Matt + Lauren’s Elopement in Seward + Palmer, Alaska

Day 1 – Adventures in Seward, Alaska

Lauren and Matt traveled from the mid-west with their families to the last frontier – Alaska. Together they all gathered at Salt Roots Cabins in Seward, Alaska for the wedding festivities. Day 1 was all about Lauren and Matt getting to adventure and explore the remote areas of this coastal mountain beauty. While they explored via helicopter + sailboat, their families took a boat tour to look for whales and other birds and critters.

After sharing a first look in dress one, Lauren and Matt headed out for their heli ride. A short 15 minute flight over mountains, waterfalls and glaciers, we landed on the shores of Bear Glacier. The sight was so surreal, and we had it all to ourselves. Lauren and Matt enjoyed kayaking around the massive towering glaciers, watching and listening to them move in the water. It was the perfect way to kick off the start of the wedding events. A bucket list destination, a familiar activity they have shared in various other countries together, but this time – for their wedding.

The helicopter came back to pick us up, showing off some impressive flight skills before landing. We loaded back up into the heli for a short flight across the sound to a private beach, flying over the sailboat we would soon all be on. We waved goodbye to the helicopter one last time. Taking in the view around us we got to see eagles watching us enjoy the shore. The dingy came to pick us up and take us to the sailboat. It was like a movie, Lauren and Matt snacking on the dingy, grinning ear to ear, loading onto the beautiful white boat in the middle of a cove surrounded by glacier carved mountains with waterfalls rushing down into the ocean. We joined them and we started our relaxing, beautiful journey back to Seward.

When we first started planning Lauren and Matt said they wanted their day to feel awe-struck. Day 1 definitely felt like complete awe, setting the tone for the entire event.

Day 2- Wedding Day at Salted Roots Cabin

Wedding day has arrived!! Lauren got ready with all of her gals in her and Matt’s cabin while Matt got ready and spent time with is family in various cabins. Since it was raining on the wedding day we decided to move the ceremony location from the private beach to the lush forest. The A-framed arch decorated with flowers popped among the forest creating such an enchanting vibe.

Lauren and Matt each gifted their parents handkerchiefs with a photo of them when they were little with beautiful words about being their parents on it prior to the ceremony. Lauren’s mom helped her get dressed, as they shared some emotional moments together. Once everyone was ready, Lauren shared a private first look with her dad before he walked her down the aisle, through the forest to Matt. During the ceremony the rings were passed around to their dearest loved ones to bless the rings with well wishes before returned to the couple to place on each others fingers. The ceremony ended in a passionate dip kiss and celebratory smiles and giggles.

After the ceremony we all gathered in one of the cabins that had been transformed into a beautiful romantic setting for a private chef prepared brunch. Everyone dined smiling, laughing and sharing stories over delicious food. Lauren and Matt shared their first dance that they had been practicing and choreographing for the past few months. Then Lauren shared a first dance with her dad and Matt with his mom to complete the wedding day celebration.

Everyone went back to their cabins to rest and relax while Matt and Lauren took a walk on the shore line and ended their day at the sauna. It was a perfect way to end a high emotional, big event day getting to just relax and slow down time together.

Day 3 – Heli Tour in Palmer, Alaska

After a one day gap to check out of the cabins, travel to Palmer and check into a new stay we were all ready for another big adventure day exploring Alaska via helicopter! This day was planned around being the “bonus day” and to feel like celebration of coming together, ticking off a bucket list item of getting to fly in a helicopter together and experience an Alaska glacier in all of it’s glory.

They got ready together sharing a slow morning. Before setting out they took some time to read through the journal they have shared together throughout their relationship – revisiting memories, times during long distance dating, trips and more. It was a morning that just felt like thankfulness – to be here together and for everything they have shared up to this moment.

We arrived at the helipad to set out to the Knik glacier. Immediately flying over the valley we knew it was going to be a good day – partly cloudy, incredibly fall colors on the mountains (reminding them of CO) and the stunning blue glacier.

