Last weekend was the busiest weekend in Yosemite so far this year. Beautiful weather drew visitors from far and near to Yosemite while the late season snow closed off Tuolumne Meadows and Glacier Point, restricting tourists to the valley. But that same snowfall brought thundering waterfalls and lush green meadows to the valley for everyone to enjoy.

Christina and Mike had flown out to Yosemite from Florida to marry on Sunday and wanted to explore the park firsthand to find the perfect spot for their ceremony. Try as they might, as they searched on Saturday nearly every place they went was swarmed with tourists.

On Sunday when I met with Christina and Mike shortly before their schedule ceremony they still didn't know where their ceremony would be. They were hoping to find an exclusive spot with gorgeous views, but without countless tourists pouring by. I told them I knew just the place and just like that we went on a short walk together to their perfect place.

Standing with their family (and their poodle in a tux) in that open meadow, Rev. Michael Ireland led a short ceremony that was both wonderfully intimate and approachable. Yosemite Falls roared in the background while gentle wind pulled through the trees and grasses. It was just them, surrounded by their loved ones all alone in Yosemite. Christina and Mike were at ease, with each other, and in love.

Once we set out on our own after the ceremony, the photography took on a totally collaborative process. Christina, Mike and I were sharing ideas and trying new things together. Those of you that I have worked with before know that one of the things I love most about digital photography is being able to show my clients the photographs as we take them. We were able to work together, looking at the back of my camera to make sure that Christina and Mike were getting everything they wanted and more. I absolutely loved this creative process that we took on.

Of course all of that should say more about Christina and Mike than anything else. They soak in every aspect of life to the fullest, never taking a back seat. They are the ones trying to experience everything that they can together because their love and zest for life is only matched in each other. The stories that they shared with me on our afternoon together emphasized that even more. I can't wait to catch up with them in the future to hear where they have taken life.

Comments
Emily says: Friday, May 27, 2011

These are awesome. I love the half dome picture. and the chapel picture is adorable.

Christina says: Friday, May 27, 2011

Thank you Patrick! The pictures are amazing! I couldn't be any happier with the results. Mike and I had an amazing time during our photo session. Thank you for making it such a memorable experience!

Mike says: Friday, May 27, 2011

Patrick! Thank you for capturing our special moment so perfectly. I've been anxiously waiting for these picture to be uploaded and I was so happy to see these amazing photos today, I can't wait to see the rest! Thank you again!

Rose says: Friday, May 27, 2011

These pictures are stunning!!! I am happy to have been a part of the beautiful wedding. Patrick, you captured the day perfectly!

Jain says: Friday, May 27, 2011

W-O-W! All these photos are breathtaking and perfectly capture Tina and Mike in Yosemite. I love the waterfall and bridge photos. Honestly, the whole family couldn't stop talking about how nice and easy going you were through out the whole day. Each one of your photos is a keepsake -- thank you!

Warren Schwartz says: Sunday, May 29, 2011

Stunning! These photographs seem to capture not only the obvious beauty of the setting, but also the love and unity between Tina and Mike.

Jenny Park says: Sunday, May 29, 2011

These pictures are AMAZING! You guys both look great. I am very happy that we were all able to share the special moment with you two. Love you guys!

Grace Kim says: Sunday, May 29, 2011

congratulations christina & mike!! the pictures are absolutely STUNNING!!

Naoko says: Monday, May 30, 2011

OMG! what wonderful pictures!! They are the most incredible pictures I've ever seen for wedding pictures. Great locations, too. I really like Tina's dress ;-)

Kaz says: Monday, May 30, 2011

Congrats, Tina and Mike. I can't wait to see you guys again and all of the pictures. By far these are the best pictures I've seen.

Elizabeth Kim says: Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Tina you look beautiful!!! Mike- you "alright"- JK!!! Both of you guys look wonderful and the scenery looks amazing!!! Congratulations!

Marilou Halim says: Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Congratulations! The pictures truly reflect your happiness. Best wishes!

Liz Mahin says: Tuesday, May 31, 2011

What a beautiful wedding! These are absolutely stunning pictures!

Congratulations and best wishes!

Liz

Alisa Kuso says: Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Congratulations!!! The pictures are absolutely stunning!!!!!!!

Crystal says: Wednesday, June 1, 2011

These pictures are absolutely amazing! You two look so happy together! Congratulations!

