There is something so idyllic + romantic about elopements and the thought of exchanging your vows surrounded by nature. Laura + Nick were married in a sentimental, private ceremony in the forest, led by a close friend. I love the reason behind why they decided to elope:
When Nick and I started planning our wedding, we knew we wanted something in nature and completely unique. We both love the outdoors and lead a pretty active lifestyle and wanted our wedding to reflect that. I had always dreamed of having a large Pinterest-perfect affair and never thought I would even entertain the idea of eloping. But inevitably, after realizing the immense social and financial strain that wedding planning was sure to become, Nick and I decided on a planned elopement at one of our favorite hiking spots: a mountain called Rattlesnake Ridge, nestled amongst the Cascade mountain range near our home in Seattle. We both have a ton of friends and family members and knew we would be distracted from one another on our wedding day if we invited everyone, so we decided to go a more selfish route and make things completely about us and not invite anyone – thankfully, with the support of our loved ones. I am SO glad we did. I would not trade the incredibly intimate day we enjoyed for anything in the world.
Thanks so much to Benj Haisch for letting me share these stunning photos and congrats to Laura + Nick for staying true to themselves.
We met at the base of the mountain to say our vows, and shared a very intimate 45 minute long ceremony in the forest. Then Nick and I hiked to the top of the mountain for pictures (yes, we both wore boots!) for a truly spectacular moment. We had no decorations other than the beauty of the forest surrounding us, and my only accessories were my headpiece and bouquet. The entire day was stripped down and incredible serene and romantic. We felt like Adam and Eve walking with God in the Garden of Eden.
Our Favorite Memory
Each detail from the day is perfectly cemented in my memory, which is the best part about eloping - you truly can focus on your new spouse and not attend to anyone or anything else. For me, the best moment of the day was reaching the top of the mountain after hiking for over an hour in my dress. The exact moment we reached the top, a thunderstorm broke out and large raindrops began to fall from the sky... like that scene from the Notebook, only better. Yes we got drenched, but it was worth it! It was as if the mountains surrounding us had broken out into a standing ovation - a truly spectacular moment that was a perfect gift from God.
What’s more amazing, Laura’s gorge dress from Free People or the view?
Our Advice
I never thought I would want to elope, but I'm 100% glad I did and will never regret it. If you're considering eloping, DO IT! Your friends and family will come around - it's supposed to be about you and your new spouse anyway! Not having to worry about finances is a huge plus as well - we decided to use the money we would have spent on a wedding towards two honeymoons! Also, two days after our wedding, Nick and I met up with our parents, siblings and grandparents for a dinner in San Francisco for a small, intimate reception which was a great way to make our families feel included but still kept our special day just about us.
Featured in This Wedding
Benj Haisch
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Other Vendors in This Wedding
Wedding Dress: Mara Hoffman for Free People // Hairpiece: Twigs & Honey // Bride's Shoes: Steve Madden // Hair Stylist: Janae Allanson // Makeup Artist: Janae Allanson // Videography: Janssen Powers Media // location: Rattlesnake Ridge // floral design: Ballard Blossom