We first landed at a private spot with various blue pools and found the perfect spot for them to share their private vows with each other. They shared their vows with laughter and tears, just them and the ice. Once the emotions settled and they came back to present with each other the sheer joy was undeniable.

We hoped back into the heli for our second landing – another blue glacier pool. Lauren was most excited for seeing the blue glacier waters when it came to exploring the Knik. At this stop they chose to share an intimate, meaningful, moment washing each other’s feet to honor their faith. In true outdoor fashion they took turns sitting in the camp chairs, removing crampons and boots to wash each other’s feet with the cold, fresh glacier water.

Then we set off for location number three! We landed up on the hillside of the glacier to stop and see a private waterfall coming from glacier run off up above us. It was incredible hearing the roaring power of the water and getting a different perspective of the mountains and glacier.

Our last stop of the day was on the top of the mountain ridge where we landed in bright read heather overlooking the entire Knik glacier and surrounding peaks. It was magical. We started out by exploring the expansive view of the entire glacier coming down the valley and seeing the tiny spot we had previously landed. Lauren and Matt decided to share their choreographed danced together one last time in this incredible place. We stopped to snack on the fresh Alaskan wild berries, which went perfect with their champagne. This was the perfect time to just soak it all in and memorize the view and feeling to the best of our abilities.

During the flight back the pilot took us to see various other pockets of the glacier and mountains, just in time for a beautiful sunset. Since Lauren and Matt have a lot of flight experience of their own and a lot of interested in helicopters the pilot showed off just a little, making it a memorable ride!

We returned to the cabin where Matt ordered a pizza for dinner and they dived into their cake, decorated in a mountain scene. Once the pizza arrived they hoped into the hot tub to enjoy the last of the evening together relaxing.

Lauren + Matt’s Elopement Day Video

We not only captured Lauren and Matt’s day for photo, but also video. It was important to them to capture not only the visual of the experience, but also the auditorial experience of the elopement. It is truly special to get to be transported back to Alaska to re-hear the vows, but also the sounds from the adventures!

Alaska Elopement Vendors:

 Dress designer: Calla Blanche (Day 1 Adventure Dress was Lillian West)

Hair and makeup: Tiffanee with Vibe Artistry (Day 2 + 3) + Lana Makeup (Day 1)

Stay/Ceremony Venue: Salted Roots Cabins

Florals: Honeybee

Rentals: Forest and Fern

Heli companies: Seward Helicopters and Outbound Heli

Sail: Resurrection Bay Sailing

Catering: Barrio Kitchen

Officiant, Photo + Video: Adventure and Vow

Cake Day 3: Glacier Icing Cakes + Cupcakes

More about eloping in Alaska….

Jenifer + Taylor’s Elopement in Washington

This day has been 11 years in the making as Jenifer + Taylor have been growing their relationship working towards marriage and becoming one family. From meeting in California to moving to Tennessee together, they have worked towards their individual and shared goals as partners in life.

Taylor proposed to Jenifer on an epic adventures while they were visiting The Smokey Mountains. On the day of their engagement, they enjoyed a helicopter and horse back ride exploring the mountains. When it came time to plan their wedding day they knew they wanted to explore the mountains of Washington, but were also intrigued with including new adventures, but also adventures that would take them back to that awesome day together.

Jenifer + Taylor were a couple whom have been chatting about their elopement day together for some time. When I asked them why they wanted to elope, I loved this part of their answer “This is our day we give each other our full selves and we do not think there is a better way than being outside like we love to be and in the beautiful scenery of this gorgeous world.” as it directly relates with why we believe so much in eloping!

Day 1 – Mt Baker // North Cascades

Arriving at Jenifer + Taylor’s beautiful cabin they rented we saw a pizza hut box, remnants of a fitting dinner the night before their elopement. They met many years ago in Southern California at a Pizza Hut! They each got ready separately – re-reading their vows they had written and then getting dressed for the day. Jenifer blindfolded Taylor so they could ride together to the first location and share a first look there.

