The McWatt's contacted me just a few days before they planned to arrive in Yosemite. It was their first trip to the park, but a special one; they were coming to celebrate their tenth anniversary and renew their weddings vows. And the best part was that their four year old daughter was going to officiate the ceremony - how cool is that?
Those of you who know me, know that I generally shy away from family photography. It's not that I don't enjoy it (I really do), but generally speaking my photographic vision doesn't line up with traditional family photography clients and I don't like do work that doesn't inspire me. When the McWatt's first contacted me, they made it very clear that they wanted me because of my style photography and how it matched their family. Now we're getting somewhere.
We met up late in the afternoon at the Ahwahnee Hotel and traveled around the park for a few hours. Their family has a lively personality; a mother and father deeply in love, son and daughter wild with life. Their personalities are honest and true. That is what drives and makes the photos, the McWatt's. It's all about them. It was a great experience being able to spend the day with such solid family and get to know them. I look forward to seeing you guys next year!
Outdoor adventurers through and through, Bridgette and Tommy traveled from Lake Tahoe to marry in Yosemite. It was a planned elopement with two of their closest friends in one of their favorite spots on earth.
These two are some of the most down to earth people I have ever met. Some people might be upset by snow on their wedding day. For them it made the day; the scenery took on a new beautiful look, created a totally unique wedding for them, and the snow definitely meant fresh powder for them the next day at Badger Pass.
I met up with Bridgette and her friend Shannon as the prepared for the wedding in their Ahwahnee Hotel room where Carol of Bellissimo was putting on the finishing touches on their hair and makeup. Meanwhile downstairs, Tommy and his friend Tim were relaxing with a beer. It was immediately obvious to me by Tommy's attitude how much he cared for Bridgette; he sat in quiet contemplation of his coming wedding and lifetime with his wife.
I was busy snapping a few portraits of Tommy, when his bride stepped out of the elevator and they caught their first glimpse of each other (a moment, I am sure they will never forget). After a few minutes of heartfelt embraces, we headed outside to take some photos around the park before the ceremony. It was cold and the weather kept switching between snow and rain, but they came prepared with art-deco umbrellas. We traveled through the park in two cars, the girls in one and the guys with me. I bring this up only because the whole time Tommy was in the car with me, he couldn't stop talking about how beautiful his bride was. Love, baby.
As I shoot more and more elopements, I am beginning to understand that they are less about escaping the rituals associated with a wedding and more about free you to have your wedding. It's a state of mind, not a statement. Congratulations again Bridgette and Tommy - a truly unique wedding adventure to start your new adventure together!
Hair and Makeup: Bellissimo
Flowers: Sweet Pickens
Officiant: Rev. Autrey Nassar
Photographer: Patrick Pike (but you knew that)
Truly Breathtaking. You are amazing with your lights. Wall art.....indeed!
I love the coordination with her dress and the umbrella!
Oh yeah, slick as always! The tunnel shot, I think, looks better than your previous one. Though that was pretty sweet too!
Thanks everyone! This is really only possible because I have such cool clients who are willing to spend the day outside in the snow!
Thank You!!! Patrick Amazing Job Thank you for the Tunnel Shot!! Your the Best!!!
Stunning! I love this couple. I'm so glad they took you along to capture this beautiful, heart-felt ceremony.
An elopement is the ultimate in wedding freedom. When Kathleen and Stephen first began to plan their Yosemite wedding, they suddenly realized all of the wedding details that demanded answers. It wasn't long, they told me, that they knew that the freedom of an elopement was right for them. All at once, questions about the appetizers and musicians melted away leaving them to have their wedding. When you're having a wedding on your own terms, you only see each other, not the seeming obstacles.
That's why when I first saw the weather forecast for their wedding day, I knew the wedding would not be postponed. Kathleen and Stephen were not going to let a little bit of rain and sleet stop them. Instead, we embraced the rain and moved forward. The way that they looked at each other as the rain drenched them was simply poetic.
For me it was a challenging day to say the least, I've never shot all day in the rain. In the back of my mind I kept wondering what a "weatherproof" camera really meant. But not even once did I have to tell Kathleen or Stephen to force a smile or look happy. And for your family Kathleen, I was there and it did happen - they got married!
What a beautiful set!!! I especially love the rain & valley photos. Just gorgeous!
Fantastic shots, as usual, Patrick! LOVE the rain and the gridded/snooted shots!
Thanks! The one thing I really love about working in Yosemite is that it is a different experience with new opportunities every time.
wow, absolutely gorgeous. How amazing to work with a couple willing to do what they did to get these shots and kudos to your vision!
Love the rain shot and the Tunnel View We need to do that shot with one of my brides! AMAZING!!
Congrats! I am so happy for you
- Pick a date. One of the first things to consider is exactly when to get married in Yosemite. Each season has different opportunities. Spring has fresh growth and waterfalls. Summer brings warmth and easy access. In the fall, the waterfalls dry up and the changing colors are spectacular. Winter brings snowfall and a winter wonderland. All that being said, if you have the opportunity, plan your wedding for a weekday to avoid crowds and get better rates with vendors.
- Find a location. This can be difficult to say the least because of the overwhelming beautiful places to get married. Think about what aspects are the most important to you when you think of Yosemite (waterfalls, open meadows, grand vistas, etc.) and start your search there. One other issue to consider is the influence of tourism and crowds. If your weddings is going to be over 10 people in size, you should view the park's recommended sites as you will be limited to these.
- Choose an officiant. Check through our list of officiants to see who fits your needs and personality. I recommend talking with a possible officiant to see if they are right for you. With their experience, they will also be able to help you choose the perfect location for your wedding.
- Marriage License. You can start the process at your local county clerk's office, or contact Mariposa County's office. The County of Mariposa charges a $60 fee for the license. I can recommend working with Mariposa County as it is a smaller office and moves quickly.
- Park Permit. Yosemite National Park requires you to have a Special Use Permit for your wedding in the park. You can find detailed information on the park's website or by contacting Chris Thorpe at 209-379-1858. You will need to supply a planned location (although not necessaryily spot specific) as well as $150 for the permit fee.
Oh my goodness! Honestly Patrick, it is so refreshing to see your work. Considering my outdoor photography style of wedding photography, it has been a long time since I was truly inspired by other photographers' work. These images are exciting for me to see! So great, keep up the good work...
=Matt=
Matt told me to check out your site... TRULY beautiful work brother... Fantastic to see such grand mastery of light in these settings.
Well done Sir.
Thanks for the good words! Matt, when are you going to come up here and join me on a shoot?
This was an absolutely beautiful wedding and Jeff and I were glad you included us in your special day. It was also great to see you this past weekend almost 1 year after your wedding. Have a wonderful life together!