Louis says: Wednesday, June 1, 2011

These pictures are stunning! I hope that you have many more days with as much joy and peace as are clearly reflected in these photographs. Congratulations!

Victor C says: Wednesday, June 1, 2011

You guys picked a great place for the wedding.
Congratulations and best wishes!

Songki Kim says: Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Congrats Mike!!! Wishing you guys the best!!!

Bernadette says: Wednesday, June 1, 2011

The pictures are beautiful! Thank you so very much for sharing. I wish for you both much happiness!

Kirk H says: Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Those are beautiful pictures! I really like the scenery. Congratulations on your wedding! I wish you two much peace and happiness for the future!

Priyanka says: Thursday, June 2, 2011

Ok, I just shed a tear at work looking at these. Tina and Mike I am so happy for you and so excited to see you soon! You guys are too cute, The pictures are absulotely breathtaking. Tina, I love your dress!

Leah says: Thursday, June 2, 2011

Congratulations Tina and Mike! Your pictures are stunning and you both look so happy and complete with one another. I wish you the best of luck in all the things to come!

grace says: Thursday, June 2, 2011

congratulations!! beautiful pictures!!

Vivian says: Thursday, June 2, 2011

These are spectacular pictures. I know they will be treasured for many years to come.

Amanda and Allie says: Thursday, June 2, 2011

we just wanted to say these are all soo amzing!!

Allison says: Thursday, June 2, 2011

Ok theres are amazingly awesome!!!

Christine Soo says: Thursday, June 2, 2011

Breathtaking photos!! I can't wait to visit Yosemite now.

Erin McKissic says: Friday, June 3, 2011

Congratulations and Best Wishes!

Hannah says: Saturday, June 4, 2011

Absolutely gorgeous!! I can't wait to see the rest of pictures. Thanks Patrick.

Nancy Gallo says: Monday, June 6, 2011

Mike & Tina, I know your life will be as Beautiful as these pictures you have shared. Best Wihes, Nancy

Peter says: Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Spectacular photos!! You did an amazing job.

Calvin says: Thursday, June 9, 2011

Amazing backdrops to these wedding photos! I'm sure the scenery only enhanced their special day together that will forevermore be remembered.

Sarah Kim says: Thursday, June 9, 2011

Congrats Mike and Christina! Looks like it was a beautiful ceremony, amazing pictures! Best wishes!

Phil Kite says: Friday, June 10, 2011

Congratulations! A spectacular location to begin your commitment to each other! God Bless!

Joshua says: Friday, June 10, 2011

Great photos! Congrats!

Tracy Yam says: Friday, June 10, 2011

Congratulations!! These pictures are awesome! Liz loves you guys!

Maria says: Friday, June 10, 2011

Beautiful Pictures!

Christina says: Friday, June 10, 2011

These pictures are amazing!! So beautiful.

Jason ohl says: Saturday, June 18, 2011

Man awesome pic and congrats on getting hitched are you going to be coming back for the reunion?

Emily says: Saturday, June 18, 2011

the pictures are spectacular - what a beautiful wedding! sending my congratulations to you both and my wishes for a future full of love, happiness, and much success!

Kelley K. says: Saturday, June 18, 2011

Absolutely gorgeous!!! Congratulations!

Mike Ireland says: Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Patrick's photos of you two in Yosemite are truly remarkable...awe-inspiring. And so are the expressions on your faces as you experience the first day of your married life surrounded by one of nature's great treasures. Thenk you for asking me to be part of your Special Day--and remember to love each other every day as you loved each other the day you were married.

Paul says: Thursday, June 23, 2011

Great pictures! Congrats Mike and Christina!

Robert Hargopian says: Friday, June 24, 2011

These are beautiful pictures!! Congratulations on your wedding!!

Lul says: Saturday, December 31, 2011

OMG, WE HAVE THE SAME WEDDING DAY! The photos are breathtakingly beautiful! I am so happy for you and Mike! You guys make such a gorgeous couple! I pray that you have a blessed marriage with the courage and patience to overcome the challenges. Always know you're one of the most beautiful people I know inside and out. And no matter the distance, I will always cherish our friendship (I still have the card you sent me:)).