Taylor hiked in first, making his way through the forest, down the hill to a rock bed at the base of a stunning waterfall. Jenifer and I followed, stopping to admire ferns and moss along the way. Jenifer walked up to Taylor and they shared a first look in the complete privacy within the mountain. They took the time to check out each others outfits, hold each other close and admire the beautiful nature surrounding them. They shared their first dance together to the song My Love by Ryann Darling. Before we left the area we took some time to get closer to the falls playing on the rocks. Then we all hiked together back through the forest to venture off to our next adventure.

Jenifer + Taylor were stoked to ride horses again in a new place together. We found stables near all of the other locations making it possible to include a ride on their wedding day. This ride was unique because it was private and gave us the flexibility to ride where wanted and freely. We rode briefly through the forest, by a pond, through a couple of massive open fields and through the Nooksack river. We got off by the river to hang out in the shade and get in the water, a nice cool down from the warm summer day. This part of the two days was one of Taylor’s very favorites – the freedom of running around on the horses and just their joy laughing together enjoying the experience.

After the horseback ride we drove our up higher within the Mt Baker National Forest. Before starting our hike to the ceremony location, we stopped to check out a quick spot that Jenifer had been eyeing on social media and was excited to finally see in person. They sat for a few minutes overlooking the lake and mountains, a break from driving and some time to relax before the big hike, up!

We started our hike in another beautiful mountain and lake view they had been admiring for some time, but now they were here in person! There were still plenty of wildflowers blooming along the way as we hiked, even orchids!

Once we arrived to the ridge we took a breather and reset to go into the ceremony space. It was the perfect spot that showcased the beauty of both Mt. Shuksan and Mt. Baker. They shared vows together privately on the trail as the sun shined on them and the evergreens and the mountains surrounded them. It was a beautiful moment where time felt like it stood still. A moment that was completely theirs as they became one together, forever. After some time letting it all soak in and enjoying this space together, we explored more of the trail as the sunset starting turning the sky a cotton candy pink. Before hiking down, Taylor laid in what snow was left on the shaded mountain side to cool off. Besides, why not soak up the last bit of Winter left in the heat of the summer???

We hiked out from the mountain under the stars, getting to see the milky way for the first time on their trip! We headed back to their adorable cabin to end the night by the fire eating left over pizza and diving into their delicious cake that they had flown all the way from Atlanta with!!

Day 2 – Exploring Olympic National Park

When it came to picking a wedding location – Jenifer + Taylor knew their hearts were set on the Mount Baker area. However, when discussing locations and exploring Washington as a whole during planning they were also captivated by the forest, coast line and magic of Olympic. They decided to spend day 2 together exploring this region of WA.

After a day break to drive down the peninsula, we started day 2 at sunrise on the beach visiting the Tree of Life. We got the most beautiful foggy, colorful Pacific Northwest Morning with the beach mostly to ourselves. It was fun watching them make hearts in the sand simply enjoying their time and being present together. After soaking in the view of the coast line and the tree of life, they found a spot to sit together, read a little bit of scripture and pray together. This was particularly special to include in their elopement experience because this is how they start everyday together!

Next up on our adventure was to explore the HOH Rainforest area. Olympic is extremely unique with its diverse landscapes all contained within one park. Jenifer was particularly excited to see the mossy trees that have been towering in this area for over 1000 years! It was fun hiking through the forest, stopping to read about the ecosystem, stop and feel the moss and trees and to watch birds that stopped by. We found one tree that the two of them fit perfectly in – home in the forest. Jenifer decided this was the perfect spot for a crown her new mother and law gifted her to go with her second dress. It truly looked like Jenifer was the forest queen in that tree!

As we continued making our way through the park we headed to Lake Crescent. We hiked into a beautiful spot of the lake where the blue color of the 600+ foot deep lake was deep and rich. On the warm summer day, it was the perfect temperature for jumping in the lake after having lunch by the shore! Jenifer + Taylor brought cute clear blow up floaties to float on. It was a great time relaxing and as Jenfier said – doing something they’d do at home together, but during their elopement experience somewhere epic! Before heading out, Taylor wanted to join in the cliff jumping fun that is very popular in this area. Jenifer floated in the water and watched along side the cliff edges as Taylor lived out his fun jumping from several different cliff heights. It was a fun lunch break, perfect mid day adventure.

