Meet the Wilderpines Team

PNW Elopement Photographers & Planners

Who We Are

Wilderpines is a queer- and trans-owned elopement photography team based in Seattle, Washington. We started in 2017, though we’ve grown a lot over the years, from Ashton’s solopreneur venture to the talented team we have today.

We’ve helped hundreds of couples plan adventure elopements all across Washington. As photographers, officiants, planning guides, and local experts, our team brings expertise, warmth, Leave No Trace ethics, and a whole lotta heart to every elopement we document.

Two photographers Ashton and Tess smiling outdoors with mountain scenery in the background. Both hold cameras and wear jackets and t-shirts with 'WILDERPINES' logo.
Three photographers (Alanna, Ashton, and Tess) wearing hats and outdoor clothing, holding cameras, standing in front of a mountain landscape with snow-capped peaks.
Ashton and Dale, two photographers, standing outdoors with a snow-capped mountain in the background, dressed in outdoor jackets and a beanie.

Our Team of Photographers & Guides

Ashton (he/him) 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈

Owner / Photographer / Planner / Officiant / Postcard Designer

I’m a hopeless romantic — an introverted, introspective queer trans man who will probably cry during your vows and absolutely geek out about mushrooms or trees with you.

I grew up on the East Coast, but it was the trees, the water, and the mountains (and seafood) that brought me to Washington. My photography journey started in my family’s photo studio, learning from my mom before eventually photographing weddings. As much as I love love, I grew tired of the stress and pageantry of big weddings and found my way into the intimate world of elopements — easily one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

It also led me to my husband, Dale. I did the traditional wedding once before — the guest list, the seating chart, all of it. With Dale, I had the chance to do it differently. In our own way.

My approach to elopements is rooted in mindfulness. Time outdoors, away from the noise and expectations of the world, is rare. Through helping couples plan and witnessing these adventures, I’ve learned to slow down and cultivate that presence myself — something I hope to share with the couples I work with.

I’m not the hype-man photographer filling every moment with direction. I’m usually off to the side, watching and listening as things unfold — a landscape photographer’s approach, documenting beauty as it happens.

Dale and I live in downtown Seattle with our void-cat Stella. When I’m not out adventuring, you might find me wandering Pike Place Market, writing in a quiet café corner, or playing Wingspan.

Alanna (she/her)

Photographer / Planner / Officiant

My photography journey began in 2020 while I was finishing my degree online, newly settled in Seattle, and doing my best to navigate those heavy times. Despite the challenges, I found some meaningful silver linings: learning how to use a camera, discovering the Pacific Northwest, and leaning fully into a dirtbag lifestyle. After converting my ’06 Subaru, I traveled throughout Washington, Oregon, Utah, and Montana capturing landscape photos along the way.

My passion for photography started with documenting those travel stories and the outdoors. But after photographing engagement photos for a couple in 2021, I fell in love with portraits. That’s when it clicked — combining people and wild places through elopements.

I believe the best parts of a relationship show up in the small moments, which is why I take a documentary approach to photography. Your wedding day shouldn’t feel like a production — it’s about your connection, the path that brought you here, and creating space to truly celebrate it. I’m also passionate about mindfulness and meditation, and I’m always happy to guide a quick grounding exercise so you can slow down and be fully present.

When I'm not capturing epic love stories, you can find me outside! Camping, hiking, exploring a new country, climbing, biking, meditating in the forest, lounging in a hammock, drinking a hot beverage on a porch somewhere... these are my favorite things in life. And I hope to share some of them with you! (A jetboil & tea/coffee stash lives in my car, so yes, we can always take a hot bevvie break on your big day!)

Tessa (she/her)

Photographer / Planner / Officiant

I started shooting weddings when I was 16 and have photographed everything from 300-person Catholic ceremonies to multi-day Indian weddings and everything in between. But my favorites are the couples who choose each other — and adventure — over everything else. Couples who value their experience together more than décor, outfits, or what anyone else expects their wedding to be.

That and — I eloped myself! In May 2022, I woke up beside my love in a little cottage in Northern Ireland. We wrote our vows next to a field of sheep and read them in front of an ancient castle on the Atlantic cliffs. We shared a luxurious picnic, ran through wildflower fields, and danced with locals at an Irish pub. It was the most incredible adventure we’ve ever taken — and easily my favorite day.

So I can personally attest to how empowering and unique eloping can be. I truly believe there’s no better way to get married.

When I’m not photographing, you might find me out on the paintball field or exploring the Pacific Northwest with my husband and our two rescue pups.

Young woman with long red hair smiling outdoors in a mountainous landscape, holding a camera.

