Swinging Bridge Yosemite Elopement Photographer | Katie and Zach
Swinging Bridge Yosemite Elopement Photographer |
Katie + Zach
by Bessie Young Photography | California Photographer
I can’t even begin to explain how incredibly amazing this Yosemite Elopement was, but I am going to try really hard. My words won’t due the feelings, the amazing couples personality, or the entire day justice.
Katie contacted me only a couple of months prior to her and Zach’s elopement. I was beyond ecstatic that I had the day available and that they were choosing me to be their photographer.
The parks permit was approved for the Swinging Bridge location and I couldn’t have been more excited. This location has one of the most gorgeous views of Yosemite falls.
This trip was Katie, Zach, and their little man Wyatt’s first trip to Yosemite, so this was the absolute perfect spot for them to elope.
Prior to their wedding date we made a plan to adventure around Yosemite together and get some epic photos documenting their beautiful day, their love, their first time to Yosemite and more!
Here were our spots:
Swinging Bridge
El Capitain Meadow
Tunnel View
Bridal Falls
Swinging Bridge Elopement - The Ceremony
Katie and Zach decided for an early morning elopement. We met up in the parking lot for Swinging Bridge and picnic area around 8:30, for their 9am wedding, and then headed down to the Merced river. We walked around taking in all the goodness and deciding on the perfect spot. The decision was made… A little opening between two towering pine trees, overlooking the meadow, with the amazing reflection of the waterfall. The water in the meadow created the most gorgeous reflection of Yosemite Falls. Honestly, it was perfect.
The ceremony was full of laughter, tears, and love. It was beautiful. Now let me tell you, I am not a big crier, but I will admit that I got choked up during this ceremony. Everything was just so beautiful. As the two said their I Do’s and vowed to live their lives together, their little man was sitting in his stroller watching. I just couldn’t help but get choked up!
After the ceremony it was time to adventure!!! We started by walking across the bridge into the meadow just to see all of Yosemite Valley in it’s glory. This first spot was the spot that they got married, Swinging Bridge in Yosemite Valley. It was so gorgeous with the granite mountain in the background, the bright blue skies, and the gorgeous green grass.
El Capitan Meadow
After taking in all the pretty sights at Swinging Bridge we hoped into the car and headed to our next spot which was El Capitan Meadow.
This spot is seriously one of my favorite spots in all of Yosemite Valley. I have wanted to have someone pick this spot for their elopement, wedding, or engagement session. When Katie told me that this spot was on her list I seriously got up and did my happy dance. I just couldn’t contain myself and you will see why.
We walked along the trail, we danced, we twirled, we bootay bumped, we laughed, we had so much dang fun!
The reason why this spot is one of my favorites because when you look one way you see the most amazing granite mountain tops and then when you look the opposite way you see the gorgeous El Capitan. You can’t get much better than this…. sitting in a meadow full o green grass being surrounded by the most amazing granite mountain tops.
Yosemite Tunnel View
Our time at this location was short and sweet. There is always so many people at the Tunnel View, but it is one of the most epic views in Yosemite. We somehow got lucky enough to find a spot where no one was. It was epic.
Bridalveil Falls
Bridalveil falls was hands down my absolute favorite and I am so glad that we kept it until the end. The one reason that we decided to come to this location last is because when you get anywhere near the waterfalls you will end up getting soaking wet.
We walked along the pathway and found ourselves a small little spot to get some final photos before heading up towards the base of the waterfall.
After our quick time in the trees we started our journey up towards the falls. We started to feel a little bit of mist, but the closer we got the heavier the mist got. It then began to feel like it was raining.
As we made it to the top of the path, it was full on raining from the mist of the waterfall.
We were dancing, we were laughing, we were yelling, were were hooting and hollering, and we were having the most fun ever!
I got quite a bit of water on my lens and it honestly created the most epic photos ever. The water created a reflection, a bit of a rainbow glare, and pure magic.
This entire day was full of so much laughter, good times, funny jokes, and just pure bliss. It was so incredibly amazing to witness these two pledge their lives together, to capture these beautiful moments, and to just be a part of their incredibly special day. It felt like we had known each other for years even though we had only met that morning.
Katie and Zach, thank you so dang much for choosing me to be your photographer. Your love for each other shines so bright. You two are the kindest souls and the most sweet couple ever. When you look at each other you just know that you are meant to be together. The way you both laugh and smile, you can just tell that you were meant to always be together. Thank you for allowing me to get to know you, for allowing me to be a part of your special day, and allowing me to adventure around one of the most beautiful places ever.
Wishing you nothing but the very best,
Bessie
p.s. Are you planning your wedding, looking to elope, or get your love captured? I would absolutely love to be considered to be your photographer. You can always contact me using this contact form. I hope to hear from you soon!