Our last stop on day 2 exploring Olympic was a different beach! We hiked through the ferns and forest to the shore line filled with massive rocks. Tthe first thing we explored was the tide pools as when we arrived the tide was low. They were excited to look for crabs, starfish and other sea life. Taylor found a friendly crab that was interested in their rings! We walked around exploring as much of the coast line as we could. The shoreline always feel freeing like being a kid again – these two embraced that playing airplane, coming up with photo ideas that they were stoked on like foot prints in the sand and dancing around in the sand.

As the sun got lower they enjoyed a slower paced time together and watching the sun sink below the horizon laying on a blanket together. It was hard to believe the two days were coming to an end after months of planning and two full days living out incredible adventures one after another. We ended the two days in pure celebration with a double champagne spray. However, before heading out we stay on a blanket together chatting and snacking as we waited for the sky to get dark enough for a final star photo. Admiring the milky way one last time on their epic adventure across WA.

Celebrating this day with Taylor + Jenifer was incredibly special. There was so much thought put into when, where and what was to happen on their elopement day. Their dream was fully brought to life and we packed an incredible amount of adventure into 2 days. We enjoyed the mountains, rivers, waterfalls and coast line – experiencing some of the best of the best within WA. The entire experience was filled with all the things that make an elopement experience full circle in what we think is the most epic way to start off marriage. From romance, intention, including elements of every day life together, including elements of bucket list items, challenging yourself and simply enjoying each other and the environment. Though they packed a lot into these two days it was a perfect balance of adventure and quality time together. We are so stoked Jenifer + Taylor chose us to come along this adventure with them! Huge congrats to Jenifer + Taylor!!!!! We wish you two many years a beautiful, happy marriage with more adventures along the way!

Your Washington Adventure Elopement Photographers!

Hi ya! We are Traci + Bill! We are a Washington based adventure elopement photo/video team!! We absolutely LOVE helping couples craft elopement days just like this – a day filled with who they are, creating lasting core memories together to start off their marriage.

We capture elopement days as if they are a chapter in your book of life. True to who you are, with a focus on story telling, romance and nature.

We would love to connect with you about your own elopement day.

Let’s Adventure Together!

Check Out Their Elopement Highlight Video!

Other Elopement Vendors a part of their Day:

Meant To Be Bridal

Petals and Bark Designs

More Blogs for Eloping in the PNW

Campground Wedding Day Story in the Mountains of Washington

James + Carmen

Private Vows in the Mountains

James + Carmen’s love story started in Guam when they met through friends. A night of dancing turned into a long distance relationship until Carmen choose to follow James to Washington state. They grew their relationship over the years enjoying International travel, skiing, hiking and morning coffees together. They got engaged while on a trip to Michigan visiting James’ family cabin, watching the sunset by the lake. When it came to wedding planning they knew they wanted to celebrate with those who mean a lot to them and their relationship. They also knew they did not want to plan an event that wouldn’t allow them quality time with each other and those they were to celebrate with.

When we started planning, the dream was a venue that they could stay together in cabins near the mountain, play games, hike, canoe and find other adventures near by. The Mount Baker range peaked their interest since it is an area in the Winter they enjoy skiing together. We found the perfect nook for them to host everyone and celebrate with a nearby hike with incredible views for sunrise together. Prior to the elopement day, Carmen had a skiing accident, oddly enough on a route that went over the trail they were set to hike on the elopement day. Since she would still be healing on their elopement day we selected an alternative hike that had equally incredible views just below the original location.

