If you’re sick of wedding planning, there are other ways to get married than in a ballroom or on a golf course. Instead, you can create a personalized time together where you can truly absorb every moment. The first day of your marriage should look however you want it to be. When you take a moment to slow down and have a flexible day centered around your union together, it just hits differently. The day doesn’t need to be a blur. This gorgeous sunrise mountain elopement in the Sierra Nevadas of Mammoth Lakes truly captured what it means to do your elopement planning with intentionality!
This elopement was full of mountain goodness and I was so there for it! Their mountain elopement day actually started the evening prior when we met up for dinner and I helped make the bride’s bouquet. The three of us (the couple + me) then stayed in the same cabin so we could leave together the following morning at 3am in order to catch the sunrise.
This special elopement had us hiking two miles uphill to about 8,000 feet in the beautiful Sierra Nevada wilderness. I was completely exhausted (and 10 weeks pregnant at the time!) and a bit nauseous from the elevation. But, there’s really nothing like those sunrise moments with the crisp air and snow-covered mountains while watching the world come to life as the sun rises. The timing was perfect and sun began to appear the very second we arrived at the ceremony spot.
Sierra and Josh opened with the two of them singing a worship song and praying for each other. These two shared the most beautiful vows with each other followed by a ring exchange. This happened just as the sun peeked over the horizon. Their ceremony was nothing short of exactly what they wanted, and completely them.
Lastly, they celebrated! The newlyweds walked to a nearby lake to enjoy a picnic breakfast and have their first dance along the shoreline. The placid lake was completely flat and provided a reflection of the Sierra Nevada mountain range as their view. From the beautiful sunrise and worship music, to sharing personal vows and Bible verses, finished off by a lakeside picnic–the day was simply beautiful.
When you get up that early, it ends pretty early too! We were remarkably heading back down the mountain we had climbed by 9am.
This Mammoth Lakes mountain elopement in the Sierra Nevadas was one that was so incredibly special to these two. Originally from New Zealand, Sierra and Josh had always dreamed of getting married somewhere in the California mountains. They wanted an epic view that showed off the power of the Sierra Nevadas.
One of my favorite things to do as an elopement photographer is to find those off-the-beaten-path places perfect for a private ceremony. Many beautiful locations have become overly popularized by social media, and unfortunately have been flooded with those wanting Instagram-worthy photos. I provided a list of gorgeous hidden elopement spots and when they chose this one, I knew it would be perfect for them.
I’ll never get over this day, this job that I have, and couples like Sierra and Josh. Couples who trust me to capture such quiet and intimate moments. It is so incredible that I get to be the only other person present when two people commit their lives to each other. I was the one who got to announce: “I now pronounce you husband and wife!”
What a privilege! Their day was incredibly intentional, special, and personalized to them in every way. I am so thankful they chose me to help them make it all come together!
Is this the kind of day that you’re looking for too? Let’s chat about making your plans happen!