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Yosemite Wedding Photographer
Hillary and Ken
July 20, 2011
| Weddings
If I had to sum up Hillary and Ken's wedding day in one word it would be celebration. Both Hillary and Ken are incredibly full of life and love exploring the world together. They both share the same outgoing personality that could make life long friends of strangers in seconds. For their wedding, they invited their guests to join them just outside of Yosemite at Evergreen Lodge. Of course, knowing full well that many of their guests would be traveling a great distance to be with them, they planned on spending almost five days together with their guests.

Hillary and Ken expressed to me how great it was to do this. Instead of being rushed to see their loved ones, they got to go on relaxing hikes together and wild whitewater rafting trips. So when their wedding day came, it was not the time to say hello to each guest as they arrived for the first time; it was the time to celebrate and send off Hillary and Ken on the next stage of their lives.

We planned their wedding day with plenty of time for photography and relaxation. Originally we hoped to go into Yosemite Valley for dramatic photographs of Hillary and Ken in the park. But on the day of their wedding we collectively decided to head over to Hetch Hetchy to avoid the extreme traffic and congestion of Yosemite Valley. That simple decision alone not only provided us with options that we never would have found in Yosemite Valley (including making one my favorite wedding photograph possible), but also removed the stress of the crowds flocking to the valley. We returned from our trip to Hetch Hetchy with a few hours to spare before the ceremony so that they would have plenty of time to relax.

The ceremony was just a short walk from the Evergreen Lodge, along a little trail that opened up into a beautiful meadow. It was there, under the homemade Chuppah that Hillary and Ken exchanged their vows. The ceremony was led by Ken's uncle Jack which brought a personal touch and intimacy to the wedding that would be impossible to find anyplace else.

The reception was in an outdoor courtyard in the middle of Evergreen Lodge. The weather was perfect as everyone gather to enjoy cocktails and appetizers under the pines. Once Hillary and Ken joined their guests for the reception, the party took on a new life. Their energy and excitement carried the celebration. Everyone enjoyed a delicious dinner outside in the warm glow of the evening twilight.

Hillary and Ken started their first dance slowly and romantically with Jason Mraz's "Lucky" but that didn't last long. After a few seconds of traditional slow dance, the music cut straight into House of Pain "Jump Around" with Hillary and Ken whipping everyone into a frenzy that lasted all night long. In a short word, these people know how to party.

Of course every wedding has it's unique moments, something special that I have never really seen before. Evergreen Lodge is a beautiful outdoor venue for a wedding, complete with lots of places for your guests to stay on the property. But that also means there is plenty of places for tourists and other non-wedding guests to stay. So when the dance floor got moving, it was infections. So much so that other guests of the Lodge created their own dance floor just outside of the wedding area to get down. In a moment of pure celebration, Hillary left her own wedding to dance with strangers she had never met, many that traveled from around the world. The spirit of love and joy was beautiful.

Later on in the evening, the party moved indoors into the Tavern. With it's low ceilings and authentic 1920's feel (it actually was built int he 1920's and hasn't changed much) it had the perfect vibe for an after party. Every squeezed into the dance floor refusing to let the wedding party end.

Ceremony and Reception: Evergreen Lodge
Music and DJ: Spinheads

Bride at Hetch Hetchy.jpg


Hetch Hetchy Wedding.jpg

Comments
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Sarah says: Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Love the last shot! Where was this taken?
Patrick says: Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Thanks Sarah! It was in Hetch Hetchy in the tunnel on the way to Wapama Falls.
HIllary Altmann says: Saturday, July 23, 2011

Thanks Patrick, these are amazing! I would highly recommend you to anyone looking for a great wedding photographer!!
Kristin "Roxanne" Abrahamson Wiseley says: Monday, July 25, 2011

Wow! These are incredible. I love how Hillary and Ken's fun-loving spirits show through. The intimacy of the ceremony was beautifully captured, as well. Can't wait to see more!