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Even though we were all together in Yosemite for the afternoon, Holly and Chris were all alone. It really was just the two of them, in each others arm, whispering in each others ears, and walking hand in hand through the meadows. At least that is what I saw on their faces. Everywhere we went there was a childlike playfulness with both of them. Pure love and thankfulness for the chance to share their lives with each other.

A few days earlier Holly and Chris traveled from the beaches of Florida to Yosemite, to exchange their vows in a place neither had never been before. Holly is an incredibly talented wedding photographer herself, so it was pretty cool to me that when she planned her wedding she decided to elope. I think it really says something about a couple when you are around high-end weddings all the time and choose a simple wedding for yourself. Of course when they planned this all out, they probably never thought that it would be freezing cold and snowing, but to me it just adds to the beauty of their wedding.

On their wedding day Yosemite was in motion. Clouds raced across the sky at one moment blocking the sun, the next showering us in hail. Moments before their ceremony it was raining, but it stopped long enough for Holly and Chris to exchange their vows at the edge of Cook's Meadow. The ceremony was all about them; when it came time for them to share their vows, both Rev. Autrey Nassar and I stepped away for them. While I did not listen to their vows, the love on their faces said all that needed to be said.

After their ceremony we continued to travel around Yosemite valley a bit as the weather continued to change around us. It left us with snow capped mountains, dramatic light, and gorgeous skies; all for Holly and Chris to enjoy. It was amazing to see so many different faces of Yosemite. 

Small weddings really are beautiful things. I keep saying how special it is to strip a wedding down to it's core, the love between two people, and focus on just that. Holly and Chris are wonderful people, deeply in love and devoted to each other. The funny thing was though, that even if it had been snowing during their ceremony that would have been okay too. So long as as they had each other, everything else was small stuff.

Hair and Makeup: Bellissimo
Holly's Website: Holly Clarke Photography


Comments
Holly says: Friday, May 20, 2011

Patrick - WOW, I don't even know what to say. When I saw that you posted this we were out and about and I begged some poor lady to borrow her computer so I could glance at these really quickly. Now that we're looking at them I can't stop staring at each one. Thank you for capturing us so perfectly. You were a joy to work with and so much fun. We could not be happier. There is always a place for you and your family to stay in sunny FL!

Chris says: Friday, May 20, 2011

Thanks so much! the pictures are absolutely amazing. Thanks for all the extra effort- and I'll send some Florida beers your way as soon as we get back. - Chris

Tannen says: Friday, May 20, 2011

Incredible pictures, and I really enjoyed reading the story of your day together. What a nice way to start your life together! Thanks to Patrick for caturing my friends, their beauty, and their hearts...

Patrick says: Friday, May 20, 2011

Thank you Holly and Chris so much for letting me be a part of this special day! Always treasure these photographs and let them remind you of why you had these smiles on your faces. I hope to join you one day in the future for that beer in Florida - cheers.

Patrick says: Friday, May 20, 2011

Thank you so much for sharing the love and your kind words Tannen!

John says: Saturday, May 21, 2011

These photos are gorgeous! No, they are stunning!! Better than our wildest dreams.

Thanks so much for doing this.

Ann says: Saturday, May 21, 2011

We were so pleased to see these amazing pictures today. What a magnificent display of God's handiwork. Thank you for documenting and sharing pictures of our precious son and his beautiful bride!

Linda Lee says: Saturday, May 21, 2011

What absolutely beautiful pictures! Holly and Chris, you show the joy of your love in your faces, and the magnificent scenery just adds to the beauty of your wedding. You will cherish these pictures for a lifetime. Thank you for sharing. Congratulations and best wishes. We are so looking forward to celebrating at your party....!!!

Cliff - Jacksonville says: Saturday, May 21, 2011

Holly and Chris made Yosemite even more beautiful.

Carol Cardinale says: Saturday, May 21, 2011

Fabulous! Holly and Chris were such amazing people Patrick! You truly captured every nuance of their love!
On another note Holly and Chris...I met a friend of yours at a wedding in Wawona this weekend (Saturday) Marissa says congrats! Small world!

Gina Zeidler says: Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Simply beautiful and amazing. Holly nothing makes me SO happy!!!

Consuela says: Friday, May 27, 2011

Mr. Pike these are the most amazing photos I have ever seen. They are all the perfect shots taken with A1 perfection. I am so happy to see two beautiful people such as Chris and Holly inside and out come together as a family. Your work is breath taking.

