Your wedding day is supposed to be the happiest day of your life. But, when certain loved ones are absent, it can cast a shadow over your experience. Kathryn and Sam chose to both honor and embrace the grief they carried while still rejoicing in their marriage! See how they incorporated remembering loved ones into their Grand Canyon elopement.
Planning a Winter Wedding at Moran Point
The view for an elopement at Moran Point is very unique. Instead of the point being totally open with expansive views, there is a large rock outcropping that adds a lot of depth and dimension to the foreground. If you are looking for a couples adventure, there are lots of ways to descend and be photographed from above looking small in the epic landscape. There is a really amazing river view there as well!
When Kathryn (Kat) first reached out to me about a winter (almost on Christmas) wedding at Moran Point, I became a little worried. Often at the Grand Canyon National Park in winter, the Desert View Drive closes due to snowfall. This leaves only two accessible elopement locations. But, once I understood how significant getting married at this spot in the park was to the couple, I started getting creative!
Both Kat and Sam had lost a parent while in their teens so remembering loved ones was crucial to the day. A trip to the Grand Canyon was one of the last trips that Kat remembers taking with her father while he was alive. They shared a sunset together at Moran Point so whether or not it snowed; I was getting them a wedding permit for this location! The wedding guests were well prepared having been advised by the couple to wear whatever was comfortable and warm.
Tips for Remembering Loved Ones & Including Everyone on Your Wedding Day
Kat and Sam described one of the most important components of their day as “the peace of not having a huge crowd but just an intimate gathering with immediate family and making sure they are all included.” This meant thinking outside of the box for Kat’s sibling, Jay, who is a wheelchair user and also their officiant!
No spot where we were looking for wedding locations along the South Rim was really ADA friendly. Generally, I take my couples down even further below the point itself. It is a bit of a scramble for anyone and somewhat exposed. As their Grand Canyon elopement photographer and guide, I took the time to find alternative locations.
We arrived an hour in advance on the elopement day only to find that our selection was too problematic. Jay brought along forearm crutches and was ambitious and adventurous enough to try going down the stairs to a different destination.
The space ended up working best for the group so that everyone could be included! It had a very small partial canyon view but the light behind the native vegetation was beautiful. We also were able to take some wedding photos with the family in other locations following the ceremony.
A Day That Brings Together All of Your Favorite Things
Another draw in choosing a Moran Point Grand Canyon elopement came from Kat and Sam’s great love for traveling and hiking together. As Kat shared, “We really wanted to appreciate the natural beauty of the canyon instead of any sort of church or cathedral.”
These two take multiple weekend trips a year to explore the mountains and enjoy the beach while going on a longer trip once yearly. Trips often include family and traveling to various locations both stateside and internationally. The couple has flown and taken road trips that have covered Maine, Iceland, Oregon, California, and Alaska!
The self-described lifestyle of being “extremely outdoorsy” extends even to their homestead where they maintain a large garden and an orchard. Together, they build animal shelters and other structures out of reclaimed materials to also keep chickens, goats, a horse, dogs, and cats.
Remembering Loved Ones On A Heartfelt Wedding Day
In addition to each having lost a parent, Kat and Sam had suffered other losses over the years. This list includes all of Kat’s grandparents, all but one of Sam’s grandparents, several family friends, and other extended family members.
They shared that choosing to elope with a smaller guest list arose from thinking they wouldn’t “be able to reconcile our grief at missing them and still be able to see it as a day of celebration with many more family and friends with us. This way we can grieve but still celebrate and not have so much pressure trying to make it ‘perfect.’”
Remembering these loved ones on the day meant utilizing tokens representing their memories as a way to “honor their spirits:”
- Framed photos of Kat’s dad and Sam’s mom.
- Sam wore an assortment of cufflinks from Kat’s dad and grandfather.
- Sam inherited Kat’s dad’s wedding band that was resized for him.
- Jay wore a little gold airplane for Kat’s dad who was a pilot.
The couple also found ways to include the family that was present by coordinating with their chosen green wedding color. Kat’s mom made herself a green velvet dress, the couple held a green handfasting cord, and there was a matching ribbon around the bride’s bouquet.
Sam, his dad, and both of Kat’s siblings all wore the same green-colored tie. Jay also later donned green-tinted sunglasses! Kat’s mom also crafted a bag for the wedding rings made from the bustle of her own wedding dress.
Kat and Sam completely hit their wedding day goals of honoring passed loved ones while including those around them. They remained joyful throughout the day by goofing off the entire time! The newlyweds were super lighthearted, fun and stress free. They were very silly together and I loved their energy!
Wedding Vendors
Elopement Spot | Moran Point
Photographer | Terri Attridge Photography
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