257
January 5, 2012
Exactly three years before this day, Elizabeth and Nick met for the first time. Since that day they've fallen in love with each other while living on opposite sides of the planet, with Elizabeth in Los Angeles and Nick in London. Meeting with them on their wedding day, I could feel that sense of earned love that only living apart will give you. They have known life apart and life together, from this point forward it's only going to be life together. Of course three years ago, I doubt they could hardily imagine what would be in store on their wedding day. Even when I talked to Elizabeth for the first time in November, I could hardly imagine what would be in store on their wedding day.
On the day of their wedding, Nick did not see Elizabeth until she walked out from behind a tree with her family, walked down an imaginary aisle, and across a meadow towards her husband. It was an absolutely gorgeous afternoon, with the sun peaking out from behind the clouds, casting Yosemite Valley in a magical light. But the real magic was with Elizabeth and Nick. It was in the way they held each others hands and looked into each others eyes and wiped away each others tears. If you were there you could have felt it in the air.
Officially husband and wife, they walked through the meadows of Yosemite Valley for a few minutes enjoying the breath taking views. The weather so far this winter has been very dry in Yosemite, leaving the meadows without snow and bathed in golden grasses. This weather also has left the high country completely accessible as Tioga Pass remains open, giving us an incredibly unique opportunity that I was hoping to take advantage of.
I think it was right around the time that I mentioned that they could have "the most unique wedding photographs in Yosemite" that Elizabeth and Nick decided to come up to Tenaya Lake with me. The idea of walking across a frozen Tenaya Lake on their wedding day was too much to pass up, so we quickly headed up to the high country arriving just in time to catch the final rays of light skating on the granite domes.
The few tourists that were there stood in amazement as a bride and groom jumped out of my car and walked out into the middle of the lake hand in hand. The whole thing was an incredibly surreal experience. All I remember is moving as fast as I possibly could to make the most of the sliver of light we had to work with and constantly asking myself if this was real. The alpenglow lighting up the granite and reflecting on the ice was stunning. I can only imagine what Elizabeth and Nick were thinking, standing on the frozen ice of Tenaya Lake and taking this all in on their wedding day.
We were not at Tenaya Lake long before heading back down to the Ahwahnee were they were once again joining their family for a celebration dinner. We made one final stop in the valley, a photograph that stands in stark contrast to the valley just a few hours before, a photograph showing the majesty of the sky above.
For me their wedding day was an incredible experience. To be able to share Tenaya Lake with a couple on their wedding day was magical. But really all of that is just the icing on the cake. Elizabeth and Nick are the true stars of the day and getting to know them was the real treasure for me. The are both such wonderful and warm people; honest and true with emotion and deeply in love. Isn't it all about the love?
Comments
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
Elizabeth and Nick
. TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://patrickpike.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/256
246
November 17, 2011
Most of the elopements that I photograph are almost more like an intimate destination wedding. The couple plans out the details weeks if not months in advance for their wedding in Yosemite. It wasn't until two days that I was contacted about my first true elopement.
Brenda and Timothy decided to marry and knew a small wedding was in the works. When Timothy whisked Brenda away to an undisclosed location for a few days the wheels were set in motion. They traveled from Southern California to the Yosemite area staying in Tenaya Lodge for one night. It was the next day when they came to the Mariposa Courthouse for their wedding that Brenda and Timothy first saw the place where they would be married.
Their ceremony was in a small courtyard just next to the Mariposa County Courthouse. Over time the courtyard walls have become covered with vines, which seemed to glow in the afternoon fall light. It was there, in a very simple ceremony that Brenda and Timothy pledged their lives together.
We spent only a few minutes together after the ceremony, walking around the Courthouse grounds and taking advantage of the fall colors in the trees. In that short time I got to know Brenda and Timothy well enough to know that I would love to spend even more time with them. Timothy seemed wholly transfixed on his wife, holding her with tenderness in his hands. Likewise you could see that Brenda was wrapped up in love for her husband. It was in their eyes.
Before too long we said our goodbyes, as they were off to Yosemite to stay in at the Ahwahnee. For me it was the shortest amount of time the I have ever spent with a couple in such an important point in their lives, but at the same time it seemed so fitting. Brenda and Timothy were off jumping headfirst into life together.
Comments
John Piper says:
Thursday, November 17, 2011
I recognize that counter in the courthouse... and come to think of it, I think that was our same clerk too! Nice shots as always... and congrats to Brenda and Timothy!
