Haystack Rock wedding
JENNA & KYLE SANDERS’ WEDDING
Story by Andy Cameron • Photos by Julie Adams
H
aystack Rock,
the
iconic
monolith
of
Cannon Beach,
has long held a
special place in the
hearts of Jenna and
Kyle Sanders. In 2018, during
their first vacation together, the Kansas City-based
couple took a photo of the sea stack from a scenic
vantage point that would later serve as their wedding
venue. Eight years prior, Kyle’s parents renewed their
vows on that very patch of ground at the Stephanie
Inn. Planning their ceremony, Jenna and Kyle
knew that Cannon Beach would play a significant
role. “Kyle’s father passed away shortly after his
parents renewed their vows,” new bride Jenna said.
“Getting married in the same spot allowed us to feel
connected.” The couple were married in August at
the Stephanie Inn.
The Sanders wanted to take a nontraditional
approach to their nuptials. This is a theme that has
been woven throughout their relationship. “One
day, Kyle randomly asked me to book a trip to
New York City,” Jenna said, “It was around the time
in a relationship where proposals were a possibility,
so I knew something was up.” Unfortunately, the
arrival of COVID forced the couple to cancel their
trip. Remaining determined, Kyle, a portfolio
manager, popped the question on his intended day.
Though his planned venue of Rockefeller Center
was no longer an option, Kyle made the best use of
the couple’s couch, and presented Jenna with a ring
fashioned from an old bread tie. “It was perfect,” said
Jenna.
The couple’s reception was held the night
before the ceremony and featured a bonfire, with
Jenna’s brother providing the soundtrack with his
guitar. Early on the morning of the ceremony, the
couple continued to buck tradition by privately
exchanging vows on the beach. This was followed
by a handfasting ceremony representing both sides
of the family, as well as the new partnership created
through marriage. Paying homage to Kyle’s love of
fountain pens, the couple signed their documents
with new additions to their now mutual collection.
Cannon Beach Bakery and Cannon Beach Florist
16 • Our Coast Weddings 2022
provided the necessary ingredients for a well-
appointed intimate wedding.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought unique
conditions to the ceremony, but the Sanders took
them in stride. “We had custom masks made;
mine featured the same lace as my dress,” said
Jenna. The couple kept their guest list limited to
immediate family, with the addition of Kyle’s best
friend, Dominic, who filled in for Kyle’s father.
Though small in numbers, the guests were seated at
different tables during the post-ceremony dinner.
This had little impact on the mood, however, as the
couple found the Stephanie Inn’s dining room to be
exquisite. “I travel a lot for work, and Stephanie Inn
was the nicest place I have ever stayed,” Jenna said.
T he iconic monolith
holds a special
place in the hearts of
Jenna and Kyle.
The natural facets of the area also dazzled the
couple. “During the entire stay, there were rabbits
everywhere. They were so fun, and a few even made
their way into the wedding photos,” Jenna said.
The rabbits may have been drawn to the scene by
Dominic, who kept a bag of carrots in his pocket
during the ceremony. “There was one particular
bunny that kept hanging out, and we all believed it
to be Kyle’s dad,” Jenna said.
The Oregon Coast has left a lasting impression
on the couple, and they plan to return. The frequency
of those visits, however, is up for debate. “I’d move
there,” said Jenna, “but we will certainly try and visit
every year or two.” In addition to their stay at the
Stephanie Inn, the couple traveled to Astoria for a
lunch of fish and chips. They followed the ceremony
with a honeymoon down U.S. Highway 101, and a
stay in Port Orford. Jenna grew up on the Atlantic,
and was taken in by the contrast of mountains, trees
and rocks. “The Oregon Coast is unlike anything
I’ve seen back east,” Jenna said.
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