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208
Yosemite Wedding Photographer
Sarah and Josh
June 28, 2011
| Weddings
If you're thinking about planning an intimate destination wedding, Yosemite should be at the top of your list. Sarah and Josh are both outdoor enthusiasts and love visiting new places together. In fact, that statement describes almost their entire family! So it came as no surprise that they planned their wedding for Yosemite. Everyone traveled from all over the country to join them on their wedding day and also share Yosemite together. They dined together, they hiked together; it was an entire weekend celebration.

Sarah and her family and friends had taken over the Presidential Suite to prepare for the day. Carol from Bellissimo was onsite helping everyone to get ready and look their best for the wedding. When I first joined them I quickly noticed that everyone in the room was a morning person; despite it being 8 am everyone was wide awake with excitement for the day to come. Laughter and good cheer filled the room as everyone watched Sarah transform into a bride.

Spending as much time as possible with their guests was one of their primary goals, so before the ceremony Sarah and Josh joined me on a trip through Yosemite Valley. There were a few places that they knew that just had to go to, but really we were just chasing the morning light. I had known beforehand that Josh was slightly apprehensive about having his portrait made, but when it came down to it he was in love with his bride and little else mattered. Holding her in the warmth of the day was everything.

The sweetness of their relationship was beautiful. The way that they held each other as we walked and talked revealed so much about them. The adventurousness of their personalities was evident as we worked together to create art. Hike through a muddy meadow in a wedding dress? Sure thing. They were there to soak it all in and live life. So much love.

We returned to the Ahwahnee Hotel with plenty of time for Sarah and Josh to relax a bit before there ceremony. Beth of Coarsegold Flowershop was busy decorating the Mural Room for the reception while guests were gathering for the ceremony. A single guitar and violin from Sierra Entertainment provided the perfect soundtrack for the day with birds above adding the occasional note. It was a small intimate ceremony on the Ahwahnee Wedding Lawn, under the afternoon shade of a tree. Rev. Autrey Nassar officiated the ceremony with beautiful weather overhead while Yosemite Falls thundered in the distance.

Shortly after the ceremony everyone headed inside the Solarium for cocktail and appetizers mixed with friendly conversation. The late afternoon sunshine sunshine filtered through the windows creating the perfect atmosphere of an intimate wedding. Once again, the subtle music of Sierra Entertainment set the the mood perfectly and was enjoyed by all. When dinner was ready everyone headed into the Mural Room to share a delicious meal.

The reception was very different than most wedding receptions; many weddings have events stacked up back to back during the reception, such as a bouquet toss and cake cutting with a DJ telling guests what to expect. Not so with Sarah and Josh's reception. Their reception was focused on spending time with their guests and took on an enjoyably relaxed feel. They created a dinner for their guests to share at their own pace; not to be interrupted with traditional events.

Of course Sarah and Josh did share their first dance in the Mural Room. A dance that was first followed by a father daughter dance, and then everyone was swallowed up in the mood and began to dance. There was no big name band, no DJ blasting music, just an iPhone playing through some small portable speakers - and it was perfect. That really does capture the entire feeling of the day; the perfect wedding for Sarah and Josh.

Ceremony and Reception: Ahwahnee Hotel
Hair and Makeup: Belissimmo
Photography: Patrick Pike Studios

Ahwahnee Wedding in Yosemite.jpg

Comments
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Jonas Seaman says: Tuesday, June 28, 2011

So beautiful!

fer juaristi says: Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Beautiful wedding Patrick, love the natural look of the series.
Ted says: Tuesday, June 28, 2011

The bridge shot is pretty cool! Nice way to end this set. Just like the other one. hehe!
Laura Havran says: Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Gorgeous! I want to get married there! Oh wait, I am married....maybe a thirty-fifth wedding anniversary trip! Sarah - you made a beautiful bride.

