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?
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256
December 31, 2011
Only a handful of days ago, I selected some of my favorite photographs from 2011. One flaw in my process however was that 2011 wasn't even over. What would happen if I created a new favorite photograph in the remaining days?
On Tuesday my family and I headed up to Tenaya Lake in Yosemite to take advantage of this winters conditions. It's been very cold, but without snow, leaving the high country of Yosemite easily accessible by car. Our destination that day was Tenaya Lake for an afternoon of ice skating. Standing in the middle of this frozen lake, I was blown away by the beauty. It was a magical day that I will never forget. It was also a day that gave me an idea that I couldn't get out of my head.
Yesterday, on the afternoon of December 30th, three years after they met, Elizabeth and Nick were married in Yosemite Valley. It was a cold day, but the weather was still clear and without snow; meaning that Tioga Pass is still open and we could drive to Tenaya Lake. When I asked them if they had any ideas for locations for photographs they told me they trusted me entirely. When I suggested to them that they could have one of the most unique wedding photographs ever, they got excited.
Together we hurried up and out of the valley racing the sunshine to Tenaya Lake. When we arrived, the sun had already left the lake and skating up the granite walls that frame the lake. I knew we had to hurry to make the photograph in my head real. I found the perfect place to work and quickly made this frame, the first of the series we created on the lake.
What I love about this photograph is the delicate balance between the glowing granite and the frozen ice. It's a balance that seems unreal, creating this place of perfect beauty. The texture of the ice and the lines of the mountains. The abstract refection of the world above in the ice. All of this comes together to hold Elizabeth, standing strong on the ice, a woman of true beauty.
This photograph is for Elizabeth and Nick; congratulations once again and thank you for your amazing trust and making this photograph happen! This is a truly unique photograph that I doubt will ever be duplicated by another bride.
In the next couple of days I'll be showing and telling the entire story of their wedding day, including many more from a frozen Tenaya Lake.
Comments
Elissa says:
Saturday, December 31, 2011
You are such an amazing artist. This is SO beautiful, *I* want a huge canvas of it to put on my wall. Wow.
Mitch and Kelly Miller says:
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Thank you Patrick for making our daughter's wedding day so amazing!
denise candy says:
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Patrick it was a pleasure to meet you, someone who will go that extra mile and with good grace. The kids looked great,happy and you made it worth the almost six thousand miles of travel to witness the making of the lake shots.
Carol E. Dewey says:
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Patrick, this is such a powerful statement! Elizabeth & Nick are so very fortunate to have had such a beautiful day, and willing spirit and a gifted photographer.
This is just one of your best, my friend.
Happy trails and blue skies.
Karen Taylor says:
Monday, January 9, 2012
This is the most gorgeous bridal portrait that I have ever see!
Kim Baker says:
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
These pictures are stunning, knowing my beautiful niece and her love for Yosemite, you have made her dreams come true!
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Plus One For 2011
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255
December 28, 2011
It's difficult for us to look back over all of the photographs we've taken this past year without thinking of all the good people and amazing stories behind each photograph. This past year we've joined our clients out in snowstorms, wading in rivers, standing in the midst of crashing waves, scrabbling on cliffs, hiking to the tops of mountains, and even deep into caves - all for love. Isn't life always about the love?
Each image triggers a memory for me of of the people in front of the lens. From couples keeping each other warm on cold day, to seeing a smile plastered on of someone that doesn't normally show emotion, to capturing love in the midst of nature. Every single photograph here is not only important to the people in them, but also to me. That's why this collection is the perfect proof of the wonderful year we've had.
These are twenty five of my favorite photographs from 2011; they were all chosen for different reasons. The one thing they have in common is that they are all about the couple. I had to start somewhere, or else there would have been close to 3000 photographs. Editing this collection down into something sizable was difficult to say the least. I really wish I could have included each and every of my favorite photographs.
Some photographs are here because they captured a wonderfully unplanned moment. Some are here because we worked the composition out perfectly. Some are here because we stumbled into amazing weather. Some are here because we hiked uphill in the snow on your wedding day. But all of these are here because you trusted me, and to that I can't say thank you enough.
Which photograph is your favorite?
Comments
Jasen Master says:
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Patrick,
I can't tell you how much this post made me smile. Just pure awesome my friend. On top of that, inspiring as well.
Katie Jane says:
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
All of them are gorgeous - but that last photo pretty much kills me.
Elissa says:
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
I want to love your photos and have its babies. That third shot is whoaaaaa good.
derek lapsley says:
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
do i reeaalllllyyyy have to pick just one!? the cave one might be my favorite, absolutely ridunkulous and i LOVE #10 with the streaks... and all the other ones too :)
Cat Rodery says:
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Sweet! We made the top 25! Had such a blast with you doing our engagements and love te other shots in here as well!!
gregory peck says:
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Great pictures!