Dale (he/him) 🏳️‍🌈

Officiant / Super 8 Splicer / Support

I mostly work with Wilderpines behind the scenes with our marketing, video production, travel planning, and helping couples find just the right words for their love.

My approach to elopements is ensuring the union of two lives in the way you want is at the forefront of the adventure. Even if you are unsure, feel like there are too many choices to make, or that there’s not enough time, just know that with enough discussions, good intentions, and having fun, we can make magic happen! Love learning new answers to life’s questions every day and love the opportunity to help others find them.

Outside of the elopement world, my passions in life are trains, typography, film, Seattle history, politics, public transit, poetry, gift wrapping, typewriters, French cooking, tiny houses, and Skee-Ball. Graduated from Seattle University in 2011, Go Redhawks! Love living in the Emerald City and believe it to be the greatest city in the world!

A man with glasses and a beard smiling outdoors with mountains and snow in the background.
Four friends smiling outdoors in front of a snow-capped mountain with trees, clouds, and blue sky.
Three young adults taking a selfie outdoors with a snow-capped mountain in the background.
Group of people celebrating outdoors near a river with mountains and trees in the background. One person is taking a selfie with a peace sign, and the group appears to be joyful, some holding drinks and raising their glasses.
Three friends taking a selfie on a mountain with scenic views of forests and clouds in the background.
Four people taking a selfie in front of a mountain landscape with snow-capped peaks and evergreen trees, during dusk or dawn, with clouds in the sky.
Three friends smiling on a mountain with a scenic mountain range in the background during sunset.
Three people taking a selfie outdoors in a snowy mountain landscape with trees and a rocky mountain in the background, all smiling.
Four people smiling and posing for a photo outdoors in a mountainous area with snow, trees, and a mountain peak in the background.
Three people smiling for a selfie outdoors with a snowy mountain, evergreen trees, and sunset sky in the background.
Four people, including a bride in a white wedding dress holding a bouquet of flowers, posing for a photo outdoors with a mountain and snow-covered peak in the background.
Four smiling young adults taking a selfie at sunset with a scenic river and mountains in the background.
Group of nine people, including a young girl, posing in front of a waterfall surrounded by lush greenery.
Three people, a man, a woman, and a young man, pose for a selfie near a lake with mountains and cloudy sky in the background. The young man is smiling, the woman has a slight smile, and the man is kissing her on the forehead.
Group of four people outdoors in a mountain setting, one in a wedding dress, others in formal attire, all smiling for a selfie.
Three people outdoors on a mountain with snow-capped peaks in the background, taking a selfie at sunset. They are smiling, with one person holding a bouquet of white flowers.
A group of four smiling hikers, including two men, a woman, and a young girl, taking a selfie outdoors in a rocky, forested mountain area during daytime.
Four people taking a selfie outdoors with mountainous scenery and pine trees in the background during sunset or sunrise.
Four friends smiling and taking a selfie on the beach at sunset. One woman is wearing a wide-brimmed hat with arms raised, standing behind the others. The ocean and cloudy sky are visible in the background.
Group of four hikers on a lakeside trail, with a scenic mountain and glacier in the background, posing for a photo and smiling.
Four people making humorous, silly faces outdoors on a mountain or rocky terrain, with cloudy skies and mountain peaks in the background.
Group of four young friends taking a selfie outdoors next to a tall pine tree on a sunny day.
Group of four friends smiling outdoors near a mountain lake, with snow-capped mountains and evergreen trees in the background.
Group of four friends smiling outdoors with mountains and trees in the background, one holding a red umbrella, on a rainy day.
Group of six people, including a bride in a white dress holding a bouquet, taking a selfie outdoors with greenery in the background. One person in front holds a certificate of marriage, and another person in the group makes a heart shape with their h
Four smiling people posing outdoors near a lake with mountains in the background.
Four hikers smiling with backpacks and gear, standing in front of a mountain lake with snow patches and rocky slopes.
Four people taking a selfie in front of Mount Rainier, with snow-capped peak, during sunset. They are smiling, dressed in outdoor and wedding attire, with the woman holding a bouquet of flowers.
Three friends smiling outdoors in front of a snow-capped mountain with evergreen trees.
Group of five friends taking a selfie outdoors on a rocky hilltop with a signpost in the background, scenic landscape, clear blue sky, and ocean in the distance.
Four friends smiling outdoors in front of a forest scene.
Group of five friends taking a selfie outdoors with Mount Rainier in the background, showing snow-capped peaks and green forested slopes under a clear blue sky.
Five friends are taking a selfie outdoors in the rain, with some smiling and a dog wearing a yellow raincoat.
Three people smiling at a mountain landscape, with one holding a bouquet of flowers and a camera, during a sunset or sunrise.
Three friends smiling for a selfie in front of a mountain range at sunset, with snow-capped peaks and a forested landscape.
Group of people posing for a photo near a waterfall with lush green moss on rocks, smiling and in celebratory attire.
Three friends taking a selfie together outdoors with a mountain and snow in the background, dressed in casual and formal attire.
Two people taking a selfie in front of a sign that says 'You are so gorge.' The person on the left has short hair, is wearing sunglasses and a black cap, and is smiling. The person on the right has long red hair, is wearing sunglasses, and has a play
A group of three smiling friends takes a selfie on a beach at sunset. One person wears a wide-brimmed hat and patterned shirt, the man in the middle has a beard and is dressed in a light suit and white shirt, and the woman on the right has long dark
Three people smiling and taking a selfie outdoors in front of a mountainous landscape with trees and rocky cliffs. They are holding glasses of white wine.
Two people wearing green WTA helmets, smiling and sticking their tongues out, in a forest with trees and fallen logs.
A bride in a white lace wedding dress, a groom in a navy suit with a boutonnière, and a man in a cowboy hat taking a selfie at a wedding reception with a wooden wall and greenery in the background, and a neon sign that says 'Tie The Knot' and 'Nina &
Three people smiling outdoors with mountains and a lake in the background, posing for a selfie. One person is in the foreground wearing a hat, and two are behind, a man and a woman, enjoying a scenic view.
A group of five friends taking a selfie in a snowy landscape, smiling and dressed warmly. One person holds a bouquet of flowers with a plush toy and artificial flowers, and another holds a camera, celebrating outdoors in winter.
Three friends smiling for a selfie in front of snow-capped mountains and parked cars on a mountain road.
Two people in a yellow kayak on the water with a city skyline in the background. The person in front has red hair, sunglasses, and is smiling, while the person in the back is wearing a beanie, sunglasses, and making a peace sign.
Three people celebrating outdoors by a river with mountains in the background, holding champagne glasses, one woman wearing a floral crown, dressed in white, and another in a white fur coat, smiling and posing for a selfie.
Two people smiling and posing with a snowy trail and trees in the background. They are wearing winter clothing and have cameras around their necks.
Two smiling women holding jars of ice cream with a mountainous landscape, including a snow-capped peak, in the background at sunset.
Three friends taking a selfie outdoors in a forested area, smiling and dressed in casual and semi-formal clothing.
Two people taking a selfie under umbrellas in front of a waterfall with a bridge in the background.