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
Brenda and Timothy
. TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://patrickpike.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/245
245
November 15, 2011
Trees, rocks, and water; in other words, all things Yosemite. Add into the mix Lisa and Roger, two individuals coming together in the midst of these elements through love and you can start to see what it's all about. They are in a place in life where they know exactly what they want and are lucky enough to have found it. That's really why they came to Yosemite on this fall afternoon.
Lisa and Roger traveled half-way across the country to elope in Yosemite. It was just the two of them, standing together on the banks of the Merced River as they exchanged their vows in a peaceful moment of bliss. It was their perfect wedding. She was gorgeous and Roger knew it. The whisper of their vows was wrapped in between the wind pulling through the tree and the flow of the river's water. But in nearly the same moment that they shared their first kiss, tourists and bystanders on the other bank of the river and the nearby bridge erupted in cheers.
Now man and wife, then joined me on a quick trip through Yosemite Valley stopping at a few of my favorite spots. Somehow wherever we went we found this gorgeous light bathing the valley, lighting up trees and rocks in amazing colors. Of course, as excited as I was about the lighting and excellent photographic conditions, this was all meaningless to Lisa and Roger; they had each other. And that is all that they need.
Comments
Lisa Borchardt says:
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Patrick, these photos were exactly what we were looking for. Thank you for giving us memories that will last a life time and beyond!
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
Lisa and Roger
. TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://patrickpike.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/244
238
November 4, 2011
Just a quick preview tonight of Lisa and Roger's wedding in Yosemite. The trees were simply blazing with fall color in celebration of their wedding and Lisa and Roger brought the heat. So much more love coming soon!
Comments
Carol Cardinale says:
Friday, November 4, 2011
Cant wait to see the rest!I want to post a link to my wall! LOVELY! Keep me posted!
Lisa says:
Saturday, November 5, 2011
We are so excited to see the rest of the photos! Thanks for the preveiw!
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
Lisa and Roger
. TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://patrickpike.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/237
230
October 10, 2011
About two weeks ago I joined Laura and Gary on their wedding day in Yosemite. They traveled from Indiana to Yosemite to have a wedding for just the two of them in the Chapel. Like the majority of my clients, I did not have the chance to meet them until their wedding day and really did not know what to expect. Talking with someone over the phone and through email can only reveal so much. Within seconds of our first meeting I remember making a mental note to myself to ask them for the location of the fountain of youth, because it was obvious that they had found it. Within each others arms they acted like young teenagers on a first date.
Inside of the Yosemite Valley Chapel there were only the four of us, Laura, Gary, and Rev. Michael Ireland officiating there ceremony. I've photographed many weddings in this chapel, but before this even the smallest of them had at least twenty guests. Standing in the back row as they whispered their vows to each other was amazing. It was quiet enough to hear a pin drop, or in this case the views being spoken in the opposite end of the chapel. There was no other sound at all, no other people, no distractions of any kind - just Laura and Gary madly in love. True and honest emotion poured out and shared in love. It suddenly seemed so clearly right, as if this was the only way the chapel was meant to be used.
That love really does sum up my entire experience with Laura and Gary. As we traveled throughout Yosemite after their ceremony it was really only Laura and Gary; no one else was around and nothing could take them apart. We traveled through clouds, rain, heavy winds and sunshine, but none of that seemed to matter. There were breathtaking views as light played off of granite cliffs and wandered through treetops, but they were not the stars of the show. Instead it was two lovebirds names Laura and Gary that stole the glory that day.
Ceremony: Yosemite Valley Chapel
Officiant: Rev. Michael Ireland
Hair and Makeup: Bellissimo
Comments
Sarah says:
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Love to see fellow Hoosiers marrying in Yosemite! With such a quiet ceremony, they are lucky that they had a photographer ninja to capture the moment :-)
Carol Cardinale says:
Monday, October 17, 2011
Fabulous shots! Thanks Again Patrick they are BEAUTIFUL! And Amy did an amazing job!
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
Laura and Gary
. TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://patrickpike.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/229
the shiznits man! Good thing the ice was solid!
Wow! Patrick, these photo's are amazing...all I can say is thank you so much for all your hard work, kind words and creative genius. You are right, we never could have imagined something so wonderful. I am so happy.
Wow! Patrick, these photo's are amazing...all I can say is thank you so much for all your hard work, kind words and creative genius. You are right, we never could have imagined something so wonderful. I am so happy.
