Sequoia National Park Sunrise Elopement

The story

When the couple contacted us about their elopement, in Sequoia National Park, we were super excited by the idea of documenting it. They are outdoorsy people, with a long history of adventures together, so it was important that they find a magical natural space for their day. Driving distance from the bay, and with five of the ten largest trees in the world, Sequoia National Park was a perfect choice.

Sequoia National Park Sunrise Elopement — part 3 of the story

Sequoia National Park Sunrise Elopement — part 4 of the story

Sequoia National Park Sunrise Elopement — part 5 of the story

In their own place

What made this one specific.

We arrived a day early, to soak it all in, and one of the first things we noticed is how many foreign tourists there were. We wondered what specifically attracted them so Laurent, with his french language skills, asked a Frenchman. He pointed out that Europe, while rich in castles and human history, had not preserved their undeveloped natural spaces. It's easy to forget that our national parks are treasures. We should be forever grateful for the amazing foresight of a handful of leaders, academics, and artists, at the turn of the 1900's that led to the protection of these amazing landscapes.

That night we stayed up to watch a meteor shower despite an early start time. Some opportunities you just can't pass up.

We all set out at sunrise with fewer than twenty of the couple’s closest friends and family. There was so much love and joy, sounds of both laughter and tears, as we all headed into the woods together. Surrounded by massive trees and beautiful light there was this overwhelming feeling of awe and wonder. On our way to the ceremony site a mamma bear, and her cubs, came out to play behind us in the meadow.

the couple had previously scouted for a location and found two trees that had grown and fused together to become one large tree. It was a perfect symbol for their love and served as the backdrop for their intimate ceremony.

Afterwards we sneaked off for some portraits. While we chased the last of the morning light through giant trees, friends and family walked ahead in order to put together a delicious celebratory picnic. Complete with homemade bread, and a variety of fancy cheeses and snacks, the feast was highlighted by the couple's favorite cakes, shipped from a bakery in New York and topped with adorable forest creatures. It was a day we'll never forget.

Sequoia National Park Sunrise Elopement — location and atmosphere

The complete sequence

A real story needs the parts between the portraits.

This elopement story in Sequoia National Park is shown as a sequence: the people arriving, the setting taking shape, the ceremony, the reactions around it, and the way the celebration changed afterward. The photographs stay together so the day reads as more than a short highlight reel.