Sarah and Robert - Yosemite Elopement
>> Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Yesterday I joined Sarah and Robert for their wedding day. I say that lightly, but in truth it was a heavy experience. They came to Yosemite and marry by themselves, just the two of them, myself with a camera, and Rev. Autrey Nassar as the officiant. As I have said before, something magical happens when you strip away all the fluff surrounding a wedding and just bring the focus back to the bride and groom, and that's exactly what happened. With no distractions, the love between them was thick, I just tried my best not to get in their way.
For the majority of the day while we traveled through the park to create photographs, it was just the three of us. After we met up at the Ahwahnee, and I drove through the park pulling over anytime I saw the light working (which was basically everywhere).
It wasn't too long before I started to get a little crazy with the camera. Perhaps I'm still feeling the halloween thing...
Although they gave me complete artistic freedom, there were a few spots that Sarah and Robert knew they wanted a photo at, and you can't beat this view! As a side note, I am always amazed by how cool tourists are with us taking over a popular spot like this. While most are hustling and shoving to get a chance to snap a photo, everyone moved aside to give the bride and groom their chance. I love Yosemite!
After traveling around the valley for a while, we returned to the Ahwahnee to the perfect spot that Sarah and Robert had scoped out, their own private Yosemite, for the ceremony.
During the ceremony, as they exchanged their own heartfelt-unscripted vows with each other, both Autrey and I stepped away and suddenly it was just them. No microphones, no band, no crowds. Just them and Yosemite. It was a beautiful sight to see them stand by themselves and profess their complete love for each other.
After the ceremony, we headed back inside to sign the marriage license. I say we, because I was not only the photographer but also the witness. How cool is that? Once that was completed, we took a few minutes to create a few more photos.
This shot was greatly inspired by flat-out-ripped-off from DJ Ellis of La Bella Vita Photography (I told you I was going to steal this great idea).
We ended the day with one final shot before Sarah and Robert enjoyed their first dinner together as husband and wife at the Ahwahnee. Congratulations again, you guys are amazing!
Samantha and Geoff traveled from Sydney Australia to marry in Yosemite. As far as I know, thats just about as far as someone can travel to get married. They were joined by Samatha's longtime friend Lindessa who drove up from Palm Springs just for the wedding (and back down after it was over)!
After finalizing a time and location, we decided on having the wedding in a meadow just behind the Yosemite Chapel as the sun set behind El Capitan. We met for the first time Tuesday afternoon and she looked stunning, just ask Geoff! Earlier in the afternoon Samantha had gone to Bellissimo Brides to have have her hair done and it looked amazing. Reverend Carol Dewey officaiated the ceremony which was simple and beautiful.
I have really come to love elopements--they are like a full blown wedding stripped down to the core, the love between a husband and wife. There was absolutely nothing to distract from the love of these two. But in this case, there was another little girl present, their soon-to-come daughter Winter who held her own special place in the ceremony. Have I mentioned I love what I do?
Samantha took a little longer to arrive than planned, but that just us more time to hang out and get to know Geoff. In case you are wondering, Geoff = very cool guy.
A spot just behind the Yosemite Chapel became the perfect sport for the union.
I love the simple representation of an amazing point in her life. Such peace.
It's amazing how something so simple as a pair of shoes can capture personality.
Passion.
We stopped to enjoy the last of the daylight as it slipped behind the horizon.
Once we got rid of all traces of daylight, things got interesting :) Shooting in the forest in complete darkness is not the easiest thing to pull off, but I always enjoy a good challenge. Fortunately, Samantha and Geoff ROCKED these shots!
Yeah, we were still taking photos late into the evening (think starlight). I was exhausted to say the least, but the result was well worth the work!