Mount Rainier, Sunrise Trail Elopement
The clouds broke apart to let the sunset seep in while they wed.
How have I never blogged this great love adventure in beautiful Washington before? I photographed this elopement on Mt Rainier in 2018.
I really feel lucky to have spent as much time with Kelsey and JJ as often as I did. They drove down to meet me in Oregon a few months before they eloped to take engagement photos on the coast. Then, on the anniversary of her grandmother’s wedding, they eloped on Mount Rainier.
I arrived at the borrowed cabin nearby Mount Rainier on that drizzling PNW day, and a great big elk greeted me in the driveway.
They spent the early afternoon getting ready - It was just Kelsey’s parents and sister, and JJ’s parents. Months later I would fly to shoot their big reception party in downtown Seattle - but for now, it was just their closest family to share in this beautiful day. My favorite kind of day.
After the first look, we drove up to Sunrise Lodge on Mount Rainier, and it didn’t take us long to find a good spot for their ceremony. I remember even now how cold the wind was even on an August day, and I loved Kelsey’s denim jacket with that dress and succulent bouquet.
The sound of bagpipe filled the mountains to remind them of Scotland.
The magic of this elopement stuck with me. It still has, and I don’t think I’ve given it enough attention considering I had my epiphany moment of “This is 100% what I am meant to do - photograph humans THIS in love and capture their surroundings while signify their journey”
Just an extra note, if you would like tips and trick for eloping on Mount Rainier or anywhere really, feel free to get in touch with me because I LOVE chatting about adventures!