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Twenty Five of 2011
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250
December 5, 2011
On a brisk fall day in Yosemite, Patti and Curt were married at the Ahwahnee Hotel. Much of the fall color was stripped away the day before in an early snow storm and replaced with a light coat of snow across the valley. Things were changing in the valley and it was a blessing to see the first hints of winter.
If there is one thing I love about my clients, it's their love. Patti and Curt seem made for each other. When they are together you can see the world around them slow down and relax because they have each other. Even through they were both surrounded by friends and family while they prepared in the early morning, the moment that they held each other for the first time on the old stone bridge the cold air around them seemed to disappear.
With the threat of rain, their wedding ceremony was move from the wedding lawn to under the East Portico of the Ahwahnee. It worked out to be the perfect place for the elegant and intimate wedding that they planned. Patti and Curt even planned to give each of their guests a fleece blanket to keep warm with in the cool air. The strength of stone pillars surrounded them while a clear view of the expanse of Yosemite kept life in perspective. This was their perfect place.
As soon as the ceremony was over, we headed inside the warmth of the Ahwahnee. This day perhaps more than others, its rustic and elegant beauty fit perfectly. Patti and Curt visited with their loved ones while enjoying cocktails and hors d'oeuvres by the fire.
Eventually everyone made their way to the Solarium to enjoy dinner. No one was in any rush and it was a very relaxed meal. Everyone took their time to enjoy the delicious food and each other's company. Sounds of laughter and good cheer filled the high ceiling and bounced off of every wall leaving everyone feeling warm.
With toasts shared, everyone gathered in the Winter Room to watch Patti and Curt share their first dance as husband and wife. Slowly and tenderly they revolved around the floor together holding onto each other and the very moment. Then the room broke out in a party of celebration as everyone danced the night away. Even though it was not a large wedding, when all of their guests packed the dance floor to be with Patti and Curt, it suddenly seemed like everyone was there with them.
Congratulations to Patti and Curt on the wedding of their dreams. The both looked stunning, with intricate details and designs throughout the day that were uniquely theirs. Set in a beautiful location like no other, the wedding was instantly elegant and timeless. But most importantly, they had each other.
Photographer: Patrick Pike Studios
Planning and Flowers: Addyrose Weddings
Hair and Makeup: Bellissimo
Ceremony and Reception: The Ahwahnee Hotel
Comments
Patti Cowling says:
Monday, December 5, 2011
Patrick and Katie you did an amazing job. What wonderful memories you captured that we will share for a lifetime. We had such a fun day with the both of you. We are just in awe of the beauty of the landscape and of our friends and families. Thank you.
Carol Cardinale says:
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Fabulous Again! I have come to expect no less! I truly enjoyed workin with Patti and her family…You captured her sweet and elegant personality! I love seeing the finished result Thank you again for your fabulous work Patrick and Katie!
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249
November 30, 2011
When I first met with Elle and Anthony a few months ago we talked in great detail about them and their wedding plans. I could tell quickly that they had their priorities in order and knew that I would love to work with them. However peppered throughout the entire conversation was the idea that Elle and Anthony did not like having their photographs made. I told them not to worry about that at all, that was my job. After all, how many times have clients said the exact same thing to me? All they had to do was love each other and get married. I would take care of the rest. And that is exactly what happened.
They planned an intimate wedding outdoors in Yosemite Valley for just their close friends and family. Everyone gathered just across from Bridalveil Fall (which was still flowing this late in the season) on a cool autumn day for the ceremony. As Elle walked down the aisle to her groom, everyone followed her lead and gathered close to hear the ceremony. It was a small and incredibly intimate ceremony. Standing outside in the clearing of the meadow, everyone's attention was clearly focused on Elle and Anthony as they shared their love in a beautiful place.
When the ceremony was over, both Elle and Anthony were immediately surrounded by their friends and family. It seemed that everyone needed to share a hug.
After photographing the new families together, we traveled around Yosemite Valley stopping in a handful of locations as we went. The weather was not perfect (very cold and raining), the light was not perfect (dark and overcast), but none of that really mattered. Elle and Anthony were starting something new together - affirming and sharing the love that they have in each other.
And that is exactly what I love about these photographs from their wedding. They are close but not perfectly posed in some dramatic fashion. Instead they are caught up in the love and emotion of the moment because they can't contain themselves. The laughs, the giggles, the sweet tender touches make these photographs perfect. Nothing but love in it's most pure form.
Comments
Elle Duerr says:
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
What an amazing job you are doing with these pics Patrick... We absolutely chose a beautiful backdrop! You captured the happiness of the day.
Anthony: You look soooo handsome!
XO
Elle
Francois says:
Monday, December 12, 2011
Awesome pictures!!! Congratulations ... Again!!!
Kathi Duerr says:
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Great pictures. Looking forward to seeing the rest.
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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