Gorgeous Fall Elopement At Yosemite’s Cathedral Beach
Nick ANd Jessica’s Yosemite ADventure
I know I say this a lot, but it’s only because I am so lucky, Nick and Jessica were an absolute delight to shoot. They decided to elope to the majestic Yosemite Valley with some of their closest friends and family coming along for the adventure. From the first shoot to the end of the day these two were cracking each other up, loving on one another, and overall showing off just how in love they were. To make things even better, and one of the best parts about eloping to Yosemite in October, the colours of fall were on full display.
Romantic First Look at Swinging bridge
To get the day started we ventured off to the Swinging Bridge which has a gorgeous wooded area perfect for first looks. As an elopement photographer I absolutely love first looks. Not only are the photos that come from them always some of the sweetest, but it’s a great way for the couple to settle their wedding day jitters sooner rather than later. One look at each other and it’s all smiles for the rest of the day.
Intimate Ceremony at Cathedral Beach
Not long after the first look we made our way to the ceremony location. Nick and Jessica had chosen Cathedral Beach as the site for their wedding. With its stellar views of El Capitan towering above and the stony shores of the Merced River below, Cathedral Beach is a gorgeous location for tying the knot. You may recognize their wedding officiant Rev. Autrey from one of my previous elopements in the Yosemite Valley. As always he conducted a beautiful wedding experience and guided Nick and Jessica through their ceremony. With their closest friends and family bearing witness, Nick and Jessica promised their lives to one another with lots of laughter and the sweetest of vows.
Sunset in the Meadows
With the ceremony finished, it was time to get out and explore a little. We headed through the valley and found our way to this gorgeous meadow. Meandering across the wooden boardwalk, and down winding paths through the reeds and meadows. The golden light of sunset shone beautifully on us and gifted us some absolutely spectacular light. Perfect for capturing these two’s many laughs and smiles together. I always love it when a couple tells me how awkward they are in front of the camera and then just blow me away with their display heartfelt love for one another.
BESIDE THE POHONO BRIDGE
As so often happens with Yosemite elopements, things don’t always go as planned. We had intended to stop at a different location on our way out of the valley but as we arrived we discovered there wasn’t the slightest chance of finding parking there. Luckily just down the road there was another spot I had seen earlier that I thought would work. I don’t think either of us regret having to go with this option. The Pohono Bridge surrounded by fall colours and the emerald waters of the Merced looked like it was straight out of a painting. I was so entranced by it I hadn’t even noticed the gnarled tree roots behind me. Sure glad Nick and Jessica pointed them out. Don’t ever be afraid to suggest a spot to shoot to your photographer!
ONE LAST KISS AT TUNNEL VIEW
With the sun set behind the horizon we made one last stop as we exited the valley. Tunnel View was crowded as it always was with throngs of people loudly going about their business. But you’d never know that from seeing these photos. These two had found their bliss. A perfect end to another amazing Yosemite adventure.
