Welcome to the Side by Side Family


Jacqui and Xavier knew the moment they heard about our Side by Side Weddings winter forest elopement that it was the perfect way to say “I do.” Lovers of the outdoors, their happiest days are spent chasing waterfalls and wandering woodland reserves with their boys. So standing together in an ancient forest, surrounded by towering trees and morning light, felt like home.


Their ceremony was tender and family-centred. Their proud sons walked Jacqui into the clearing, her flowing reclamation style dress whispering over the pine needles t as she carried our newest custom bouquet created by our wonderful friend Michelle at The Styled Bouquet. Both sets of parents stood nearby, caring for the youngest babe in arms, as Jackie and Xavier promised forever. With the birds stirring awake around them, vows were spoken, sealed with a kiss, and wrapped in a joyful family hug.

A wedding couple and their photographer take photos in a majestic redwood forest setting.
Person in dark formal attire stands in a forest setting with decorative candles and greenery at a wedding ceremony.
A wedding ceremony moment captured in a serene forest setting with towering trees and natural scenery.
Wedding ceremony guests gathered in a forest setting with white candles and decorative greenery.
Intimate forest wedding scene showing bride in lace gown surrounded by attendants in black attire.
Intimate forest wedding ceremony surrounded by tall redwood trees showing guests and a long white wedding dress train.
Two people in formal wedding attire share a moment in a forest with elegant candelabras in the background.
A wedding party gathers for photos among tall trees in a rustic forest setting.
An intimate wedding ceremony takes place in a majestic redwood forest with hanging lanterns and rustic decor.
A romantic wedding couple shares intimate moments in a forest setting with white candles and lace details.
A rustic wilderness wedding ceremony in a Pacific Northwest forest with couples exchanging vows among tall evergreen trees.
Romantic couple photo collage showing intimate moments in a forest setting with greenery and natural light.
Wedding photography sequence showing couple and guests celebrating in a redwood forest setting.
Couples dancing together in a beautiful redwood forest setting with golden light filtering through the trees.
A heartwarming moment during a forest wedding ceremony as a family embraces on a circular rug surrounded by candles.

After the ceremony, we made a little dream of mine come true—bringing our vintage peacock chair into the forest. Jackie settled into it like a queen, framed by sunlight and tree trunks, no other decoration needed. The boys thought that surprise photobombing mum and dad from the human size nests was the best part of the day, I wonder what their parents thought when they saw those photos! Later, we dropped in to capture the intimate family lunch Jackie had lovingly styled at a cosy local BnB, complete with a cake that was almost too pretty to cut.


Our Forest Elopements are always available, but there’s something truly magical about winter mornings in this serene setting. That’s why we offer a permanent winter special for couples who feel the pull of the season.


If you’re dreaming of a wedding surrounded by nature, let’s make it happen. Reach out today and start planning your own forest fairytale.

Wedding party poses in redwood forest with couple seated on vintage wicker chair among tall trees.
A wedding party poses in a majestic redwood forest with a long flowing white dress train spread across the ground.
A couple celebrates their wedding ceremony in a majestic redwood forest surrounded by towering trees and fallen branches.
Newlyweds share an intimate moment amidst ancient redwood trees with a long flowing lace wedding dress.
Wedding ceremony captured in sequence showing moments between the couple in a dramatic forest setting.
Wedding group photo in moody forest setting with white lace gown and dark suits against redwood trees.
Romantic couple embraces in a dark forest setting with lace wedding dress details and moody fall-toned bouquet.
Couple dancing in an intimate pose on a dance floor with soft lighting and elegant attire.
A beautiful forest wedding photoshoot with vintage decor featuring a wicker peacock chair and flowing lace dress.
A whimsical wedding photo series in a forest setting with a bride in a lace gown seated on a peacock chair.
A romantic forest wedding portrait featuring someone in a flowing lace wedding dress seated on a rattan peacock chair.
Romantic forest wedding photography featuring a rattan peacock chair and delicate white lace gown against towering trees.
A delicate pink rose stem lays across an aged wooden surface creating a moody and romantic composition.
A bride in a white lace dress reclines on a peacock chair surrounded by redwood trees and fallen logs.
A couple in wedding attire rests among towering redwood trees in a moody forest setting.