This winter mountain wedding in Yosemite National Park, captured by Bergreen Photography, stole our hearts because it was just as a wedding should be: beautiful, joyful, and full of love and stunning views! Lindsy and Terry wanted to get married in Yosemite so that their guests coming from Missouri and England could enjoy the beauty of the National Park while helping them celebrate their love. It was a intimate gathering with a ceremony by the river and a delicious home cooked meal. The couple balanced a laid-back atmosphere with a stunning day.
Lindsy + Terry
Wawona in Yosemite
12-12-15
Wedding day weather: Clear blue skies, 40 degrees, and snow on the ground
Number of guests: Around 30, plus family in England on FaceTime
Your budget: We didn’t really have a set budget. The less money spent, the better
Biggest splurge: Photographer & we are very happy we did this
Why did you choose the Mountains for your wedding?
I was born and raised in Missouri and Terry grew up in England, so we had never really had the opportunity to have something so magnificent that close to us. Terry and I moved to Clovis (Fresno area) at the end of June this past year from Missouri and were well aware of Yosemite being right in our backyard (it was one of the first things we found out about the area). Terry proposed the day before we moved, so on the long drive out to California, we had plenty of time to discuss our ideas for venues. We were trying to decide if we wanted to go back to Missouri (where my family is) or if we wanted to find something small out here in California. After a couple weeks being in California, we made our first trip out to Yosemite and immediately fell in love. We both love being outdoors, so it was a no-brainer that this is where we wanted to get married. We rented two cabins in Wawona to stay in for the weekend (family and friends were coming from Missouri, England, Texas, Florida, Georgia, and Indiana) and the ceremony was held right outside of one cabin next to the south fork of the Merced River.
Wedding day theme:
Small, simple, and snowy
Where did you find your inspiration?
Mother Nature, and of course…Pinterest
How did you choose to personalize your wedding?
1.My grandpa was the one to marry us
2. My mom made my bouquet and Terry’s boutonniere
3. My grandma made our “reception” meal
What was your favorite part of the reception?
The fact that it wasn’t your typical reception. We had a “potluck-style” meal, champagne toast, cutting the cake, and sitting around playing (drinking) games and laughing all night long with family and friends. It was basically a big family reunion.
What are three things you’re super glad you did?
1.Had our wedding in Yosemite (not many people are lucky enough to say that they had their wedding in Yosemite)
2.Had my grandpa marry us
3.Had Bergreen Photography capture our special day
What was the biggest challenge in planning your mountain wedding and how did you overcome it?
Consulting with my mom, who lives in Missouri, to get the bouquet and boutonniere made just how I wanted it. I drove an hour to the nearest Hobby Lobby and was on the phone with my mom, who was at Hobby Lobby in Missouri. We spent an hour and a half on the phone walking up and down the aisles looking at flowers and putting the flowers together. I swear the workers thought I was crazy.
We were also a little worried about having enough space for all of our guests to stay the weekend in the cabin. We ended up renting an additional cabin and brought air mattresses. In the end, we had plenty of space for everyone with room to spare.
How did you find and choose your vendors?
We found our photographers through Mountainside Bride and found our cabin/venue through some research online and visiting.
What is your best piece of advice to other mountain brides who are planning their weddings?
advice to other mountain brides who are planning their weddings?
Don’t let stress overtake you. Your wedding is meant to be the best and happiest day of your life. With the help of family and friends everything will all come together. In the end, you get to spend the rest of your life with your soulmate and that is all that matters.
Oh, and if you get a chance, go sledding! Yes, even in your wedding dress!!!
Yosemite Wedding Vendors
Wedding Photographer: Bergreen Photography | Venue: The Redwoods in Yosemite | Wedding Dress: Davids Bridal | Groom & Best Man’s Tux: Madeleine’s Bridal Boutique | Hair & Makeup: Brooke Dunbar | Bouquet & Boutonniere: Tattered Wings (Kelly Archer)