Carol Cardinale says: Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Stunning photos! fabulous!! Thank you Patrick! Sarah and Josh were such a pleasure to work with!
Bev Olsen says: Tuesday, June 28, 2011

What a spectacular venue for your wedding! Thank you for sharing this beautiful place with us. Sarah, how beautiful you are in every photo. And Josh....handsome as ever!! I'll look forward to seeing more.
Angela Bruntlett says: Wednesday, June 29, 2011

A breathtaking collection capturing beautiful moments! Great job. And I enjoyed reading the description of the day through Patrick's eyes. Sarah, you are stunning!! And with Josh, a perfect couple. Hope you are enjoying your honeymoon. Angela Bruntlett
Jane Shoup says: Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Patrick,
Just as I exhausted my list of superlatives describing the beauty of Yosemite soon after arriving there, so have I in describing what a pleasure it was to have you as the photographer for Sarah and Josh's wedding at the Ahwahnee. I will never tire of looking at your photos of them, and this sampling only makes me that much more eager to see ALL of the wedding pictures! Your descriptive introduction captured the essence of that very special day perfectly. Thank you, thank you for everything!
Sarah says: Saturday, July 9, 2011

Patrick, thank you so much for your kind words and these amazing photos! The passion that you have for your work really showed from our first conversation to meeting in person to our wedding day and finally to the finished product. Really the whole experience was a joy and our guests couldn't say enough good things about your friendly demeanor and the way you worked. Thank you so much!

~Sarah

P.S. The shoes have recovered nicely from their 'dip' into the meadow mud :-)
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207
Yosemite Wedding Photographer
Carrie and Jeff
June 21, 2011
| Weddings
Carrie and Jeff traveled to Yosemite from Florida for their perfect destination wedding. They planned an stunningly extravagant affair for the guests, with thoughtful and beautiful details throughout. All of this set the stage for one of their most important goals of the day; to enjoy and celebrate with friends and family.

Of course, the wedding really started before their wedding day. They were able to come up to Yosemite Valley a few days before and enjoy the park with friends and family, some that had never had the chance to visit Yosemite before. The night before their wedding they even had an outdoor BBQ rehearsal dinner at the Wawona Hotel.

Carrie and her family had just about the entire sixth floor at the Ahwahnee Hotel. Each room on the sixth floor is styled differently and captures a specific use and time period in the hotels history. For example, Carrie was in the Sun Room; an open windowed room with views stretching out across Yosemite Valley and to Staircase Falls. The rooms are nothing short of outstanding in both quality and beauty. If you have had the pleasure of staying in the the one of these rooms you know exactly what I am talking about.

The wedding morning was a bit leisurely as everyone took their time getting ready for the afternoon ceremony. Carol from Bellissimo was onsite making sure that everyone looked their best, but really this morning was about family. Carrie was taking in every moment of being a bride, not rushing this valuable time with her family. Her sister and her share an amazing bond that can only be shared between sisters. They were all together, sharing the experience as one while the dramatic weather of Yosemite pulled past the windows.

When the morning's rain did not let up, the Ahwahnee staff quickly made arrangements to move the ceremony under the covering of the hotel's East Portico. With everyone protected from the elements but at the same time right in the middle of nature, the ceremony took on a magical quality. The smell and sound of a summer storm filled the air as Carrie and Jeff proclaimed their love for one another in a chapel made of stone. Trees dripped with rain and as everyone took in the amazing beauty. 

As husband and wife, Carrie and Jeff joined their family and friends inside the Ahwahnee after the ceremony. Music and laughter blended together perfectly in the Solarium as guests enjoyed hors d'evouers and cocktails with one another. Ice sculptures and flowers adorned the room while the dramatic weather outside of the windows revealed the beauty of Yosemite. In the midst of these gorgeous surroundings, Carrie and Jeff were the king and queen of the night. They captivated everyone and made time for each of the guests. It was evident that their entire wedding was planned around the people who mattered most to them.

