony. They celebrated with a beer toast, a few just-married portraits, and the kind of quiet, meaningful moments that make intimate wedding days so special.

Later, Katy changed outfits and we made our way back to Bend to meet everyone for a delicious dinner and heartfelt toasts. The weather was cool and windy, but we managed to avoid the passing rain showers, and the clouds gave their Oregon wedding the most beautiful, moody feel.

It was such a special day, and I truly loved getting to document these two.

Makeup: MUA + Tattoo Artist Christine Redmon
Dinner: Dear Irene

I am absolutely blown away and humbled to say that I just won not one, not two, but THREE Legend Awards in the latest ro...
06/23/2026

I am absolutely blown away and humbled to say that I just won not one, not two, but THREE Legend Awards in the latest round! This is a quarterly competition that recognizes outstanding elopement photography. It’s such an honor to share this achievement with all the other winners and I’m beyond thrilled that these images won as I love them as much today as I did when I first took them.

Claire & Noah’s elopement on Wednesday was truly the day we spent 7 months planning together. Their vision of a mountain...
06/13/2026

Claire & Noah’s elopement on Wednesday was truly the day we spent 7 months planning together. Their vision of a mountain elopement in Oregon near water, but without the crowds of Trillium Lake, was delivered with the perfect day at Sparks Lake. We literally had the place to ourselves most of the day!

They got ready at their cute Airbnb in Bend and a had a first look in front of their A-frame cabin. Then we headed up to the lake where they shared a picnic before hiking to the ceremony spot, where the sweetest vows were exchanged. Then we hiked back out, cut their cake with magical light glowing behind them. Then we watched a beautiful sunset over the mountains as their day came to a close with champagne and lanterns. I love elopement days like this, with a laid back timeline. We weren’t rushing to get to any next location and you can really just soak in the experience and enjoy every magical moment of your day together. 🤍

Hair & makeup: Edge Hair & Makeup
Flowers: Samantha Bronson
Dress: Becker's Bridal Outlet
Suit: Nordstrom Rack

On Saturday, Ally & Zach said their vows along the shore of Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park with family & friends...
06/03/2026

On Saturday, Ally & Zach said their vows along the shore of Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park with family & friends by their side. It was a windy but gorgeous sunny day and after almost a year of planning with these two, it was so wonderful to see it all come together beautifully. Ally & Zach are such kind hearted people and wanted nothing more than to share their favorite National Park with their loved ones. We spent the day together, getting ready at their vacation rental, then traveled to the lake for their ceremony and portraits. After that, we headed into Port Angeles for dinner with everyone before whisking them off to Hurricane Ridge to catch the alpenglow on the Olympic Range. It was a day of intention and beauty and I’m so grateful I got to work with these two. Here are some sneak peeks from their wedding day!

Lodging:
Dress:
Suit:
Flowers:
Dinner:

There’s something sacred about letting go of what a wedding is supposed to look like… and choosing what actually feels r...
05/02/2026

There’s something sacred about letting go of what a wedding is supposed to look like… and choosing what actually feels right instead.

On this foggy stretch of the Oregon Coast, these two traded traditional wedding attire for something softer. Warmer. More them. No pressure to perform. No expectations to meet. Just presence, connection, and the quiet kind of joy that doesn’t need an audience.

This is what a non-traditional elopement can look like.

Especially for my LGBTQ+ couples, who deserve a space where your love isn’t just accepted, but fully seen, celebrated, and held with care.

If you’ve been wondering:

* What should we wear to our elopement?
* Do we have to follow any rules?
* Will it still feel special without tradition?

The answer is simple:
You get to decide what matters.

And I’ll be right there to help you shape a day that feels grounded, intentional, and entirely your own.

If you’re dreaming about an Oregon Coast elopement that feels like freedom instead of pressure…
I’d love to hear your story! 🤍

🏳️‍🌈

The earth holds so much more than we give it credit for.It softens us.Slows us down.Reminds us what actually matters.The...
04/22/2026

The earth holds so much more than we give it credit for.

It softens us.
Slows us down.
Reminds us what actually matters.

The way the light filters through the trees at just the right moment…
The rhythm of waves that seem to breathe with you…
The stillness you only notice when you finally stop moving.

Nature doesn’t ask anything from us.
It doesn’t need us to be anything other than who we are.

And somehow, in its presence, we remember how to come back to ourselves.

To breathe deeper.
To feel more.
To notice the quiet, meaningful moments we so often rush past.

Earth Day feels like a gentle reminder,
not just to protect this place we call home,
but to stay connected to it.

To walk softer.
To listen closer.
To be grateful for the way the earth continues to hold us, again and again.🌿

Happy Earth Day!🌎

It’s not too late to elope this spring! 🌸If you’ve been thinking about doing something a little different, this is your ...
04/11/2026

It’s not too late to elope this spring! 🌸

If you’ve been thinking about doing something a little different, this is your sign.

There’s still space this spring for a laid-back, meaningful elopement on the Oregon Coast. Think quiet beaches, salty air, and that soft, moody light the coast does so well. It’s a beautiful time of year that feels calm, fresh, and a little more intimate without the summer crowds.

And you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, unsure where to start, or planning from out of state, I’m here to help. From location ideas to navigating any permits, timelines, and all the in-between details, I’ll guide you through it so your day feels easy and true to you.

No pressure. No big production. Just a really good day focused on what matters most.

🌿 If a spring elopement on the coast has been on your mind, I’d love to help you make it happen.

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Bend, OR

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