Earthy Styled Elopement at Yosemite National Park, CA | Dalia & Erik

THE TEAM:

This inspiration session is the stunning product of a vision shared by Vanessa Wagener of Vanessa Lynne Photography and Shannon McAlister of Tin & Twine Events and Ritual Rentals. Even as young girls, these childhood friends enjoyed a mutual appreciation for creating beautiful things. When they reconnected in adulthood, both were thrilled to find that Vanessa had pursued photography while Shannon had become an event planner and stylist. Joining forces on a crisp November day, Vanessa and Shannon combined their individual talents to design this beautiful earthy elopement.

THE CREATIVE PROCESS:

“We had originally planned on doing the session up on Tafts Point, where the view would speak for itself,” Vanessa recounts. “Due to the time of year, however, all roads leading that way had been closed, leaving us to think outside the box for a location. There’s a sort of freedom when you ditch your original plans and start from scratch… Weddings are so often unpredictable… it is an extremely important quality to be able to roll with punches and think on your feet.”

This talented duo had a vision of granite and valleys for this Yosemite elopement. Their objective was to design a simple, elegant ceremony and a reception that reflected the playful and adventurous nature of the couple’s relationship. “Shannon pieced together an earthy color scheme: forest green, muted blue, dark blues, and hints of natural wood. She wanted to bring out the beauty of the valley and complement the already enchanting backdrop… After getting to know the couple and their love story, she knew she needed to incorporate a whiskey and cigar bar to highlight their mutual love for whiskey.”

THE SESSION:

Vanessa appreciates the flexibility of elopements and the freedom they afford from the pressures of a firm itinerary. She describes herself as “a sucker for detail shots”, and this styled elopement allowed her to focus on capturing the unique elements that made this particular session special. “Erik and Dalia trusted our vision, knowing that we do our best work when we are free to create uninhibited,” she says. “Even though temperatures were quite brisk, they were just as adventurous as us with unwavering patience.”

Photography by Vanessa Lynne Photography