A change of wedding plans doesn’t have to be a bad thing- for some couples, it’s the catalyst to discovering their perfect day! After getting engaged in Utah, Ansley and Ryan scrapped their plans for a big wedding, packed their bags, and headed to Yosemite to elope! We spent the weekend sharing a cabin (and endless laughs + Irish whiskey) and exploring this magical valley together. I couldn’t adore these two more!
Vow Exchange under El Capitan
An elopement at Yosemite provides endless opportunities for ceremony and portrait locations. There are sweeping vistas, rugged landscapes, and beautiful plantlife. Whatever flavor of outdoor adventure you’re looking for, you can find it at Yosemite. This park is truly out of this world! Ansley and Ryan took advantage of the two most beautiful times of day for their sunrise vow exchange and sunset portraits.
The day started with a first look at Glacier Point. Waking up at 3 AM to get ready and drive to the point was worth it!! Seeing Ansley overwhelmed Ryan for a moment, and their love was just palpable. The sun rose right over Half Dome, and watching it burst from behind that iconic rock and cast a romantic golden light on the whole landscape, felt like wedding magic Yosemite made just for Ansley and Ryan. It perfectly set the tone for the warm and joy-filled day.
Then we hiked to Ansley and Ryan’s ceremony spot beneath El Capitan, one of Yosemite’s most iconic landmarks (Free Solo, anyone??). The very aptly named Bridalveil Fall can be found nearby, and with this granite megalith standing as a witness, Ansley and Ryan were married in the most intimate ceremony officiated by Ryan’s brother Jayson.
The portraits we took under El Cap showcase how thoughtful Ansley and Ryan were about their wedding day. Ansley’s BHLDN dress was so perfect for an elopement in Yosemite! The floral details of her lace struck just the right balance of elegance and natural motifs, but with enough movement and comfort to walk around the meadows of Yosemite and the evening hike to Taft Point. I can’t get over her train sweeping across the boulders and fields.
This ceremony spot was so romantic! Little wildflowers bloomed around Ansley’s dress train, and Ansley and Ryan felt like they were the only people in the world. Afterward, we all took a break for breakfast at The Ahwanhee, a hotel in Yosemite Valley, before returning to their cabin.
Sunset Hike to Taft Point
One of the biggest perks of having an elopement wedding is timeline flexibility! Not only were we able to schedule their day, photos, and ceremony around the most beautiful light of the day, but after our sunrise portion and breakfast we all headed back to the cabin for a good old midday nap. It helped everyone refresh for more afternoon adventures, and it gave the couple a chance to share some quiet moments together.
As I mentioned, Ansley and Ryan took advantage of sunset as well as sunrise at their elopement in Yosemite! We hiked to the epic Taft Point for the last part of the day. The orange sunset made a sea of color in the valley, and Ansley and Ryan looked like they were standing at the edge of the world together. Somehow it was big and exciting and cozy all at the same time! The couple took the opportunity to have their officiant read a few more words of their vows to each other as they stood on top of the world, bathed in the most beautiful sunset light I’ve ever seen.
The layers of light in the valley really were amazing. The light made Ansley’s veil positively glow when the wind blew it. It was one of the most cinematic moments of the day and I don’t think I’ll ever be able to get over the magic we created in their photos.
Ansley and Ryan weren’t the only ones looking stunning either. Jayson was excited that he got another chance to wear his bright suit! At the morning ceremony, the wedding party looked summery and festive. At sunset, their coral clothes fit perfectly with the warm hues the sunset cast. We had Jayson officiate another tiny ceremony for A + R just to have the chance to exchange words of love to each other while standing on what looks + feels like the edge of the world.
Ansley and Ryan’s Elopement in Yosemite
Ansley and Ryan kept their wedding day focused on connecting with each other and their siblings. That is one of the coolest parts of an elopement for me- people really get to focus on being in the moment with their forever person and connecting with what matters the very most to them.
I get to tell lots of couples’ stories, but Ansley and Ryan’s was truly unique. The day was full of big feels, the vibe was spot-on, and everyone had so much fun together.
At the end of their elopement in Yosemite, Ansley and Ryan we headed back to the rented cabin. We shared Irish whiskey and laughed together all night! They’re the raddest couple, and I love that I get to count them as my good friends now.
Would you like me to photograph your elopement in Yosemite? Come introduce yourself to me, and let’s begin our adventure together!!
Thanks to the vendors who made this day possible:
Dress: BHLDN
Floral: Willow & Water
Hair and Makeup: Bride’s Sister!
