Yosemite Wedding with a STUNNING First Look at Glacier Point

Yosemite Campground Wedding

Haeli + Briar spent over 11 years together so when it came to their wedding day, “monumental” was the only way to go. And it doesn’t get much more monumental than Yosemite National Park! Their closest friends and family gathered for an epic weekend to remember – camping amongst the sequoias and celebrating H + B. But before the party got started, the couple snuck away with photographer extraordinaire, India Earl, for a first look for the memory books:

Haeli is a talented photographer and Briar an avid climber, so it only made sense for them to marry where the views and climbs collide for the most breathtaking location. We started the weekend off with a first look session the morning on the day before their wedding out at Glacier Point at sunrise. We woke up at 3:30 am (I know, but so worth it haha!) to drive out to the lookout point for them to have their first look. We had the whole place to ourselves, which was pretty amazing since the spot can be filled with tourists. We were so lucky! The next day they held their ceremony in the woods under the towering sequoias surrounded by their people. They ended their night with partying under the California stars!

Doesn’t that sound amazing?! Just wait until you see the photos:

first look

Yosemite Campground Wedding

STUNNING.

Yosemite Campground Wedding

Yosemite Campground Wedding

Yosemite Campground Wedding

Yosemite Campground Wedding

Can you even believe this? What a shot!!

Yosemite Campground Wedding

Just phenomenal!! And what a cool idea to do the first look the day before! Perfect if you want to savor the moment without being on a busy wedding day schedule. Now, onto the big day!

Haeli told us why they chose Yosemite for their nuptials: We are outdoorsy people who love nature. Briar has been rock climbing in the Yosemite Valley for years and we have so many great memories hiking and camping there over the past decade. It felt like the perfect place, both whimsical and down to earth, to gather friends and family in celebration.

Yosemite Campground Wedding

Yosemite Campground Wedding

The bridal party and guests stayed at Evergreen Lodge and the couple wed on the grounds.

show me your mumu bridesmaids

neutral bridesmaids

Loving this earthy vibe and the ‘maids in Show Me Your Mumu gowns!

sarah seven wedding dress

Speaking of gowns…Haeli STUNNED in her Orleans Dress by Sarah Seven!

Yosemite Campground Wedding

black calla lily bouquet

Oooooh what a dreamy arrangement by Willow Floral!

Yosemite Campground Wedding

Yosemite Campground Wedding

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

Laughing and tearing up while exchanging vows between two giant pine trees surrounded by friends and family. The ceremony site was pretty deep in the woods, set away from the lodge, so it had this still and serene quality as the music floated through the trees. The procession took place on a very long path weaving through little dandelion meadows. It was truly a magical spot. My bridesmaids and I were driven in a golf cart out to the site and sang "Chapel of Love" all the way there!

It was a very music-filled occasion. My dad sang "Stand By Me" on guitar, accompanied by my brother (also on guitar) and my sister (on stand up bass) at the rehearsal dinner. This was followed up by a Native American flute performance from my mom. At the reception, my dad performed an original song he wrote for us and my best friend played keyboard and sang a soulful rendition of The Beatles, "In My Life." Having these unique musical offerings from friends and family really brought a spirit of inclusivity and community to our wedding, which was important to us.

Yosemite Campground Wedding

Yosemite Campground Wedding

Our Musical Choices

Processional: Original Piece on Acoustic Guitar by the Groom's Uncle

Recessional: Original Piece on Acoustic Guitar by the Groom's Uncle

First Dance: Crazy Love by Van Morrison

Yosemite Campground Wedding

sarah seven wedding dress

Yosemite Campground Wedding

Dining under the sequoias! So perfect!

Yosemite Campground Wedding

Yosemite Campground Wedding

Yosemite Campground Wedding

Our Advice To Those Planning Now

Breathe and enjoy the ride! It all passes so fast. Wedding planning can stir up a lot of emotion. It's a great opportunity to practice managing stress and drawing on support from loved ones.

Yosemite Campground Wedding

Congrats to H + B from all of us at GWS!

photography: India Earl // venue name: Evergreen Lodge at Yosemite, Groveland, California , USA // florals: Willow Floral (Eyse Litt)  // wedding dress: Orleans Dress by Sarah Seven // bride's shoes: Stuart Weitzman // bride's ring: La Bijouterie SF // bridesmaid dresses: Show Me Your Mumu // hair stylist: Blissful Beauty by Kyndra // makeup artist: Blissful Beauty by Kyndra // groom attire: Indochino // groom's ring: Point Reyes Jeweler // paper goods: invitation by Lauren Benson // catering: Evergreen Lodge at Yosemite // cake: Victoria Bakery & Cafe  // furniture rentals: Bright Event Rentals  // music: DJ Justin James  // officiant: Susan Stone  // photo booth: Tomfoolery Open Air Photo Booth  // day of coordination: Yoanna Logan // save the date: elli // geometric candle holders + rug: Botanica Rentals // assorted desserts: Tangled Hearts Bakery

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