🥂Emily + Anthony's Yosemite Destination Elopement🥂

WeddingsTravelElopements & Micro Weddings

Jan 1

Emily + Anthony's Yosemite National Park Elopement was fantastic!

I met Emily randomly at a parade in Waukesha (I took a picture of her daughter and offered to send it to her). This serendipitous moment led to a friendship with her and Anthony, during which we discussed her shifting wedding plans for years and then schemed up her dream wedding over beers at Cafe Hollander. It was a unique experience being part of a wedding during the dreaming phase, before dates or locations are locked in. Once Yosemite was confirmed as the location, and the plane tickets were booked, I decided to bring my wife along too, also named Emily, so please try to follow along!

Emily B. and I got into Yosemite a few days early so we could scout out the locations I wanted to use for Emily and Anthony’s wedding. I knew many locations I wanted to include, but we checked in with the Park Rangers to ask about what was open and to get their advice on the best spots. Always ask the rangers - the excellent ranger we spoke with was an amateur photographer and had many amazing places for us to explore. From that point, Emily B. and I spent the whole day checking out all the locations and figuring out the best flow to fit them all in. I was working, but it was a lot more fun with Emily B. along!

For Emily & Anthony’s wedding day, we started early with their private elopement on the banks of the Merced River with Sentinal Bridge & the majestic Half-Dome Mountain in the background. Fun fact - I offered to officiate their ceremony (yes, I can do that, but I rarely do, as I am usually holding a camera) for them when they were having a hard time finding someone local to do it. If you look carefully, you will see that my wife, Emily B., was the witness on their marriage license.

With all the official acts completed, we had the rest of the day to hit up all Yosemite’s most breathtaking scenes before ultimately ending up at Taft’s Point for golden hour and sunset.

Everything was incredible, and the photo turned out amazing - but my favorite part was after we were all done. Emily and Anthony’s “reception” was pizza and beer at our Airbnb. It is always special to have a front row seat for a couple’s wedding day - but to have them all to ourselves and for Emily B. to be part of it was a true highlight that stands out to us as a one-of-one experience. I hope we do it again for one of their future anniversaries!

Emily and Anthony are amazing humans, and I wish them all the Love, Laughter, and Magical moments as they live their lives together!

Emily + Anthony’s Yosemite elopement was the perfect reminder of why I love destination weddings & elopements! The adventure, intimacy, and unforgettable views. If you’re dreaming of an elopement in Yosemite (or anywhere your heart takes you), I’d love to help capture it."