Between the Team

Years of photo experience

30+

Weddings + elopements photographed

180+

Ceremonies officiated

80+

A badge with mountain scenery, a sunrise, and colorful rays. The text reads 'Eloping is for everyone' with a heart symbol at the bottom.

On Inclusivity & Queer Joy

As a majority-queer team of photographers, creators, lovers, and human beings, it’s incredibly important to all of us that our couples feel safe, welcomed, loved, and appreciated.

It brings us a lot of pride to be able to serve and create with diversity. I know firsthand what it’s like to be unsure—and we don’t want you to feel that way, especially on a day that’s meant to be one of pure celebration and exultation of joy and love.

In other words… WE ARE SO HERE FOR YOU!

Two men sharing an intimate embrace, smiling and touching foreheads in a black-and-white photo.

Why We Do This Work

We wholeheartedly believe we have the best job in the world, and we love the people we get to create and adventure with. There’s really nothin’ like it—it’s truly a kind of magic, and very much the reason we do what we do and LOVE doing it.

We also know we can deliver our best to you on your elopement day, because we’re proud to stand behind values that are meaningful and personal to us, and principles by which we try to live our entire lives.

Which leads us to…

Our Values

Things we hold dear + our promises to you

Intentionality + Individuality

Crafting + creating personalized experiences with intention
Valuing + prioritizing your experience over all else
Encouraging authencitiy + freedom of expression
Creating space for mindfulness + quality time in nature

Diversity

Celebrating love + humanity in its many forms
Celebrating queer love + championing LGBTQ+ couples
Offering safe welcoming space + service to all, regardless of color, race, size, orientation, gender, expression, or ability

Local Expertise

Keeping our services local to Washington
Providing expert knowledge + insight of our home region
Offering resources + support to make the planning simple + easy — so you can focus on each other, not the logistics

Sustainability + Stewardship

Practicing outdoor stewardship & Leave No Trace
Providing sustainable, reusable gear & supplies via our Trading Post
Staying local + supporting local businesses & non-profits
Avoiding excessive travel to keep carbon footprint low
Giving back time + money to orgs like Washington Trails Association
Partnering with green wedding organization Emerald Hour to continue learning & growing

Feel like we’re a good fit?

Let’s Adventure!

Get in touch