A delicious dinner was served in the Solarium and enjoyed by all. Conversations continued as the sky gradually darkened outside, but the love in the room remained bright. I have been a part of many weddings in the Solarium, but the beauty of that room with its grand views of the valley as the sun sets still amaze me. Toasts full of love and laughter were shared. A cake was sliced and they politely fed each other a bite.

Eventually everyone made their way into the Winter Room where the party really got started. The Joe Lenigan Band was setup and ready to rock the night away, playing the perfect mix of oldies rock. The party took on a life of it's own at this point, an unseen energy driving on the dance floor. And throughout everything were Carrie and Jeff, both with the same smiles across their faces that were there since the moment that they first saw each other. This night of celebration was perfectly Carrie and Jeff.

Ceremony and Reception: Ahwahnee Hotel
Hair and Makeup: Belissimmo
Flowers and Design: Natalie Galasso

Comments
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Carol Cardinale says: Thursday, June 23, 2011

I love the pictures Patrick...They are incredible...Love the shot of the dress...Love them all!
cousins Marianne and John says: Thursday, June 23, 2011

... wow! these are stunning pictures of the most beautiful bride and groom ~ it was an amazing wedding and you've captured those memories so well for them ~ how precious it will be for them to be able look back on these pictures 50 years from now ... here's wishing them a long, healthy, joyful life together ~ cheers! ~ amen.
Mary Earll says: Friday, June 24, 2011

Thank you for sharing Carrie...I've been waiting for these and again, sorry we couldn't be there but these beautiful pictures give me a window on your fantastic day. You were a gorgeous bride and had such a handsome groom. Congratulations and enjoy your wonderful life together!
Ted says: Monday, June 27, 2011

Nicce image to end the set!
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206
Yosemite Wedding Photographer
Annette and Joe
June 8, 2011
| Weddings
I met Annette and Joe a few months ago in my studio when they traveled to Yosemite to take care of a few wedding details. Up until that moment, I had only been able to communicate with them over the phone and through email, so I was really looking forward to meeting them. As soon as I met them and saw how they interacted with each other, how they held and looked at each other, I knew instantly this was going to be a great wedding. Hearing them express how important the photography was to them made me even happier that we would be able to work together.

Annette and Joe planned an intimate destination wedding in Yosemite. Keeping things and the small side, they created a wonderfully comfortable atmosphere for their family and friends in the midst of nature. Because I wanted to bring together their desire for beautiful photography and an intimate wedding, I suggested that we take as many photographs as possible before there ceremony so that they could immediately spend as much time with their loved ones as possible.

On their wedding day, they were each in a rented house in Yosemite West, preparing separately for their ceremony. In one house, Carol and Amy from Bellissimo were busy perfecting hair and makeup designs for everyone while Joe was getting ready in the other. The house was perfect for Annette to get ready in; she was able to be there with nearly all of her family and not feel cramped.

When Annette was ready we headed over to the house where Joe was waiting to first see his bride. Annette was nervous with anticipation for that moment, but couldn't wait to stand by his side. I think that when Joe first saw her, his jaw dropped as he stood in amazement of his beautiful bride and then they seemed to melt into each other. Once together, we all made our way down into the valley, stopping for a few photographs, and eventually arriving at the Ahwahnee for the ceremony. Everything was covered in green while the waterfalls pounded around us and Annette and Joe held each other and took it all in.

One of the biggest highlights of the ceremony, besides the obvious stunning beauty of the location, was the ring bearer. At almost every wedding, parents struggle to make sure the ring bearer and flower girls walk straight down the aisle, while every guest thinks it's cute when they do what they want to do. Of course one way or another the ring bearers and flower girls will make it to the front of the ceremony. But on this day, when asked for the rings, the ring bearer figured that would be the perfect moment to play a game of tag. Off he ran like a wide receiver breaking tackles; leaving all of the guests, besides his parents, with a good laugh.

