These precious moments—more valuable now than ever before completely swept me away. I always say that I’m all about elopements and small weddings. The smaller the better! The intimacy of just the couple or a few guests is the perfect recipe for a remarkable wedding.

Like so many 2020 couples, Taylor and Joe rescheduled their big wedding to fit within local restrictions. Not a hint of disappointment could be found on the joyous faces of these close family members and dogs. The bride and groom merely had less to distract so they could focus solely on one another.

We found ourselves celebrating their elopement in the mountains of Big Bear Lake in Southern California. After the bride and groom got gussied up we caravanned down a dirt road to the ceremony site. It was hilarious trying to follow behind 15 family members on this off-roading trail!

We arrived at the perfect isolated spot overlooking the San Bernardino Mountains with an altar set up for the nuptials. From their first look against the backdrop of the San Bernardino Mountains, to vows recited via a video call, every moment was worth capturing. Following the ceremony, they kissed between the trees as the sun set along Bluff Lake. This is a secret lake in Big Bear that’s only accessible in the summer!

Even though Taylor and Joe had to reschedule their big wedding to 2021, their elopement was nothing short of special. I was completely honored to help in the elopement planning process after they realized their day could not go as originally planned. Helping make Taylor and Joe’s elopement possible was such a beautiful reminder of the essentials needed for a successful wedding day: just you, your boo, a beautiful view, and a family member or two.