Free Spirited + Boho-Inspired Wedding in Yosemite National Park

Boho Yosemite Wedding

If you’re looking for a place to get married that’s outdoors, has incredible views, gorgeous hikes, tall trees + waterfalls, we couldn’t imagine a better place than Yosemite National Park. And today’s bride, Kathy, who just so happens to be a wedding photographer (which means she’s keen on details and knows the impact of a good view), chose just that place to get married! Kathy + James invited their closest friends and family into the woods for a free-spirited weekend, full of adventure and celebration at Rush Creek Lodge, in the park. 

Kathy tells us We live in Michigan and having our wedding outdoors was really important to me. Since Michigan’s weather is so unpredictable, I wanted to have the wedding somewhere where I wouldn’t have to worry. James and I had been to California a couple of times and it is our favorite place on Earth. We knew it was a stretch, since none of our family lived there. Everyone would have to travel across country. We went back and forth and finally decided to flip a coin, and our decision was made. :)

The mountains are calling… Let’s go see the gorgeous photos by Justine Montigny!

Boho Yosemite Wedding

Love these darling invites by Lost & Sound — especially with the leafy wreath!

first look

Boho Yosemite Wedding

The dainty florals on his tie!! Oh and his blue suit? It’s from J. Crew.

Boho Yosemite Wedding

protea bouquet

That king protea is such a gorgeous focal point in the moody bouquet by Type A Society.

Boho Yosemite Wedding

Boho Yosemite Wedding

Boho Yosemite Wedding

The absolute sweetest!

Boho Yosemite Wedding

So we mentioned king protea in the bouquet above… But look at how they’re incorporated here!

Boho Yosemite Wedding

The calligraphy sign is by Lana’s Lettering.

Boho Yosemite Wedding

Boho Yosemite Wedding

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

Kathy: One of my favorite things was when I was standing with my dad, waiting to walk down the aisle. I had been planning + planning, and to see it all come together was surreal. I am so emotional and with the music, our family and friends in the woods, and James waiting for me at the end of the aisle, it was the coolest experience ever. Another favorite part of mine was when James read his vows to me. I go to so many weddings and that is always one of my favorite parts to witness. James wasn't a fan of writing his own vows at first, he even begged me not to make him, but it was by far, the best part of the day, and he agreed.

James: We are both fans of Led Zeppelin and Kathy requested to play our favorite song, "That's The Way". No one was on the dance floor or paying attention, so it wasn't as much pressure as the first dance and it felt more private and special.

Boho Yosemite Wedding

Boho Yosemite Wedding

seating chart

How fun is that “Seat Yo Self” sign?!

Boho Yosemite Wedding

Kathy tells us I wanted something bohemian, but with a modern twist. I bought macramé table runners from Anthropologie for our tables and that was one of my favorite things. We also had the names of our guests etched in gold ink on marble hexagon tiles to add in a more modern element. (marble tiles by Fox + Sparrow Design)

Boho Yosemite Wedding

Boho Yosemite Wedding

We’re majorly crushing on those rustic wooden chairs.

marble escort card

Boho Yosemite Wedding

Boho Yosemite Wedding

Boho Yosemite Wedding

Boho Yosemite Wedding

K + J took a chance on their venue, Rush Creek Lodge, as it was still being built when they toured it in the winter… And it turned out beautifully! 

Boho Yosemite Wedding

Boho Yosemite Wedding

Boho Yosemite Wedding

So dreamy!

Boho Yosemite Wedding

Boho Yosemite Wedding

Boho Yosemite Wedding

The day following the ceremony, the couple snuck away for sweet portraits on the cliffs, overlooking Yosemite Valley. 

Boho Yosemite Wedding

Boho Yosemite Wedding

That lacy number by Sarah Seven is SO gorgeous!

Boho Yosemite Wedding

Boho Yosemite Wedding

Boho Yosemite Wedding

Our Advice To Those Planning Now

We know it sounds cliché, but do what you want to do. There are no rules with planning a wedding — you don't have to do certain things, you can do whatever you want, and do YOU. No matter how the day goes, you will never have all of the most important people in your life in the same room again, celebrating the two of you. It's the most special feeling in the world.

Boho Yosemite Wedding

Boho Yosemite Wedding

How seriously stunning are these pics? Taft Point in Yosemite Valley National Park makes for some *incredible* wedding portraits!

Congrats Kathy + James!!

photography: Justine Montigny // venue name: Rush Creek Lodge, Yosemite National Park, California, USA // event design: Kathy (bride) // planning: Kathy (bride) // florals: Type A Society // wedding dress: Sarah Seven // wedding dress boutique: The Dress Theory - Nashville // hairpiece: Type A Society (flower crown) // bride's shoes: Lulus // hair stylist: The Hair and Makeup Co. // makeup artist: The Hair and Makeup Co. // groom attire: J. Crew // paper goods: Lost & Sound // calligraphy: Lana's Lettering // handmade details: Hazel + Dolly (menus and table numbers) // catering: Rush Creek Lodge // cake: Whole Foods // specialty rentals: marble hexagon tiles by Fox + Sparrow Design

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