Patrick says: Friday, May 27, 2011

Thank you so much everyone for sharing your love!

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It seems like the more that life throws at you, the more you realize exactly what you need. That basic idea sums what is going on between Susan and Greg. In the midst of life's ups and downs, they have learned already that they can always count on each other. More than that, they need each other and both of them know it. It's that good.

When you start with that, the wedding day really is a celebration of love. In fact at the time that they first contacted me, they did not even know where they wanted to marry. That seemingly important detail was a distant second to the simple fact that they were going to spend the rest of their lives together. Love really is the most important part in the wedding. I was liking them more and more.

For their wedding, they decided to marry in Yosemite at El Capitian meadow. They were joined by their pastor as well as Susan's parents who traveled up to be with them on their wedding day. The weather was gorgeous as they stood in the meadow directly under El Capitian to share their love. It was a solemn and tearful moment as these two individuals joined their lives forever. As Greg spoke his vows to Susan, telling her that he wished that he had met her earlier in life, tears of love and joy were shared.

Of course after the ceremony, we traveled around Yosemite valley for a little bit for photographs. At every stop both Susan and Greg were blown away by the beauty of the park and thankful to be able to share them together. Talking with them as we traveled they were relieved to finally be married to each other, knowing that their next steps in life are taken together. It really was a wonderful day for a couple to enjoy the park.

Susan and Greg are such wonderful down to earth people, thankful for the small and large blessings that we all have in our lives. It is inspiring. It was an honor to spend the afternoon with them, to slow down and share in love. I wish you both the best that life has to offer.

Comments
Ted says: Monday, May 9, 2011

Man I can think of so many peeping/voyeur shots that I can do out in Yosemite looking at your work!

Did you use a lensbaby on the 2nd to last?

Patrick says: Monday, May 9, 2011

Thanks Ted! There are lots and lots of things that can be layered into the foreground here for sure. The second to last shot and the first are both from the Lens Baby. It's a lens that I don't use enough, but is always fun to play with.

Gloria bowen says: Monday, May 9, 2011

Soo amazing and beautiful :)
Luv u both !

Cindi says: Monday, May 9, 2011

Those pictures are extraordinary! You are very beautiful Susan. Love them!!!!

Patrick says: Monday, May 9, 2011

Thank you Cindi and Gloria for sharing the love!

Merrily Wilson says: Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Those are the most fantastic wedding photos!!! It was like walking through an art gallery as I sat at my desk. Patrick, I think you captured the magic of Susan and Greg. I can see their love for each other and yours for photography. Great job! Great subjects!

Jennifer says: Friday, May 20, 2011

These photos are absolutely beautiful - the setting, the couple, the light - everything. I love that you add a little narrative at the beginning to introduce the couple and talk about their commitment. It's a wonderful idea! Congratulations, Susan & Greg!

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A quick note: as I started to write this entry, I looked at the first title "Alana and Arash" and realized it was incomplete. This is not the story of Alana and Arash's wedding. This is the story of Alana and Arash and Altin.

Every wedding is entirely different than the one before it and the next one. It has nothing to do with what the flowers, location or even what the bride is wearing. Every wedding is different because every wedding has unique individuals getting married. Different thoughts, different emotions, different tears. When Alana and Arash married they took this simple concept to a whole new level.

When I first talked with Alana about the wedding she told me that they planned to include their son in the wedding. I have seen children included in weddings before, often as ring bearers or flower girls, even the best man. During their ceremony it quickly became evident to me that simple view is nowhere close to meaning of family for Alana and Arash.

They had their ceremony in Yosemite at Cathedral Beach, a few steps from the Merced River with Dr. Susann officiating. As they stood there on the sand, Alana first held Altin in her arms as the ceremony began.  Within a few moments, Altin wanted to go to Arash, and with open arms Arash took him. In a bit, Altin went back to his mother, and so on. The spirit of these exchanges were of a shared love for their son and beautiful to see. They each wanted to share the ceremony with him. It spoke volumes about family.

As the ceremony continued, Alana and Arash shared their vows with each other. They had written their own unique and special vows; vows that were beautiful, honest, and inspiring. Doing this, they exchanged rings and then turned their attention to Altin. They both looked at him and began to recite new vows to Altin and gave him a bracelet as a symbol of their love. Part of me would love to share these vows with you; they were deeply touching, inspiring and revealing, but they are Alana, Arash, and Altin's vows and need to stay that way.

