Whimsical LGBTQ+ Yosemite Elopement
Lauryn + Paula’s Yosemite Elopement-Styled Shoot
Yosemite Elopement Photographer | Summit and Sur Photography
As a Yosemite elopement photographer, I can’t think of a time where I have shot in the park and not been in awe and Lauryn and Paula’s styled elopement was no exception! When I reached out to these two lovers late in the summer, their energetic personalities and kind hearts immediately told me they would be perfect for what I had in mind for a styled Yosemite elopement. Once we started planning, it turns out they had some serious connections in the bridal world, specifically with their friend Sherri who owns Madeleine’s Bridal Boutique in Clovis, CA. She was super excited to help us put together this shoot, lending us their INSANELY gorgeous dresses (we even had a little dress try-on afternoon before their session where we all got to meet for the first time), jewelry, and even a bit of moral support as we found other vendors to help us along the way. Speaking of which, we also were able to have Deanna and Dari from Blush Yosemite Hair and Makeup come all the way to the valley get Lauryn and Paula all dolled up for our sunrise shoot. It was truly a huge collaborative effort and I am so thrilled to be able to share more from this stunning morning!
In the days leading up to this Yosemite elopement, we were tracking the weather like maniacs, happy that the fires didn’t seem to be an issue as they had been just a month prior but also a little uneasy about the potential rain. On the day of their elopement shoot, I met up with Lauryn and Paula in their hotel room at the Yosemite Valley Lodge at 3am, where our hair and makeup team started to get them ready for the morning ahead. They both wore their super cute matching pajama sets as we all slowly came to life from our early wake up call. Even so, everyone was in good spirits and excited for the morning ahead, even as the rain outside continued steadily. Once they were done getting ready, Lauryn and Paula took some time to jot down their personal vows before helping each other get into their whimsical, romantic dresses. After a few more photos, we all braved the rain and headed out to our first stop.
When we arrived at Tunnel View to soak in that gorgeous sunrise, it was actually still sprinkling a bit and the clouds, while ethereal, were covering most of the valley’s impressive scene. Even so, armed with cute umbrellas, Lauryn and Paula braved the cold and rain to take it all in and start getting some awesome photos as the sun mixed with the low lying clouds. We were getting incredible light which was turning into incredible photos when suddenly, the clouds and rain gave us a small break and turned our view into one of the most spectacular vistas we had ever seen. The pink colors were glowing on everything around us and turned this already stunning morning into a dream world. After lots of photos to take it all in, we headed over to the spot we chose for Lauryn and Paula to exchange personal vows.
We arrived to Cathedral Beach and lucky for us, had it all to ourselves for their early morning vow exchange. With El Capitan looming behind them, Lauryn and Paula read each other their personal vows, eliciting tears from Paula and lots of laughs from the two of them. After sharing a kiss under the sprinkling sky, they popped some champagne and took a quick break to enjoy their cake with their bubbly. With the bubbles setting in on empty stomachs, both Lauryn and Paula were feeling giddy and got back up to explore the beach a little more, with the sun making an appearance once again. They watched as the Merced River became a mirror and saw their reflections shine back at them, soaking in the glorious morning. We took some more photos before heading out to our final stop for their brunch.
Our final stop for the morning was The Ahwahnee Hotel, which has one of the most stunning dining rooms and views. We arrived at the dining room for brunch and were told they needed a few minutes to get their table ready. Of course, we took this opportunity to explore the lobby of the hotel a bit more as well as the Great Lounge with its gorgeous decor and fireplace. After only a few minutes, we were called to our table and as we walked in, I got some final shots of Lauryn and Paula entering the massive, sun-filled room. It was the perfect way to end this spectacular styled Yosemite elopement with a truly lovely couple!
Vendors
Lauryn + Paula’s Hotel: Yosemite Valley Lodge
Hair: Blush Yosemite Make-up and Hair
Make-up: Dari for Blush Yosemite Make-up and Hair
Florals: KB Floral Designs
Lauryn’s Dress: Chic Nostalgia
Paula’s Dress: Riki Dalal
Dress Shop: Madeleine’s Bridal Boutique
Vow Books: Jen Simpson Design
Cake Designer: Spirit Made Cakes
Brunch Restaurant: The Ahwahnee Dining Room
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