An Intimate Elopement at the Tiny Farmstay

An Intimate Elopement at The Tiny Farmstay in Gig Harbor

Some wedding days are grand affairs, filled with hundreds of guests, towering cakes, and dance floors that stay packed until midnight. But then, there are weddings like Murphy and Dustin’s—intimate, meaningful, and completely their own. And let me tell you, these are the kind of weddings that truly steal my heart.

Back in 2017, Murphy and Dustin traveled all the way from Wisconsin with their sweet daughter, K, to experience the magic of the Pacific Northwest. Their elopement at The Tiny Farmstay in Gig Harbor was the perfect mix of simplicity, love, and a little bit of chaos—because what’s a wedding day without a few surprises?

Finding Magic in a Tiny Oasis

Before I dive into their day, let me set the scene. The Tiny Farmstay, nestled in the lush greenery of Gig Harbor, was originally a dream brought to life by Tessa, the owner of The Chittle Homestead. Built with sustainable and recycled materials, this cozy tiny house offers an escape from the noise of everyday life. Imagine waking up to the sound of chickens clucking and goats bleating as the sun peeks through the trees—it’s basically a fairy tale for anyone craving a slow, intentional getaway.

When I first visited the homestead, it was for a kitchen remodel shoot for The Perpetual You magazine. I still remember Tessa greeting me with a spread of fresh figs, homemade gluten-free bread, and an assortment of cheeses (yes, it was as dreamy as it sounds). She told me about her plans for a farmstay, and fast forward a little while later, it became a reality. Little did I know that this place would become the backdrop for one of my favorite intimate elopements ever.

When Plans Change, Love Stays the Same

Murphy and Dustin’s original wedding plans didn’t involve eloping at a tiny farm in Washington, but the universe had other ideas. They arrived in Seattle, fell head over heels for the evergreen beauty of the state, and knew they had to say “I do” in this magical corner of the world.

From the moment I met Murphy, I knew she was my kind of bride. She was effortlessly cool, had impeccable taste (hello, Etsy queen!), and radiated a calm, go-with-the-flow energy—even when things didn’t go exactly as planned. Many of her wedding details, including the adorable wooden peg dolls, were handcrafted by artisans in Wisconsin. And fun fact: Murphy and I share the same style of engagement ring! Clearly, we’re both women of great taste.

On the day of their elopement, their daughter, K, stole the show in the best possible way. Just as Murphy was about to walk down the aisle, little K had other plans—she needed her mama. And in that moment, Murphy didn’t hesitate. She scooped up her daughter, and they shared the most beautiful, raw, and unfiltered moment of connection. I was lucky enough to capture an image of Murphy nursing K right before the ceremony, and let me tell you—it was pure goddess energy. That image has since become iconic in our wedding show booths, and it’s why people now recognize me as the “breastfeeding bride photographer.” Honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

A Ceremony Filled with Love (and Bubbles!)

Murphy and Dustin’s ceremony was as intimate as it gets. With only a handful of family members and their closest friend present, they exchanged heartfelt vows while their daughter played happily with her grandpa. At one point, Grandpa broke out the bubbles, and K was instantly mesmerized—proving once again that sometimes, the simplest things bring the most joy.

After sealing their vows with a kiss, the celebration continued with a farm-fresh feast. Tessa outdid herself by preparing homemade doughnuts, a colorful veggie and beet hummus spread, and the most delicious fritters. No fancy caterers, no over-the-top decorations—just incredible food, amazing company, and the kind of love that doesn’t need an audience to be felt.

A Love That Grows

Since their elopement, Murphy and Dustin have built a beautiful life together. They’ve even started their own homestead, embracing a slower, more intentional way of living—just like they did on their wedding day.

Looking back, I can’t help but feel incredibly honored to have captured this moment in their journey. Their elopement wasn’t about grandeur or perfection; it was about love, family, and creating memories that would last a lifetime. And really, isn’t that what weddings are supposed to be about?

If you’re dreaming of an intimate elopement that feels like you, a farmstay elopement might just be your perfect venue. And if you’re looking for a photographer who will not only document your love story but also fully embrace the chaos, joy, and magic of your day—well, you know where to find me.

Want to plan your own intimate elopement? Check out Tessa’s Airbnb for details, and let’s make some magic together!

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