Wild Fire Yosemite Elopement

 When most people think of an elopement, they envision a clandestine meeting in a city park or maybe at the courthouse. But for adventurous couples, there’s nothing more romantic than eloping in the wild. And what could be more wild than getting married amidst the raging fires of Yosemite National Park?

Jenna and Stephen got married during the California wild fires which created a truly special condition for never seen before in Yosemite California! The smoke from California fire hid some of the details from the mountains, giving you just enough wanderlust vibes while keeping the couple in front, crystal clear and in focus!

How did you meet?

Hinge! We were both in the military but stationed about 2.5 hours away from each other. It was almost a fluke on how we found each other when neither of our dating app perimeters were set out that far-but I guess that’s fate! Our first date turned into a4 day event and a few weeks later we went on our first adventure to Alaska together and that kind of sealed the deal that we were just meant to be together.

What is your proposal story?

We went hiking in Boone, NC, one of the prettiest spots in the Blueridge Mountains. We had planned the hike and then got connected with Sam from Fearless Elopement through my (the brides) sister.He was looking to take photos of a couple to kickstart his elopement photography business and we said he could tag along our hike. Stephen (the groom) reached out to him without Jenna knowing to tell him he was planning to propose and was hoping to put Sam’s skills to the test to capture the surprise engagement. It was so stunning and picturesque and completely captured our love for adventure, the outdoors, and most importantly, each other.

Tell us about your attire choices.

We wanted sleek, elegant, and classic but also as light weight and movable as possible.

What were your favorite parts of the day?

Gifting our parents very thought-out and sentimental “thank-you” gifts on the mountain at sunset was a memory that both of us cherish and loved. I think the dinner and drinks with family and friends the night before was an all time favorite, though. Both our hearts were so full and light and I don’t think moments of love and laughter like that happen happen very often. Definitely our most cherished moment.

Do you have any advice for couples planning their weddings now?

The day is as stressful as you make it. When you’re not stressing about the flowers, the food , or how your brother-in-law is dressing, you can fully focus on soaking in the time with your loved ones and truly feeling the love between each other vs feeling like a party planner. Things didn’t go completely right, but because we didn’t have that expectation, it was the most magical day of our lives. We have the memories AND the photos when a lot of people focus only on the magic in the photos to look back at. Focus on the moment and everything else will fall in place.

Why a Mountain Wedding?

Why not?! No amount of money, planning and coordination, or crazy venue can possible compare to the breathtaking beauty and awe that a mountain backdrop provides. The fresh air and sunrise/sunset is just a cherry on top of the already unbelievable scenery.

What’s your biggest piece of advice for other couples planning a mountain wedding?

Just do it! Let nature take the reigns. We eloped at Yosemite just a week or so before the wildfires closed the park. The smoke and piercing red sun only added to the photos and the distinct memory of our wedding. Whether piercing sunsets or gloomy/moody skies and rain, Mother Nature makes for an unbeatable experience and photos. Don’t stress and just go for it!

Event Credits

Wedding CakeBatter MKE
Wedding DressRevolve
Groom’s AttireMen’s Wearhouse
Bride’s ShoesSHEIN