Patrick, you made me the happiest bride!!! These are incredible. You really made our day, Being with you on the lake was incredible. Nick and I will forever be thankful!
WOW Patrick!!! What an awesome way to remember Elizabeth's and Nick's magical wedding day! You captured the spirit of the day so it can be relived every time we look at your pictures. Thank you sooooo much!!!
THese are absolutely amazing! I am so glad you got these pictures! Now I can pretend like I was there too!! So amazing! I am so happy for you two! CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow, these photos are fantastic -- literally, they look like they came out of a fantasy story. Definitely recommending you to anyone I know getting married soon.
These are amazing! SO happy you got such great photos. Now I can pretend like I was there :) Love you both and congrats!!!
These photos are absolutely breathtaking and truly capture the radiant energy between Elizabeth and Nick. I am in awe. As Colleen said, especially after reading the accompanying blog post, I feel like I was there! Congratulations Elizabeth and Nick! Patrick, thank you for sharing; you have a true gift!
Wow, amazing couple and amazing pictures. Be blessed.
These pictures are beautiful just like the amazing couple in them! So happy you two have these unique pictures to remember your big day!
Wow, just wow! I especially love the long exposure at the end. Amazing work, Patrick. Just amazing.
These pictures are great!!! Congratulations!!
Sadly I could not be at the wedding for health reasons but these wonderful photographs bring home to me what a fantastic day it was for my son and his new bride, my lovely daughter in law. I am a very lucky and proud man. Thank you for the stunning photographs.
After seeing the first picture of Liz on Tenaya Lake, I was stunned by the beauty and contrast of the photo, as well as hoe beautiful my friend looked in the afternoon glow! After seeing the rest of these "first peek" masterpieces, I am even more amazed. The silhouette photo on the lake (second to last) might be my second favorite scene. So classic and romantic. Congratulations, Liz and Nick - and good job, Patrick. :)
These pictures are absolutely amazing!!! Nick and Liz will treasure these forever! I am sooo happy for you two and wish you all the best!
These pictures are absolutely breathtaking! I am sitting here, at work, crying while I look at this magic day. Congratulations Liz and Nick!! I am so happy for you!!
Patrick you helped make this day great, and your pictures tell the story of how great the day was. This wedding was God sent and so was your talent, thank you, elizabeths dad and nicks father in law
Congratulations again! Amazing photos, gorgeous day in Yosemite and the frozen lake photos are just ridiculously awesome! Liz-I love the dress, you look so pretty! Wishing you both all the best for 2012!
The pictures are incredible! I especially love the black and white pictures, they remind me of an old fashion wedding/romance and the background is so beautiful. The last picture with the stars in the sky is just amazing and I think wraps up the wedding theme. I wish you both nothing but best wishes and blessings
Stunning beautiful pictures....they made me cry. Nick and Liz look so happy and in love and to capture that for all of us who could not be there is truly magical...thank you.
These are truly the most beautiful wedding portraits that I've ever seen! Gorgeous photographs with a gorgeous couple. Congratulations!
Absolutely stunning, can't even being to pick my favorite! My niece absolutely loves Yosemite and you have made her special day even more special, thank you for your work!
Looks like it was an amazing and intimate wedding! I am very happy and excited for you guys! Great photos, the last one is my favorite with the millions of stars and the light around you guys.
Beautiful. Really beautiful.
Absolutely stunning!
Awesome pictures! Congrats again guys
Nick and Liz, these photographs are fantastic. What a spellbinding day you must of had it looks literally out of this world. I couldnt be happier for you both and hope that a big UK celebration is on its way in 2012 or as soon as you can make it back. What a gorgeous couple! x
You continue to amaze me Patrick! You are a Rock Star! Absolutely stunning!
Well what can I say,
The photos look amazing, what a location. The frozen lake pictures are fantastic. Liz looks beautiful and you scrubbed up alright too Nick! I'm so happy for you both and can't wait to see you in the summer. Wishing you every happiness.
Lots of love,
Jamie
Wow, these photos are amazing. It must have been really special, I look forward to hearing all about it!
Nicki,
xxx
Beautiful Pictures! Congrats guys.
You got married at my favorite national park! Congratulations, Liz and NIck. I wish you happiness, lots of laughter, and good health for the rest of your lives. This is a beautiful album and a great start to many wonderful memories.
Maria