We hiked in under the morning blue hour glow. At the start of the hike we were welcomed to the mountains with a drummer playing in the dark perched on a hill. We arrived to the location where they would share their vows and a first look – Mt Baker’s glaciers starting to glow a bright white on the mountain. They were blown away by the views, only having ever seen this area before blanketed under many feet of snow. They changed back to back into their wedding attire, so they could see each other all dressed up for the first time to start off the day. Carmen chose a look inspired by her roots in Spain and surprised Jame’s with her stunning, unique lace veil.

They shared their wedding vows with each other in complete privacy surrounded by 360 mountain peak views. The sun started to rise and the colors on the mountains changed to a light pink before the sun crested the ridge just in time for them to share a kiss together following the completion of their vow exchange.

Following their vows we wandered around the area exploring the wildflowers and mountain views in the warmth of the morning light. Carmen envisioned a blue bird day up on the mountain and we were given just that, a stunning day with the perfect temperature and beautiful skies. It made for a lovely, romantic morning to spend time together in the meadows.

Morning Camp Coffee

We hiked back to our cars and went down the mountain a few switch backs to a different area. They sat down and made their morning coffee with a camp jet boil. They toasted to starting off marriage in the mountains in the most magical way imagined. They shared stories with us about their time skiing in the area and in Whistler. They took their time just enjoying the morning together, their first alone time in several days as they had been hosting many of their guests whom had flown from all over the states to come join them on this day. It was a special way to start off the wedding day, setting the tone and intent for the day ahead.

Wedding Ceremony at the Campground

Back at camp, we joined them after enough time for a nap and to re-energize for the events ahead. The couple was in their own spaces getting ready with their friends and family. The gals working on their hair and make up together upstairs in a main cabin over looking the reception space where more of their friends were putting everything together. The fellas got dressed and shared a toast together in celebration before heading over the ceremony.

James + Carmen held a more formal ceremony in a mossy forest with an adorable A Frame “arch.” Each of their parents walked them down the aisle. James’ second-father figure officiated the ceremony. It was a special touch to hear him recall the starting journey and moments shared with the couple from an outside perspective. There was laughter and joy in the stories. Carmen’s nephew brought the rings forward for the formal exchange of vows, which brought tears of joy. As their family and friends watched along you could feel and see the love of support these two have surrounding them and supporting them in their marriage. They shared their first kiss as husband and wife and walked back down the aisle hand in hand, smiles filled with stoke as everyone blew bubbles around them.

Dinner + Reception at the Campground

They headed to the dock to canoe over to another dock near the reception space. It was a romantic way to get a few moments together between their ceremony and the reception – taking it all in that they were officially married. They joined the party as everyone else had made their way back too, overlooking the balcony watching them in the canoe. The night started with an incredible grazing table their friends had put together filled with yummy spreads, fruits and nuts. The chef had dinner almost ready. He had prepared a mix of delicious seafood, veggie and beef paella with salad and bread on the side. Everyone dined and chatted together socializing at different tables. As dinner came to an end, folks dispersed to play games together, take laps in the canoes on the lake, celebrate with shots and to play with the kiddos. As the night started to grow darker and the sun set behind the trees, the glowy string lights began to shine on the dance floor. James + Carmen started off the dancing with their first dance together, moving on the dance floor together beautifully! They asked everyone to join in with them as the song started to come to an end to get the dance party started. Friends took turns DJ-ing and the dance floor was never empty. As the night grew on, Carmen shared a dance with her dad and James danced with his mom. The evening was so much fun!

James + Carmen’s elopement day was a perfect balance of adventure, quality alone time, fun and intention. It was a day immersed in celebration, joy and love. It was a day you certainly never forget – getting to spend time with all of your most important folks in your life in one place, having a great time together and becoming husband and wife.

