Sunrise Wedding Ceremony Picture of the bride and groom exchanged rings in nature
Sarah and Nick exchanged rings and a handfasting on the shore of Mcleod Lake in Mammoth, California. The colorful water was the perfect background for their nature-themed elopement.
Surrounded by the crisp mountain air and 3 curious deer, these two said their vows privately at sunrise. This allowed them to be themselves and not feel watched during their most intimate moments. Since they spend so much time hiking and enjoying the outdoors, they chose to say their vows in their outdoor wear. Being a shy couple, Sarah and Nick knew they wanted to include some activities that made them feel grounded. After all, an elopement isn't some big photoshoot!
A few close family and friends lined the small clearing on the shore of the colorful waters of Mcleod Lake. Their cute ceremony included a ring exchange and a handfasting and was performed by Nick's longtime friend and brother-in-law. The couple were grinning from ear to ear the entire time. After the ceremony, we ran up to Minaret Vista for this epic view of the mountain peaks that separate Mammoth from Yosemite and beyond. Everything was simple, beautiful, and perfectly Nick and Sarah.
Witsanap Lake, Mammoth CA Elopement picture of couples dog at outdoor mountain wedding
Central to Sarah and Nick's life is their 2 year old barrel of laughs, Finn. This pup of honor was a chaotic and adorable addition.
Mammoth Lakes Eastern Sierras elopement image of groom with his guitar sanging an acoustic ballad for bride
After the sun rose, Sarah made coffee on their backpacking stove. Sharing the hot mugs with Witsanap Lake below them was such a peaceful moment. Then, Nick got out his guitar, and sang an acoustic ballad just for Sarah that had her tearing up! I have to admit it was one of the most romantic gestures I've ever seen at an elopement.
California Adventure Elopement image of bride lacing up her hiking boots before outdoor ceremony in nature
Sarah laces up her boots for the hike to McLeod Lake.
California Elopement Photo of Brides mom and sister helping her get ready outside
Sarah's mom and sister helped her get ready in the forest before the ceremony.
Mammoth Lakes Wedding Image at Mcleod Lake of FOB getting a hug after walking the bride down the outdoor aisle
Nick embraces his father-in-law after walking the bride down the makeshift aisle.
California Bride and Groom Ceremony Image created after bumping noses during first kiss by the lake
The couple laugh after bumping noses on their first kiss.
Mammoth Lakes CA Wedding Photo of couple sharing a kiss on the ceremony hiking trail
The couple didn't know they were being photographed as they share a smooch while hiking down after the ceremony.
Mammoth California Wedding Elopement Getaway Car with the couples dog
It absolutely wouldn't have been Sarah & Nick's day without Finn at their Mammoth Lakes Elopement.
