This Rugged Backpacking Adventure with Their Dogs Culminated with an Epic Mountain Elopement!

Fairytale Mountain Elopement

Thea + Lucas have primarily lived in Washington, and the two met in Seattle. So, staying close to their home in the incredible North Cascades was of the utmost importance. However, they also wanted their dogs to be with them—so, they chose an area outside of the national park to make it all happen!

Instead of spending their first night married in a luxe hotel, Thea + Lucas backpacked out in the rugged mountains…with their pups, no less! Along with their camp stoves, sleeping bags, and head lamps, they brought Thea’s gorgeous gown, floral bouquet and a celebratory bottle of champagne.

Honestly, it sounds like the dreamiest hike ever and The Foxes Photography was there to capture it all!

The Hike Up

Fairytale Mountain Elopement

They had the entire mountain to themselves and spent the day exploring the landscape with the pups!

Fairytale Mountain Elopement

Fairytale Mountain Elopement

The Peek…on the Peak

Fairytale Mountain Elopement

Lucas shares: We love our families, but felt that it’s okay for the declaration to be more private and therefore more personal. We also wanted it to be more than just a visit to the courthouse. The beauty of the North Cascades paired with such a meaningful moment crystalized the experience for me. There was an element of suffering that I felt added to the moment as well. Packing in our clothing, food, beverages, and dogs made me feel more connected with her and helped me relax. In that moment, no matter who did the planning, we both were putting in the work. It felt like a solid start to a marriage.

Fairytale Mountain Elopement

Fairytale Mountain Elopement

Quite the view, no?

Their Ensembles

Fairytale Mountain Elopement

The pups couldn’t contain their excitement over Thea’s Willowby Watters gown…and neither can we! How gorgeous are those floral appliqués?

Fairytale Mountain Elopement

Willowby Watters Dress

Floral Mountains let the location speak for itself and crafted a bouquet to complement the surrounding environment.

The Vows

Fairytale Mountain Elopement

Fairytale Mountain Elopement

Oh my goodness, all the love and emotion on Thea’s face!

Fairytale Mountain Elopement

Fairytale Mountain Elopement

Fairytale Mountain Elopement

So, so sweet!

Fairytale Mountain Elopement

The Newlyweds + Their Pups

Fairytale Mountain Elopement

POP THAT CHAMPAGNE! These two are celebrating in the coolest way possible!

Fairytale Mountain Elopement

We love cooking, so we made sure we’d be eating well even in the backcountry. It took a bit of planning (and fresh food is heavier than normal backpacking fare) but it was worth it.

Fairytale Mountain Elopement

Fairytale Mountain Elopement

Fairytale Mountain Elopement

Um, how darling is this?!

Fairytale Mountain Elopement

Fairytale Mountain Elopement

Fairytale Mountain Elopement

Our Advice To Those Planning Now

Even though we wanted our wedding to feel cavalier, we still had to plan. When hiking to your ceremony and camping after, you're limited on space and weight and you can't go back if you forget something. For one night, we carried a lot, but I was so happy we did. Having delicious food and drink, and being able to share the moment with our family of dogs and friends made it that much more special. Bring lights, bring some decorations. A little bit seems to go a long way in the wilderness.

Fairytale Mountain Elopement

A few things you might want to consider bringing when planning a trek:

Fairytale Mountain Elopement

As the Sun Sets

Fairytale Mountain Elopement

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

We’re going to cheat and say the sunrise the morning after. We woke up to incredible, dreamy views in all directions—it couldn’t have been more special. I still look at the pictures and can’t believe we were there.

Fairytale Mountain Elopement

Mother Nature gifted them with absolutely perfect weather and a glowing sunset to finish out their elopement.

Fairytale Mountain Elopement

Fairytale Mountain Elopement

Their photographer, Gabi, shares: After the sun went down we went back to the fire lookout (which, fun fact, you can camp in!), bundled up in our puffy coats, feasted on steak tacos, and toasted to a perfect day with whiskey drinks.

Fairytale Mountain Elopement

Fairytale Mountain Elopement

What an adventure and what a way to start off a marriage. Congratulations, T+L!!

photography: The Foxes Photography // florals: Floral Mountains // wedding dress: Willowby Watters // wedding dress boutique: A&B Bridal Shop // hair stylist: Anne Timss // makeup artist: Anne Timss

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