After the ceremony we walked back to the campground to share a delicious snack of champagne,chocolate, nuts and homemade bread. Dr. Susann and I were not their as paid workers, we were there as guests and friends. Both Dr. Susann and I shared how grateful we were to be a part of this beautiful ceremony. It really is wonderful to be a able to witness this step in the life of a loving family. Did I mention that Altin signed the marriage certificate as a witness?

Before too long Altin made his way back down to the river with Arash to throw stones in the water. It was a pure family moment, father and son exploring the world together. Alana wasn't too far behind and caught up with them on the beach. Watching them play together on that beach was perfect. Here is a husband and wife, married for less than twenty minutes, throwing stones in the river together as a family.

When I first asked Alana what would be unique about her wedding, she told me "Us. It's the only thing that can probably truly be unique about a wedding -- I think most everything's been done. But we're hoping to have a ceremony that truly reflects us. We plan to write our own ceremony and we also plan to include our 21 month old son in the ceremony." I think that sums it up better than I could. Congratulations again Alana, Arash and Altin.



Comments
Alana & Arash & Altin says: Friday, November 19, 2010

Now we know what we'll be doing for the next several days -- scrolling back and forth through these pictures over and over again. We love them! The ring going on the finger, the look on Arash's face, the rock mid-throw, the autumn colors . . . the spirit of the day is definitely in these pictures. So beautifully done. Big, heartfelt thanks to you, Patrick! (Now, back to photo #1 . . .)

Arash says: Saturday, November 20, 2010

I keep looking at these pictures and must say, they are absolutely remarkable, Patrick. So glad you were there to capture the entire body and soul of it for us.

Thank you again.

Wolfgang Troullier says: Monday, November 22, 2010

Whoever you are, Patrick.... You have a great eye!
These picturs are truly beautiful. And not just because of the subjects (it helps, I guess...) You captured the spirit of that day!
What a setting it is!!!
One can smell the fresh air, the atmosphere, just by looking at these pictures
Now to you.... Alana & Arash: You looked so radiant, in love, the fall colors, the river. Nature.
I'm glad you found each other, and that you founded... Altin!
And whenever in doubt of anything, you just have to go back to this blessed place, and it'll be OK.............

Wolf

Carol Cardinale-Ruiz says: Sunday, November 28, 2010

Pics came out Patrick great Alana was a very sweet calm bride I enjoyed working with her. I also enjoyed meeting her wonderful family! Congratulations to them!

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Somehow elopements just seem to naturally draw the most down to earth couples around. The idea of just focusing on love and the simple goal of marrying the person of your dreams forces everything else to take a backseat. Add to that a Yosemite elopement, where a couple embraces the natural surroundings, and you might start to see why I love serving my clients.

Enter Regina and Anthony, two individuals that just are not complete on their own. They embody that wonderful down to earth quality perfectly and do not need to do anything to impress anyone. When I asked them what they do when they spend time together, they told me "We love just hanging out at home or running errands together... It doesn't matter what we are doing, we just love being together."

They gathered on the afternoon of October 10th, 2010 with their closest friends to marry in along the bank of the Merced River. It was the perfect place for them; they hiked all over the park the day before to find this spot where they could stand in view of Half Dome. A close friend officiated the emotional and intimate ceremony with personal knowledge of them. It was beautiful to see them standing there, a circle of friends and family gathered in a special breathtaking place to start a new family. I loved the look on Anthony's face as soon as they were pronounced husband and wife - absolute glee.

After the ceremony we all made our way back to the Ahwahnee together, stopping along the way for photographs in a few different places. We managed to catch the last rays of light slipping into Yosemite Valley for the day for really dramatic shots. But where ever we went, Anthony was quick to put is arm around his wife and hold her in love. Together they are the definition of being in love.




Comments
Regina & Anthony says: Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Patrick,
These are beautiful pictures! You really captured the moment. We are so happy that we found you and can't wait to see the rest of the pictures. And thank you for saying such kind things about us. It was the best day ever! Thanks for capturing it for us.

Markus Lecithinos says: Monday, July 25, 2011

Brilliant photographs. You managed to capture pure essence

Markus Lecithinos says: Monday, July 25, 2011

Brilliant photographs. You managed to capture pure essence

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