From the very beginning, this Florida couple knew their nuptials would be anything but traditional. Eddie proposed during a Tennessee spelunking expedition, and this set the tone as the pair crafted a vision for their wedding. Their adventurous hearts led them across the country where they launched a new chapter with a truly extraordinary experience. Yosemite provided the magnificent backdrop they craved, and with the help of their photographer, Gianna Vasquez, Christie and Eddie crafted a positively epic timeline for their day.

With alarms set for 4AM, the couple began with a first-look at Glacier Point for their Yosemite elopement. Gianna was on-site an hour before sunrise, carefully scoping out the location. “I didn’t want to choose a spot that I had seen over and over on social media,” she shares. “It was actually my fiancé, Bree, who found a spot off the trail with a lot of trees and greenery, which is exactly what I pictured, for the sunrise first-look. It was perfect in every way!” A ceremony with their nearest and dearest at Cathedral Beach followed, along with gorgeous bridal shots at El Capitan Meadow. A moody sunset at Taft Point brought the day to a close as the newlyweds danced and cuddled daringly close to the edge. “Everything about the day was so surreal and magical,” Gianna says. “I wish I could do it over and over again…”

We don’t blame her, this adventurous elopement is nothing short of enchanting!

Photography by Morningbird Photography

CHOOSING AN ELOPEMENT:

“We like adventure. After shopping around for venues close to home, we sat [down] and realized that it wasn’t really us. We wanted something more of an experience, and we soon realized that eloping would be the best choice for us.”

[Christie, the bride]

CHOOSING A LOCATION:

“… [Eddie] saw a picture of the mountains and showed it to me, and I was like, ‘Let’s do it!’ We weren’t sure exactly where that was, but we researched and saw that it was Yosemite. We kept researching different parts of Yosemite, but from the first picture we were sold, and honestly it surpassed all of our expectations!”

[Christie]

PLANNING AN ELOPEMENT:

“It was a breeze! Honestly, we got the permit from Yosemite National Park, booked Morningbird Photography, got our flights, rented a house for our family and friends, [and] got our florist, The Bamboo Bridge Florals, and that’s pretty much it. My dad is a pastor so he officiated the ceremony with his best friend. Everything was so easy and simple.”

[Christie]

PARTING THOUGHTS:

“…don’t worry about what people might think or say. This is a way to enjoy [the day] with your loved one or loved ones without the stress – just you and that person you are madly in love with beginning your new life together as one in an intimate gathering… You will not regret it and will definitely remember every second of the day. It’s hard to forget such a beautiful experience.”

[Christie]

Florals | The Bamboo Bridge Florals
Bridal Designer | Wilderly Bride Collection by Allure Bridals

Thank you to Wandering Weddings member Gianna Vasquez of Morningbird Photography for sharing this session, and congratulations to Christie + Eddie!

Member Spotlight Page | Morningbird Photography

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