With the ceremony over, everyone headed back inside the Ahwahnee for cocktails and dinner. The room was beautifully decorated while a classical guitarist play filled the air with delightful tunes. The food was delicious as always, as everyone dined together in celebration of this new family. Wherever I looked, there were smiles and good cheer. Congratulations again Annette and Joe!


Hair and Makeup: Bellissimo
Ceremony and Reception: Ahwahnee Hotel

Comments
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Carol Cardinale says: Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Absolutely stunning...Annette was such a pleasureto work with! So was Joe! Thank you Patrick for capturing such amazing shots!
Joseph Lanning says: Thursday, June 9, 2011

Patrick, the photos look amazing. You were awesome to work with and Annette and I could not be happier. We had a blast driving around that beautiful park with you, and hope you had as great of a time at the reception as we did. Thank you for working with us, Patrick!
Judy Fisk says: Friday, June 10, 2011

Patrick, the pictures are beautiful. Your photos caught the spirit of the people involved as well as the celebration of the wedding. Annette and Joe are fortunate to have found such a talented and caring photographer! Thank you.
Eileen Slate says: Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Beautiful setting, beautiful wedding - beautifully photographed! Very nicely done, Patrick.
Eileen Slate says: Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Beautiful setting, beautiful wedding - beautifully photographed! Very nicely done, Patrick.
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205
Yosemite Wedding Photographer
Priscila and Steve
June 2, 2011
| Elopements | Weddings
Moments before Priscila and Steve's ceremony at Lower Yosemite Falls, the area was coverd in a mix of rain and hail. Winds whipped at the trees and the sky was dark. For the 1st of June, this weather was completely unexpected. Unlike previous days when tourists flooded the valley, now they were seeking shelter from the storm. Although they may have been warm and dry inside, they missed seeing Yosemite's dramatic side.

Priscila and Steve planned an intimate destination wedding in Yosemite. They were joined by a handful of their friends and family, including her parents who traveled from Brazil. Rev. John Paris officiated the ceremony at Yosemite Falls overlook. It was simple and beautiful; it focused directly on their love and the support of their loved ones.

When the ceremony ended, Priscila and Steve were instantly surrounded by their friends and family in embraces of love. We spent a few minutes there in that place photographing them all together before heading out across the valley and into weather. It was not goodbye of course, they would all be together soon for dinner at the Ahwahnee.

From my standpoint the shifting weather made for perfectly dramatic photographs. All across Yosemite Valley pools of light poured through the sky, while dark ominous clouds created mood and texture. Everything was filled with untold energy. Yet somehow as we traveled around the valley we managed to avoid the rain and hail. As we would drive, hail would shower us; but almost as if on cue it would stop as soon as we needed to get out of the car.

Throughout all of this, was the constant of Priscila and Steve looking as if it was a warm sunny day. The so called bad weather could not affect their love. The were too busy soaking it in, enjoying the wedding day that they had been blessed with. They knew the secret; once you have the love of your life in your arms, anything and everything is something to enjoy together.

Hair and Makeup: Bellissimo
Officiant: Rev. John Paris




Comments
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Carol Cardinale says: Friday, June 3, 2011

Fabulous as usual!
Priscila says: Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Wow, Patrick! After being away for almost a week and not being able to access internet during this time, I am in awe of the absolutely amazing work you do! Thank you so much for the great time during the adventurous photo shoot in Yosemite. Steve and I couldn't have been happier with our choice. The story you wrote is also so true to the moments we went through! :-) It was a pleasure working with you and we can't wait for the entire selection for us to create our priceless album.
Abraços (this means "hugs" in Portuguese) to you and your family.
Robin says: Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Just beautiful. The stormy skies add so much.
Nancy says: Wednesday, June 8, 2011

These pictures are great!....
Liza says: Wednesday, June 8, 2011

You made a beautiful bride Pri! The photographs are absolutely stunning! Having Yosemite as your background is amazing. Its so surreal. Congratulations! Love to you both, Liza
Kim Hodgkinson says: Wednesday, June 8, 2011

