A Magical Elopement in Oregon: Cremation Jewelry Keepsakes

Jami Santor Venturing Vows photography for weddings, wedding jewelry forever keepsakes and cremation jewelry. — Photo Credit: Venturing Vows

After 12 years of being together, my now husband, Dan, and I decided to finally tie the knot!

An Intimate Elopement

We knew we didn’t want a traditional wedding. For years we discussed eloping – just the two of us – for the most stress-free and relaxing day! We finally made our dream come true on June 5th, 2024.

Although we had the most magical day planned, we felt that we were missing a significant part of ourselves. Our 14-year-old chihuahua mix, Mack, had passed earlier in the year and with him, he took a piece of our hearts. We knew we wanted to incorporate Mack into our wedding plans somehow.

Elopement wedding jewelry and cremation memorial keepsakes for weddings. — Photo Credit: Venturing Vows

Cremation Keepsakes with Dune

Because Dune Jewelry had previously made us the most incredible rings that incorporated Mack’s cremains, we knew they’d help us find the perfect way to incorporate Mack into our special day.

I searched Dune Jewelry’s website and found the ideal pieces to complete our magical wedding day!

For myself, I chose the Paw Print Charm and added it to my bouquet. For my husband, the Hamptons Rope Cufflinks were the perfect design!

In both pieces, we mixed Mack’s cremains with sand from the beach where we got married: Lone Ranch Beach, Oregon.

Wedding jewelry and cremation keepsakes for your wedding or elopement by Dune Jewelry. — Photo Credit: Venturing Vows

Getting Married Surrounded by Nature

Our wedding day was as perfect as we could have imagined. Our only complaint was that it went by so fast! We started in the morning making breakfast, having mimosas and slowly getting ready for the day.

When the photographer arrived, we finished getting ready and I put Dan’s special cufflinks on for him.

Dan then walked out on the beach boardwalk at the Airbnb we were staring at and patiently waited for me to show him the “first look”. Seeing his face light up as I showed him my wedding gown for the first time is something I’ll never forget.

Afterward, we left the Airbnb, and our wedding adventure began! We began by going on a nature trail through a national park filled with redwoods. Talk about breathtaking and memorable!

Dan thought it was symbolic that we were starting the rest of our lives together surrounded by redwoods. Redwoods are some of the oldest living trees, trees that symbolize longevity, power, strength, and energy.

After our beautiful walk, we were officially ready to get married.

We arrived at a beautiful secluded beach that featured sea stack formations, bright sunshine, and waves that crashed in such a way that they seemed almost magical.

We exchanged our own written vows, ate cake, had pizza, and enjoyed the beauty that surrounded us. This was Lone Ranch Beach, where we got sand to make Mack’s pieces.

The wedding adventure continued. We took a trail off the beaten path with stunning views in Secret Beach, before ending the night at Arch Rock. We popped champagne, watched the sunset, had many laughs, took in all the scenery, and took some epic photos before dark!

Remembering Our Late Dog Mack

One of the main reasons we chose to elope in nature was the love we shared for the outdoors, a love that one could argue started with our dog, Mack. No matter how tired we were following a long day at work, we always took Mack on an adventure! He loved car rides, hikes, nature trails, and long walks!

When Mack got older and struggled to walk long distances, we would pack up his dog stroller and take him on adventures so he could still enjoy all his favorite activities.

Our entire relationship had Mack at the center of it. He was like our child, even more so because we do not have children of our own at the moment. He truly meant the world to us.

Elopement wedding jewelry cremation jewelry keepsakes by Dune Jewelry. — Jami Santor (@jamisantor).

Having Mack’s cremains with us on the most important day of our lives made us feel whole. We felt like he walked the redwood trail, hiked the rocky cliffs of Oregon, and ran on the beach where we got married with us.

Thanks to Dune, we now have the most special jewelry keepsakes filled with wedding memories we can cherish forever. We’ll always recall Mack being there with us, too.