Sarah and Robert - Yosemite Elopement

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!

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Jennifer and Bryan - Yosemite Engagement

I first met Jennifer almost a year ago shortly after Bryan proposed to her. They were in the earliest stages of planning their wedding and were interested in my photography. It was only after talking with them for quite a while over the phone, that Bryan sprung the fact that he is also a professional photographer on me (nice one Bryan)!

When it came time for the engagement session, I gave them complete and total freedom to choose a location that fit their style. Somehow I imagined shooting an urban feel someplace in Fresno or even near their home in Visalia. But after talking with them a bit more, they revealed their love of nature and how much they feel at home in the mountains.

So last Sunday we met up just outside of Yosemite and jumped in my car for a quick Yosemite tour. On the way to Yosemite Valley, our conversation started off with their wedding plans, but quickly spilled into everyday life. And truth be told, even though I was in the drivers seat, I really had no specific place in mind to take them to. I was driving with one eye always out the window looking for the perfect light.




Once we made our way into the valley, it seemed like I stopped the car every quarter mile (hey, I'm driving so I can do that) to soak up the fall colors. Thankfully, nature was on our side to create these fall engagement photos.




If you know me, you know how much I love to shoot in water. Unfortunately, the water here is cold, like really cold, so I put Jennifer and Bryan in the water instead.






We continued to milk every last ray of susnet on our slow progression to the Ahwahnee.




Once we got the Ahwahnee, the photos took on a different look as stone walls replaced falling leaves.




After all of this, it was a short ride back with my new friends Jennifer and Bryan. It's still almost a year until their wedding, but I have such high expectations already. Thanks for sharing such and amazing afternoon with me and I can't wait for the wedding! You guys rock!

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Terry and Cary - Glacier Point Lovin'

Terry and Cary married last Thursday at Glacier Point. Words cannot describe the inspiring view from that vantage, it sure seems to me to be one of the most amazing places to wed. If you have been to Glacier Point, you know what I am talking about, if not, you need to go.

They gathered in Yosemite with close friends and family from across the country to celebrate their wedding. For many of their guests, it was the first time they had been to Yosemite. Thankfully, as we traveled through the park and Wawona Hotel, the weather was perfect and presented a beautiful day.

I had the pleasure of driving Terry and Cary for the day and getting to know them throughout our adventures. Let's just say Terry and Cary are totally in love with each other and are destined for many happy adventures. It really is a blessing of my job to get to know so many wonderful people at such and important step in their lives.

We started off the morning bright and early with Carol of Bellissimo Brides working her magic.




From their, we headed back up to the Wawona Hotel where they prepared for the wedding.





Once ready, we headed out for a few shots near the hotel before heading up to Glacier Point for the ceremony.








Upon arriving at Glacier Point, I was once again blown away by the majestic views and scenery.





Kirk Moulin' music provided the finishing touch on the ceremony.



Reverend Autrey Nassar officiated a simple and inspiring ceremony.




After the short trip back down to the hotel, everyone enjoyed the staff's hospitality and delicious food.





Everyone enjoyed the amazing food and each others company through the night.


Sweet Dreams Cakery provided the flowers and tasty cake.






We ended a superfun day and night with one last shot before I left Terry and Cary for the night... congratulations again!

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