Loves lifts us up where we belong- and for Emma + Andrew, that place happens to be Glacier Point, an awe-inspiring overlook in Yosemite National Park. Just prepare yourself because there are STUN-NING views ahead! E + A chose to focus their energy on the meaning of the day and the experience of having their intimate wedding in their favorite place, while promising love for a lifetime.
E shared with us how they made their day only about the two of them:
We infused aspects of us that reflect who we are. It was really important to us what it felt like rather than putting on a show or performance. We chose food from places we have traveled together. We had our first dance under a lantern from Morocco, one of our very favorite places. Our inspiration was all about the feeling of it all and paying attention to the details that made it feel like us.
Anni Graham was there to capture every beautiful moment. Ready to take a look? Let’s go!
First Look at Sunrise
E couldn’t have been more beautiful in this fringed Rue de Seine gown. We’re loving the boho meets elegance vibes! Here’s what she shared about the search for the perfect dress:
Finding my dress was emotional. I have never felt super comfortable with my body, and it was super important to me, like any bride, that I felt the most beautiful on that day. I was in love with Rue De Seine and tried on almost every single dress they had. When I started to get discouraged after two appointments at Alice In Ivory in Chicago, I just happened to try on that dress just for something different. It sounds so cliche, but the moment I tried it on, I felt like a bride. I felt like this was the one I could most see myself marrying him in. I felt most like me in it.
Emma: To be honest, the whole day was so special but two moments that stick out to me are our first look and my first look with my dad. I so vividly remember the anticipation of it all, slipping into my dress right before sunrise, reading a little note from him right before I walked down the road to see him. The indescribable emotion of seeing him for the first time on our wedding day, his tears and his hug as he saw me. The second was seeing my dad. When he saw me in my dress for the first time, through a bucket of tears he said, "You are the most beautiful thing I have ever seen." It was such an emotional day but that moment was something I will hold with me for a lifetime.
Andrew: I remember during our ceremony just standing on glacier point, holding her hands in the brief moments before saying I do-- surrounded by the indescribable scenery of a place that means so much to us, and by our closest friends and family, thinking to myself that there is truly nothing of this world that could ruin this moment.
Blushing Blooms Creative designed the florals for the day, using warm and neutral-tone blooms, dried grasses and branchy details. E’s bouquet suited the setting perfectly!
Bride and Groom Portraits
How gorgeous is this overlook?!
Adorable couple alert! E + A look at home and totally comfortable on Glacier Point! What a gorgeous moment!
Loving E’s bridal hat as much as we are?? Find out how you can DIY Your Own Floral Hat for a Boho Bridal Look!
Processional: We had a friend play on his acoustic guitar "Angel" by jack johnson
Recessional: None
First Dance: Our friend sang "Thinking out loud" by Ed Sheeran
We love a good pair of bridal booties! In fact, we gathered our favorites together for easy shopping inspo! Here are the Coolest Bridal Boots for Your Wedding Day or Elopement!
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The sweetest moment!!
Intimate Wedding Ceremony
Those views though…
My advice for those planning now is to do what most feels like you. Don't do it for anyone else but the two of you. Infuse it with things that feel like you. Do it in a place that means something to you. Surround yourself with people that will be with you and encourage your marriage. It is YOUR day, and it shouldn't be a spectacle put on for other people. Sink deep into the feeling of it all and really focus on the experience.
How cute are those bolo ties??
Loving the neutral and rusty shades E’s girls rocked on wedding day!!
Intimate Wedding Reception
Absolutely love this intimate wedding reception lit up with string lights! Who wouldn’t want to eat out under the stars like this?!
One last thing I would like to add is a tiny snippet of advice: Find a photographer who you connect with. You spend the most intimate moments with them and you want to feel free to embrace all the emotions. I couldn’t have done my day without Anni and to have a photographer become a best friend and do my moments with me, is something I am beyond grateful for.
Such a beautiful day Emma + Andrew!! We loved seeing your intimate wedding! The GWS team wishes you both a lifetime full of love!
photography: Anni Graham // venue name: Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park, California, USA // florals: Blushing Blooms Creative // wedding dress: Rue de Seine
What a location, that backdrop. Great work on this wedding.
STUNNING! Obsessed with her dress!
Wow this is just fab !
♥♥♥
Pretty stunning location. Fabtastic!
This is so beautiful what an amazing wedding and the couple look so wrapped in each other.
So beautiful!! Where did they hold the reception dinner?
What a great location to get married. And the photos are really beautiful.