Emily + Ethan | Surprise Proposal at Sou’wester Lodge
Surprise proposal at the Sou’wester Lodge
Have you heard of the Sou’Wester? It’s okay if you haven’t! We hadn’t either until Emily and Ethan introduced us to this incredible hidden gem on the southernmost tip of the Washington coast. They had originally told us about this vintage travel trailer resort when we did a couples session in the Gorge with them back in 2019. As the Sou’wester was their favorite getaway spot on the coast, it made perfect sense for Ethan to plan a surprise proposal here.
Ethan put his whole heart into all of the details of the proposal. He worked closely with Betsy of Foxtail Jewelry to create a custom-designed ring for Emily – and he even got to participate in the casting process! How cool is that?!? He had Emily’s cousin Cassidy with Noble Floral Co. put together a stunning bouquet, and the two of them packed up their Bend Teardrop trailer for what Emily thought was just a normal weekend getaway for the two of them.
Once they got settled in their campsite at the lodge, Ethan brought Emily and their pup Stevie out to the beach, and we followed them like the stealthy ninja photographers that we are. He dropped to one knee, happy tears were shed, and then we spent the evening celebrating and exploring together!
Sou’wester Historic Lodge & Vintage Travel Trailer Resort
Originally built in 1892 as a vacation home for Oregon politician Henry W. Corbett, the Sou’wester Lodge has since evolved into a haven for creatives. The original vacation home has been turned into the main lodge, where the second floor, which used to be a ballroom, has been converted into a few quaint rooms. But the main attraction is the lodging that has since sprouted up on the grounds – refurbished trailers, RVs, and converted buses offer cozy retro-vibe lodging.
The lodge hosts live music every Saturday night, even since COVID-19 (though some evenings said music has been live-streamed, for safety). The Sou’wester is filled with adorable quirks and fun amenities for its guests, from an honor-system based thrift shop in a converted trailer, a floor-to-ceiling bookcase of rentable movies on VHS, and a wellness trailer and sauna. The lodge also hosts an artist residency program throughout the year, promising “a distraction-free week devoted to your own creative pursuits,” for artists of any genre. We seriously cannot say enough good things about this beautiful place.
The perfect Washington elopement venue
The Sou’wester is an incredible place to host an elopement or micro-wedding with a handful of guests. There is plenty of space for guests to rent lodging, stroll the grounds, and gather around the campfire. And, of course, the Sou’wester is just a five minute walk from the beach. If you had your wedding or elopement here you could get ready in a gorgeous vintage trailer, have a first look in the woods, then walk down to the beach for your ceremony before returning to the grounds for dinner, dancing, and s’mores. Can you imagine a more perfect day?
ARE YOU READY TO GET STARTED PLANNING YOUR OWN EPIC adventure ELOPEMENT?
We can’t wait to get started helping you make all your wedding dreams come true. With 3 years of practice helping guide couples in crafting their perfect wedding day experience, we’ve got all the tools you need to make your dreams a reality. We’re ready to help you pick the best, unique location, connect you with local vendors, and create an adventure-filled and stress-free day. All you have to do is have an amazing time together and get married! We can’t wait to be your elopement photographer and wander with you.
