Getting to document Taylor + Jayko’s newest chapter after almost 15 years of watching their story unfold made this one extra special. Can’t believe it’s already been nearly 7 years since their elopement… what an incredible family vow renewal on the Oregon Coast 🤍

Taylor + Jayko’s Sentimental Family Vow Renewal on the Oregon Coast

15 years of documenting their love

Pretty sure the only thing better than photographing love stories is getting to watch them GROW. I’ve been friends with these two for almost 15 years. In that time, I’ve taken their couples photos, hid at a cabin to capture Jayko proposing to Taylor, attended their wedding, documented pregnancy announcements and growing babies, and was even there when one of their babies was born.

And this time, I got to photograph them choosing each other all over again on the Oregon Coast, with their kids right there beside them. I couldn’t BELIEVE how much their little boy had grown since their Mount Rainier Airbnb elopement so many years ago… and to see them now with their sweet girl absolutely melted my heart. I remember when the two of them got ready with their son that day, hanging out in the woods together and playing with silly shadow puppets on the walls of their A-frame. Seriously one of the best days!

Porch swing snuggles in their coastal cabin

This one started similarly, meeting up with Taylor, Jayko + their kiddos at a cozy cabin—this time on the coast instead of the forest. The morning sun was so gorgeous, shining down on the four of them as they snuggled up on the porch swing in their PJs, mom and dad watching as their littles danced up and down the steps. This is the kind of day that makes me forget we’re even TAKING photos, y’all; when it feels less like a photoshoot and more like a regular summer morning with your fam! 

We packed up a little picnic basket, everyone changed outta their pajamas and into their best beach attire (well, it was maybe a little fancier than your normal beach day swimsuit and sandals haha), and we headed out to Cape Kiwanda. Which is one of my favorite coastal locations ever for weddings, elopements, & sessions like this! Just check out Negin + Jeff’s Beach Elopement at Cape Kiwanda to see why.

The magic of vow renewals

As soon as we left the parking lot and set foot on the beach, you should have seen how excited these little ones were, running all over the place and full of so much pure joy to be at the beach. We weren’t just there for Taylor and Jayko’s vow renewal, after all—we were there to look at the seashells, watch the waves roll in, and dig our toes in the sand. 

I think that’s part of what makes vow renewals so freaking special. It doesn’t have to feel like another wedding, with formal schedules or rigid expectations; it can simply be an adventure with your family, exploring somewhere beautiful and letting your kids be part of the promises you’re making to each other again. Because this time, you’re not just dreaming about the life you’re going to build together: you’re standing right in the middle of it! How incredible is that?

A dreamy sunset vow renewal at Cape Kiwanda

Once we’d climbed up the steep sand hill, Taylor + Jayko shared a few moments to themselves in the gorgeous glow of golden hour, enjoying the stunning views, dancing by the beach grass, and reminiscing on all the parts of their journey that led them here. With the kids’ help, they set up a blanket, exchanged their new vows, and kissed like they were newlyweds all over again. 

As the sun started to set over the horizon, we made our way back down to the beach to wander around in the tides, with SUCH a fun accessory to play with: light-up ribbon wands. I’m obsessed with the way these add so much whimsy and (literal) sparkle to photos, especially during blue hour like this. They don’t require any fire, which makes them safe and easy to take anywhere, and the kids LOVED it. I’m not sure anything will beat this moment, capturing Taylor, Jayko + their babes twirling around the beach without a care in the world except their love for each other.

Next up on the agenda: maybe some cutie anniversary photos when Taylor + Jayko hit their next milestone?! 🤍

Why Have a Vow Renewal?

Wondering if a vow renewal is right for you and your partner? I put together a whole guide to Why You Should Have a Vow Renewal to help you out, where I answer common questions about vow renewals, give you 5 unique vow renewal ideas, and share PLENTY of real-life inspo, of course. 

Head on over to it once you’re done reading this—fair warning though, you’ll probably come out the other side stoked to get your vow renewal planned ASAP 😉

Ready for your own sentimental vow renewal on the Oregon Coast?

Hey ya’ll, I’m Dawn; an Oregon-based elopement and micro wedding photographer with a passion for the outdoors + authentic storytelling. 

Days like this vow renewal with Taylor + Jayko make my soul come alive… set against my favorite coastal landscapes, creating core memories with your family, reflecting on the past, present, and future of your love story. Inquire about your vow renewal here and let’s create some art together <3 

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Real Vow Renewal Inspiration

Get more inspiration to save to your vow renewal Pinterest board from these galleries below! 

Beach Vow Renewal at River Cabaan | Tillamook, Oregon

Polebridge, Montana Vow Renewal