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!
Kyra and Matthew visit Yosemite every year for a week with a group of friends and family (this year close to 50). They both have a great love for the outdoors and Yosemite in particular, so it was only natural for them to marry in the valley. Their wedding is coming up quickly, but during their vacation I met up with them for a quick engagement session. Although I had met them once before (their was a couple of feet of snow on the ground back then) and talked with them at great length, I really didn't know for sure what direction the photos were going to take. Everyone has a different reaction to having a camera pointed at them -- some shy up, some act up, some tense up. Kyra and Matthew loved up.
Just because we're in Yosemite doesn't mean we have to stay outdoors all day.
One of my favorites from the day, exactly as it was in camera. How'd the rocks get in the sky?
I love the way the water soaked up this light!
Can you tell they're in love?
I had a wonderful time with Kyra and Matthew as we traveled through the park that afternoon. I can't wait for the wedding!
Sheri really loved these soft shots.
When we first met up, I asked them if they enjoyed hiking around. Not knowing what it would get them into, they told me yes. Here they were after a short hike near Olmstead Point.
Thanks again Sheri and Bo for such a fun afternoon!