We are so stoked for James + Carmen and feel so honored to have been asked to spend this day with them and capture their story. We wish them many years of happiness in marriage and many epic adventures on the trails and slopes as husband and wife! <3

Campground Wedding Vendors a part of this day:

Camp Saturna – Campground Wedding Venue

H + M – Grooms Suit

Brides for a Cause – Bride’s Dresses

Paella Works – Chef

Blog resources for Campground Wedding ideas:

Moab Rock Climbing Elopement Day | Gillian + Josh

Gillian + Josh are an adventurous couple who met in Colorado, where they both live. From their first date their relationship has blossomed through experiences in nature and during outdoor adventures. Their first date consisted of a multi-pitch trad route that they did in the dark under a full moon. It was Gillian’s first time cleaning trad gear, which meant they were both putting a lot of trust in each other and building strong communicating from the start. On their elopement, Gillian brought the gloves Josh gifted her from that first date to wear while belaying Josh.

When it came to picking a location for their elopement Moab, Utah made a lot of sense. They got engaged in Moab while climbing the route Pocket Rocket together. Moab has been a familiar stop for them when it comes to climbing or as a pit stop along their many road trips together. Moab had everything they wanted in their day – warmth, rocks to climb, stars and privacy.

Learn More About Planning Your Own Epic Desert Elopement Here!

Moab Hanging Rappel for Star Gazing

To start off their elopement we were supposed to meet for climbing, however, we did a switch-a-roo to navigate weather and started their elopement with the way we were supposed to be ending it. During the planning process it was very clear how much climbing means for the two of them and their connection. The stoke was high on climbing. They also wanted to take some time for star gazing. So I thought – we should combine these two!!! We planned the “impossible” to capture a hanging rope rappel off of an arch in the middle of the night for stargazing and night photography. We ended up starting with this due to the late Winter weather Moab was experiencing as with the projected weather it was the only chance we would get to see the stars. When we parked the cars we looked up and were blown away at how many stars there were visible to our eyes. There was no moon until later in the night. We hiked up the sandy hill and Gillian + Josh began their night send up the arch. Bill and I hiked back to the base of the arch where we waited, listening to them communicate with each other and watched their headlamps dancing around the landscape. We heard the rope drop and they began their rappel down. They stopped along the way to take in the stars, a magical sight. One they hadn’t got to see often on such a clear night. It was a moment of quiet, a moment of admiration and a slower, intentional pace. Truly it was the perfect way to start off the elopement, just getting grounded within the experience and being immersed in the landscape/atomosphere, even through they were suspended in the air.

Climbing off of Kane Creek Road on their Elopement Day

Though our night climbing and descent went into the early morning hours of their official elopement day (we actually had to climb it twice to get the fixed ropes back!), we started their big day off just around sunrise in the depths of Kane Springs Canyon. This canyon is known for adventure – off roading, mountain biking, base jumpers, climbing and lots of hiking too. Josh and Gillian had found a route here that peaked their interested – what they felt would be the perfect route for their elopement day. It was a multi-pitch trad route involving full body stemming, optional crack climbing and a double rope hanging rappel. For them, this would be something that relates to their first date which brought in the feels and a newer style of climbing for them which presented a challenge to face together. Gillian loves trying new things. For her this would be a totally new style of climbing and a new route. However, she also would have to work through a small healthy amount of nerves for the height of the hanging rappel. Josh and Gillian would rappel down together though, side by side.

After prepping all the gear Josh started the climb off with a kiss and started to lead the route while Gillian belayed him. Josh had fun with the first pitch, stopping to look down at his bride and out at the view. Gillian was stoked to climb in her wedding dress and was all smiles as she started up the first pitch. After they both made it to the anchors they got to hang out in the chimney together before starting pitch two as I made it to the other climbing wall adjacent to us to capture the second pitch from a better angle. Bill who had been photographing from above on the route rapped down to get his drone to photograph the rest of the route.

As they climbed up the second pitch, they money wild chimney pitch, I was at the base of a crag across the road and the climbers there were in awe as they watch the groom and bride go up the route in their wedding attire and also in awe of how some fellow climbers decided to celebrate their day! Once Gillian topped out on the route reaching Josh, everyone at the crag whistled and congratulated them. Once at the top and their ropes managed the went up a little higher on a big ledge where they could sit together in the sun chatting and enjoying the morning in peace and surrounded by beauty. They started their hanging rappel down, nerves a little extra high on this day as they were going to “tie the knot”. As they got closer to the ground we had some fun on the ropes, enjoying the time and space together being playful. We packed up all the gear once everyones feet were back on the ground to start our hike back to the cars. As we reached the cars they enjoyed a beer, looked back at what they had just tackled on such a special day. After taking some time to put away all the gear, take a second and enjoy the moment, it was time to head out and get ready for their ceremony!!

