These two just know how to do it – a couple that knows how to be themselves whether or not anyone else is watching. That’s how we get photos including the two of them licking each other, curtsying together, walking through snow and dancing around puddles on the trail. The entire elopement experience feels different when two people know how to genuinely be themselves! It’s my joy to photograph a Washington state elopement like this one!
The Adventure of Making Plans for the Mountains
While I’m used to shooting Grand Canyon elopements, I was still in my element in the mountains which is how I knew we were asking for a miracle! Our destination was Artist Point at Mt. Baker in Washington state. Even though this elopement took place in July, we were going after mountaintops still covered in snow!
Artist Point is 5,000 feet above sea level, and is usually inaccessible due to snowfall from October through June. Visitors like us attempt to make the hike because of its epic surrounding views of both Mt. Shuksan and Mt. Baker. Parking at Artist Point is $5 or it’s free with a Forest Service Recreation Pass.
We had no idea if the road to Artist Point would be open in time since we were cutting it so close to the end of the snowy season. Even when accessible, some trails can have deeper levels of snow so it has to be played by ear. David, Rachael, and his five-year-old daughter went to check it out only three days before the elopement to find that it had just opened that day!
A Washington State Elopement Location That Speaks for Itself
Despite our snow-covered mountain wedding destination, the landscape is so green and lush with 360-degree views. I scouted the location only a couple hours in advance and marked out so many spots that I would love to photograph in the future. There wasn’t enough time for all of them in one day so I can’t wait to go back!
For a Washington state elopement on this particular day we had big dark clouds filling the sky. The cloud cover only added to my excitement because this meant that I could shoot in all directions. The sun wasn’t too bright so I didn’t need to worry about any harsh light. The sun did come out very brightly for a little bit but it only made the photos more interesting.
David and Rachael were so captivated by the magic of the mountain. These two are definitely homebodies who also enjoy exploring the outdoors. They balance this by going out and having a good time in nature without ever doing anything they consider “too overly adventurous,” explaining that they are “definitely not adrenaline junkies.” Both of them love exploring the outdoors on beautiful days and getting cozy indoors with video games or anime on nasty weather days.
All the Parts of the Day That Make it Your Way
Having met while working together, Rachael knew that David was the one “because of the way he moves through life—so comforting, sweet, and genuine. Every time I was around him, I never wanted the moment to end.” These two trust each other and as Rachael summaries, “he is ultimately just an amazing human being. The more I’ve gotten to know him, the more I’ve loved spending every second of my life with him.”
For David, it started with a platonic friendship where he first noticed that Rachael was kind, beautiful, and intelligent. It all changed when, as David shared, “there was a day that I felt inside that she genuinely cared for me. I was having a hard time in my life, and she put a lot of care into making sure I felt I was worth care and consideration with nothing to gain.”
As the two talked more and more he saw that she simply cared for him unconditionally. He realized that “This gal is IT. This is what I’ve always wanted.” The two became best friends long before they even started dating. As soon as the path became clear, David shared that “we both just wanted each other and it’s been that way ever since.”
A Washington State Elopement That Caters to You
I loved meeting David and Rachael for paddle boarding at Baker Lake a day before their Washington state elopement. I arrived early and felt inspired to photograph them even though they were dressed in bathing suits and not planning on taking any photos. It’s just that easy to capture their love!
Beyond their cozy and a bit adventurous personalities, these two added some personal touches to their day. Rachael packed a small charcuterie board that they were too happily distracted to use until the end of the day! It started feeling cold as it was getting dark but we enjoyed it to the very last minutes of light.
David summarized the theme of their love and their day best: “Ultimately, I want to experience this life, feel happiness and bring happiness to others. Rachael co-creates an environment where we can do exactly that.”
Vendors
Destination | Artist Point at Mt. Baker
Photographer | Terri Attridge Photography
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