Elopements in Yosemite National Park will always hold a special place in my heart. Bri and Kate chose experience over tradition and opted for the most incredible, intimate elopement in Yosemite in the heart of autumn, October.

Like so many couples in 2020, Bri and Kate’s original plans to elope in Yosemite National Park included a wedding with their closest friends and family. However, with the pandemic and California wildfires in full swing, Bri and Kate opted for an even more romantic and intimate setting to say their vows and begin this chapter of their lives together.

We woke up at 4am to get everything ready to head into the park. Even though this weekend seemed to a busy one for elopements, we had so much space and stillness to ourselves. Bri and Kate opted for sunrise vows at Glacier Point, which ended up being one of the most emotional moments of the entire day. Kate had no clue that Bri had recorded her vows beforehand and intended on playing them during the ceremony. It was so incredibly romantic and led to the most genuine tears and heartfelt reactions from both Kate and her daughter, Rylee.

After the ceremony, we took photos around Glacier Point and then drove down to Tunnel View to finish out the morning half of the day. As the sun continued to rise, it illuminated the smoke from the wildfires. After we finished up at Tunnel View, I thought about the chaos that 2020 inevitably brought with it. So many couples were forced to reexamine their special day. The smoke at Tunnel View cleared just a tad and reminded me of the beauty that arises from ash and how beautiful this elopement proved to be, despite all of the worry, alternate planning, and obstacles that this couple overcame to get to this moment.

Later that evening, we met back up with Bri and Kate to finish out their day in El Cap Meadow and Taft Point. The sunset was incredible and gave us the most perfect golden hour glow across the meadow. The views from Taft Point and El Cap will undoubtedly be etched into our minds forever.

Our conversation with Bri and Kate about their Yosemite National Park elopement is one that I will never forget. I remember exactly where I was when their initial email came through. I was elated to have the opportunity to head back to one of my favorite places. Even more, the feeling you get when someone believes in you and your work enough to fly you across the country to photograph such an important part of their story is a feeling that I will never get used too. I am forever thankful to have crossed paths with this absolutely incredible couple.

To see more from my time in Yosemite, including a variety in locations, visit my blog here.

Vendors:

Venue - Yosemite National Park

Dresses: Willowby by Watters

Boots: Doc Martens

Featured On: Junebug Weddings