It was such a beautiful wedding ceremony in a gorgeous spot. Robin and I were so happy to be included in the special day. Priscila was a gorgeous bride! Love to you both.
Nil says: Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Que lugar maravilhoso hein....as fotos estao lindas!!!!!!!!!!!!!parabens...
Lavonne Mireles says: Thursday, June 9, 2011

Patrick, your photos spoke to me, they are beyond lovely. The moments you captured are intense, I could almost feel what it was like to be at the weddings! I even cried a little, super well done!!!

rosalina says: Thursday, June 9, 2011

Oieeeeee...
Meus queridos,irmã,cunha e sobrinhos !!! Tudo muito lindo, maravilhoso! Que lugar é este ??? Parece que saiu dos livros de contos de fadas e vc, Pri, é com certeza a "Princesa,"juntamente com seu "Príncipe"...e a capelinha então, que encanto, nos transfere imediatamente aos primórdios da colonização...amei...
É tudo tão lindo que não parece estarem diretamente na natureza e sim num cenário cinematrográfico...um show ...
Muitas felicidades e que Deus os abençoe e guie sempre !!!
Miga & Cia
Obs.: a Sorela avec Lindemar estão um glamour só...

Zé says: Thursday, June 9, 2011

Congrats.
Ni pra vocês.
Hugs.
Zé
Amanda Vining says: Thursday, June 9, 2011

Absolutly stunning! Pri you look amazing! Benny you clean up rather nicly.... lol. These pictures are amazing. I loved reading the story from Patrick first. Im speachless.... what an amazing day, and all of it seems to be captured perfectly! Congrats you too!
Luciana says: Thursday, June 9, 2011

Pri que maravilhosas as fotos!! Assino em baixo do comentário da Miguinha qndo diz que seu casamento parece um conto de fadas! E vc, sem dúvida é a PRINCESA mais linda!! PARABÉNS!! ESTÁ TUDO INCRÍVEL!
Daniel Camara says: Friday, June 10, 2011

Congratulations :)

My best wishes for the couple, and I hope you have long and happy marriage.

I loved the photos, made me even more sad for not being able to visit the park last time :(. However, whenever you pass by France, let me know :).

Regards.
Rogério Brito says: Friday, June 10, 2011

Priscila and Steve,
Congratulations for the wedding.
The pictures are amazing.
Nathan Colossi says: Friday, June 10, 2011

Congrats, Priscila and Steve!

This place is great, and the pictures are awesome!!

Cheers,
Nathan
Henry e Ci says: Friday, June 10, 2011

Priiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii,

Parabéns! As fotos ficaram lindas!
Achamos o lugar maravilhoso!
Felicidades para vcs!!! =D

Bjos de seus amigos Henry e Ci
Ju says: Saturday, June 11, 2011

Caramba Pri !!!!
Que cenário é este ?!?
Maravilhoso !!!
A Miga tem razão, nem parece real.
Muito lindo, e achei que a chuva, temporal ou tempestade, deram um toque a mais, (pelo menos nas fotos).

Parabéns Pri !!! Seja muito feliz, hoje e sempre.

BeiJu

Mirion Schultz says: Monday, June 13, 2011

Absolutely beaaauuuutiful!...some look like paintings...if I wasn't there I would think was collage. It looks all played its part perfectly...the love and happiness are transparent, God's perfect play with weather, and the photographer to capture all. You deserve!!!

Fábio Schmidlin says: Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Congratulations, Priscila and Steve! My best wishes of happiness to both of you! :D
ann @ wedding favors says: Friday, June 17, 2011

You can create a magnificent masterpiece if you are near with nature. And your photos are truly beautiful.

Nilza Kauhane says: Monday, June 20, 2011

Congratts!!
You guys look sooo goood and happy. The pictures look unreal. Just beautiful.
Love you guys and hope to see you soon.
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