If you climb, you probably know that feeling after completing a new route where you had to push yourself a little bit – stoked, energized, blissfully happy. Imagine that feeling, but you are also about to go get married!!

Fisher Towers Elopement Ceremony

Gillian and Josh decided to elope in the Fisher Towers area because it was an area of Moab they had never stopped to explore before. Before setting out on the trail, they signed the trail registry, making note they were hiking to their wedding ceremony for all to see! We all were eyeing the route Ancient Art as we made our way through the first few bends of the trail. We noticed other people climbing in different areas as well. Seems like a place they will be coming back to throughout their marriage to maybe celebrate an anniversary climbing a route overlooking where they said I do. As we made our way down the trail we took in the views of Castleton, the towers and mesas around us.

We had scouted out the perfect private spot, just off the trail in an area with loads of durable rock surface which offered privacy and awesome views. They hopped over a small crevasse and they had their own perfect rock island to stand on to share their vows. They intimately shared their vows, straight from the heart, and exchanged rings – sealing the deal with a kiss. Gillian wore her great grandmothers ring as she jumped back over to the mainland. All smiles, full of stoke – they did it, they got married!! They shared their dance to a romantic song in solitude with a majestic view, no one around but them two. Before sunset they sat down to take it all in with some pizza + beer too! They are both beer lovers and brought some of Josh’s favorite, which also happens to be what they had on their first date. They shared pizza in honor of it being pi day, which was only fitting since Gillian loves numbers. They sat together, after a cheers of course, taking in the massive towers around them and also the stoke on spending the day together doing what they love, in a beautiful place – getting married.

On the hike out in the dark we were surrounded by all of the towers and got to see a few headlamps of climbers coming down the routes in the area. As we hiked out we enjoyed conversation together. We learned that for Josh his love for climbing started at a young age as her father taught him to belay. We learned for Gillian her love of the outdoors started as a child living in Arizona where she started doing hikes early on in the Grand Canyon and other parts of the state. We chatted about some of their favorite memories together, when they lived in a ski condo early on in dating and how fond of memories they have from that experience. Throughout the day watching these two work together in adventure and them simply being together, embracing quality time, you could tell how much they love each other.

Gillian + Josh’s wedding day was them. They shared beers, climbed, hiked, adventured, spent quality time together, Josh had Gillian laughing with his jokes, ate pizza, and enjoyed nature. They told me during planning that they weren’t very good at sitting still – I can confirm we were not still very much for the 24 hours of their elopement. It was a day fully embraced and fully lived in a place they can come back to for more epic adventures, to reminisce, to hike, to look up at the stars and to slow life down every once in a while.

Moab Rock Climbing Elopement Photographer

Hi-ya! We are Traci + Bill – your adventure elopement photographer for the Western United States! We believe elopements a can be a reflection of marriage + your story as a couple.

Working with Gillian + Josh really resonated with us. A lot of their personal story as a couple overlayed with Bill + I’s story. Just like them, on one of our first dates Bill took me up a multi-pitch route – and I had never climbed before. Ever since then, similar to Josh and Gillian, our relationship has been bound in adventure, exploring, trying new things, supporting each other and pushing ourselves. Their elopement also reminded us some of our own in the sense of choosing to really do something you love, and adding a little spice. We are so thankful to have been brought along for their day being able to share this connection with the outdoors and a like minded view on how to get married.

If you are looking for an elopement photographer to help you bring your big ideas to life on your wedding day – we are here for it! We love capturing couples love stories from Washington to Arizona and beyond. We will be with you every step of the way.

Contact us about your elopement day!