It’s actually a really interesting story how we got in touch with Anthia and Mauricio! Last year Allen and I were driving out to Joshua Tree NP for an engagement session we were hired when at the very last minute our clients canceled. After driving quite a distance for their session we decided not to waste our time and reached out on facebook and instagram to see if there were any couples who wanted to take the session free of charge! Anthia and Mauricio reached out to us immediately and were able to meet us within the hour! It was amazing we felt so lucky that we were able to give our time to a couple at the last minute. We had such a fun session with them and we talked about how they were thinking if they were to get married they would love to elope! After parting ways we got in touch again and these two asked if we could photograph their elopement in Yosemite NP! I jumped out of my chair when I got the email! I was so excited because we LOVE Yosemite so much and know it like the back of our hands!
We decided on a sunrise elopement at Glacier Point to get the BEST light you will ever see in the park! As we discussed possible dates Anthia was super smart to choose a week day which made it significantly less crowded (yes even sunrise can be a busy time!). We started our day at 2:30am with makeup at their cute airbnb just outside of the park. All of us were running on barely a few hours of sleep but it was so much fun we had pure excitement and adrenaline (and lots of coffee!) fueling us. After our session we drove to their elopement spot and it was so perfect and empty! We were the first ones there and got to pick the most amazing spot overlooking El Capitan. We took them one by one to the spot in order to have a true first look at the location. Allen and I were both moved to tears as we captured them seeing each other first time in one of the most beautiful places in the world. They then started to read their vows and it was like God himself planned their elopement because the sun started to peak out behind the mountains the minute they began. Right as they finished their vows and had their first kiss and husband and wife the sun came out like a beam over the mountain and I was in actual shock! I had never witnessed something so beautiful and perfect in my entire life. You can tell these two are destined for each-other!
Yosemite is honestly one of the most diverse and stunning locations of an elopement. The best part is the fun doesn’t stop after the vows are read! We were able to stop at one of our favorite secret road spots and then into the beautiful lush valley below for a relaxing picnic with wine and cupcakes! Even the purple flowers in the fields were blooming for these two’s special day! We seriously love every moment as we capture couples enjoy nature and each other as we get to play tour guide / photographer for the day. Over all this was probably one of the most special elopements we have been apart of and feel so lucky we got to witness these beautiful souls on a day they will never forget.
Makeup + Photography - Sam Rae MUA Photo
Florist - New Creations Flower Co.
