Yosemite National Park Adventure Vow Renewal
JC + Stephanie’s Vow Renewal at Taft Point | Yosemite National Park
Yosemite Elopement Photographer | Summit and Sur Photography
Eloping in Yosemite is a dream for many that I am so lucky to get to capture. But what happens when you and your partner decide to have a more traditional wedding but still want to celebrate in this magical place? Have an adventure vow renewal and hire a photographer (ahem, me) to document all the fun! This is exactly what Stephanie and JC did in celebration of their upcoming ten year dating anniversary and what an incredible afternoon it was.
While many people dream of visiting Yosemite, JC’s desire to visit stemmed from something many visitors don’t dare entertain: rock climbing! As an avid climber on the east coast, he had spent tons of time watching documentaries and other videos of climbers scaling parts of Yosemite like Swan Slab, Puppy Dome, and of course, El Capitan herself. Of course, Stephanie wanted to join in the fun too so they both decided that they would plan an awesome vow renewal in Yosemite and finally visit this epic park.
After arriving together but getting dressed in the parking lot separately, they did a little first look at Tunnel View where they got to admire the outfits they each had chosen for this special occasion! After taking in the view before them, with El Cap, Half Dome, and the valley looming below, we hopped back in our cars for a little drive up Glacier Point Road.
After driving for a bit on Glacier Point Road, we finally arrived at the Taft Point Trailhead where we were lucky to find parking right in front (if you know the area, you know this is a rarity in the summer months)! After a quick bathroom break and make-up check, we set out on their hike and quickly stopped for some photos at a cool rock formation that JC and Stephanie couldn’t help but climb up and take in the amazing light. They snuggled up for some photos and then we were back on the trail and on our way!
We hiked along the trail for a bit before the forest opened up and we all got a view that is sure to knock anyone’s socks off. In fact, one of my favorite things is watching people see this view for the first time because it really, truly is incredible. JC and Stephanie were no exception and definitely were stuck in a daze of awe as they looked from east to west and then to the north, taking in so much of what Yosemite has to offer. Not only was it the most stunning day without a cloud in the sky, the sun was making everything just glow and, wow, it was quite the sight. Because Taft Point can get busy during the summer months, we did wait just a couple minutes for our turn for them to stand on the infamous cliff so I could get some epic shots of them from far away, looking like tiny little humans in the face of this ginormous, incredible landscape.
As the sun began to set lower before us, JC and Stephanie exchanged vows for the second time in a truly intimate, romantic, ceremony that they had envisioned from the beginning. They had finally gotten to visit Yosemite together and were able to celebrate their love in this phenomenal place. After a kiss and some champagne, they danced and played as the sun went behind the mountains and then eventually disappeared altogether as we made our way back to our cars. They both couldn’t believe that they had actually made this dream of theirs come true and with a renewed sense of love, they set out to enjoy the rest of their west coast vacation together!
Vendors:
Stephanie’s Dress: ZeBu Be You
Vow Books: Redberry Guestbooks
Stephanie’s Boots: Columbia Sportswear
Florals: Trader Joe’s
Location: Yosemite National Park
Thinking of eloping or renewing your vows in Yosemite? Fill out the contact form by clicking the button below to learn more!