One thing I love about adventure weddings is you never quite know how exactly they will turn out. You can have ideas, plan, and schedule — but the thing about wild outdoor weddings, is that nature always has the beautiful final word.
Resa, Grant, & I had spent months finding the most perfect epic hike in Mt. Rainier National Park (one that I definitely still want to do for an elopement), but by the time September came, Rainier had both forest fires, and early snow causing closures all over the park. We put our heads together, pivoted, and came up with several alternative plans the week of their elopement.
Honestly, I don’t think it could have been more beautiful or perfect. It was rainy & cloudy all day, with no views of Rainer, but we found a perfect piece of rainforest for them to say their vows with their 2 closest friends (one of whom officiated). I got the honor of being their second witness on their marriage license. We played some more under the trees, until we were all soaking wet from the rain.
We decided to try for some more Rainier views the next morning before I headed to the airport — hoping for a gap in the clouds. Luckily that the Wiley temptress, Rainier, poked through the clouds and put on a show for Resa & Grant, to wrap up their Mt. Rainer wedding story, frolicking around in the fresh snow.
I love that elopements boil down the idea of a wedding back to what really matters: 2 people, in love, committing their lives to each other. At the end of the day, all that matters is that you married the love of your life — and it’s phenomenal when nature plays along and creates a magical day like this turned out to be.
