Mammoth Lakes, California Elopement Photo Story Award

Onlookers toss snow over the newlyweds at the top of Mammoth Mountain.

Sara and Kunyu tied the knot at a lakeside ceremony in Mammoth Lakes one morning in April. They spent the rest of the day doing all the activities they love together. They even included their two dogs and two cats in everything!

This elopement took 9 years to plan, but most of it was done in the last ten days :) The long term pair chose their dating anniversary to be their wedding date and arranged to be in Mammoth Lakes to celebrate. A family condo provided the base camp for all the day's plans. They had the best philosophy when it came to planning that I wish everyone would use! They simply wrote down all their favorite activities on a sticky note in a rough order. This kept the day very laid back and fun! They chose a long bridge where they often walk their dogs together for their first look moment. Kunyu hyperventilated so rapidly when he saw Sara that I was worried he was going to pass out and that would be the shortest elopement ever. Luckily, he was ok after much hugging.

It being April and an off-season, Sara and Kunyu were able to have their intimate elopement ceremony on the shore of Convict Lake, also known as Witsanap Lake in the Mono Native American language. The morning light on Laurel Mountain was simply stunning. Family members had crafted a wooden arch carved with their names just for this occasion. We lined up the arch with the best mountain view and let the ceremony begin!  Kunyu was immediately crying - they warned me this might happen, and I loved every minute of it! Their vows were adorable and by the end, Sara joined in on the tears. 

Then it was time to take the Mammoth Mountain gondola to 11,053 feet and enjoy the view. The goofing off in the gondola was, of course, captured. The Eastern Sierra mountains stretched as far as the eye could see! For that fresh snow look, civilians rallied to toss snow over the couple while they shared a smooch, which created some of the most fun images of the day. Finally, they had dinner together at a long table with a home cooked meal.

The bride's ring on her topographic map vow book.

The groom wipes away a tear as they had their ceremony performed by a family friend in front of a beautiful alpine lake.

Kunyu kisses his wife's forehead in front of Witsanap Lake and Mt Laurel.

The couple eat together with their friends at a long table inside their family condo.