Washington Adventure Elopement

RAQUEL & JUSTIN’S

Washington Adventure Elopement

Raquel and Justin’s Washington Elopement was indeed a memorable and adventurous experience, a true reflection of their personalities. The couple opted for a wedding day that incorporated their love for the outdoors and hiking. Continue below to read about the two magical moments of their day: the intimate ceremony by the lake and their private elopement by Mount Rainier.

Part 1: Intimate Wedding Ceremony by the Lake

The wedding day commenced with preparations at a charming little black cabin tucked in the woods near Mount Rainier National Park. While Raquel’s sister-in-law worked her hair magic, I gave Raquel a natural wedding glam makeup look. The morning could not be more perfect– picture a peaceful mountain morning, where you could snuggle up with a cozy coffee cup, inhale the frosty mountain breeze, and savor the picturesque sunrise peeking through the trees.

Following the preparations, the group headed towards the ceremony site. Raquel, Justin, and their relatives organized their hiking gear and assigned specific wedding items to each member. After securing the babies in their hiking packs, they embarked on the trail, which was adorned with berries and occasional glimpses of Mount Rainier behind evergreens. The family trekked together, relishing in this unique wedding day activity.

Upon arriving at the ceremony site, everyone was awestruck by the picturesque lake, which glistened like turquoise gemstones, nestled among tall evergreens, with majestic mountains in the background. After Raquel changed into her wedding dress behind a tree, they proceeded with the ceremony by the lake. It was a magical moment, and I was lucky enough to capture it all on camera. They celebrated by popping champagne and Raquel’s father and brother-in-law took a celebratory dip in the chilly yet refreshing lake.

Part 2: Elopement by Mount Rainier

Following the ceremony, the family meticulously packed up all belongings, ensuring to leave the area pristine, and descended with the newlyweds. Upon arriving at the cabin, Raquel and Justin rested for a short while before setting off with myself towards Mount Rainier National Park. The couple sought a more private moment together amidst the serene wilderness. We were concerned about reaching the peak before sunset, so we hastened up the trail, stopping occasionally to catch our breath. The breathtaking view of Mount Rainier from our location made it all worthwhile. The couple exchanged their vows once again at this picturesque spot and shared their first dance as the sun cast a stunning array of pink, orange, and purple hues in the sky.

Following the sunset, we waited until it was dark enough to take some stunning photographs with lanterns. Raquel and Justin hand-in-hand, frolicked around with their two lanterns, creating a mystical ambiance. Upon completing the photoshoot, we sat together, taking in the awe-inspiring silhouette of Mount Rainier, appreciating the moment’s beauty. As we descended, we paused several times to gaze up at the starry night sky, culminating in a perfect end to a magical and unforgettable wedding day.

Note from me

Raquel and Justin’s elopement at Mount Rainier National Park was one of the most beautiful intimate weddings I’ve ever witnessed and left a lasting impression. I was reminded of why I gravitate toward adventure elopements and intimate weddings most as a Destination Wedding Photographer. On wedding days like these, my couples are able to focus all their attention on each other and what they love doing most together. Observing Raquel and Justin’s elopement served as a reminder that weddings need not be opulent to be beautiful. At its core, love is the most crucial aspect, and their devotion to each other was evident throughout the day. I feel grateful to have been a part of their special day and to have captured their love story through my lens. It’s moments like these that make my job as a destination wedding and elopement photographer so fulfilling.

Huge thank you to our amazing vendors!

Dress: Sisters Bridal Boutique in Wenatchee

Cabin: Little Black Cabin Airbnb

Photographer: Sheryl Anne Photography

HUGE THANK YOU WANDERING WEDDINGS FOR THE FEATURE!

Check out Raquel & Justin’s Washington Elopement featured in Wandering Weddings by clicking here!

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jay & bansuri

"Sheryl is the absolute best! She has great upbeat energy yet makes you feel calm and confident during the photoshoot. She is the perfect combo of hype and grace. We were both so nervous to be in front of the camera, but Sheryl provided great suggestions for poses and movement. Eventually, we became so comfortable that she captured some of the most candid moments that didn’t feel forced. We both were so happy with how natural and candid the pictures turned out. Sheryl captured such beautiful memories that we are going to cherish for a lifetime. Her pictures stand out because it feels so organic and her editing is timeless. We are so grateful for Sheryl and her photography skills!"

annika & Michael

"I could try to describe how wonderful Sheryl is as a photographer both artistically as well as personally, but I don’t think I command enough mastery of the English language to do her and the magic she creates with her camera justice. Sheryl is an artist and a savant at that. She is to the digital photograph what Saragent is to the canvas, in addition to being a genuinely pleasant, incredibly kind, and unbelievably thoughtful person to work with."

JENN & KAI

"I could not recommend Sheryl enough!! Me and my husband were so nervous to have our photos done because of how awkward we can be, but Sheryl made us feel so comfortable and gave us prompts that were so fun! She has the best energy & her excitement and passion for photography is so amazing to work with. We are so grateful we had the opportunity to meet and work with her, and can’t wait to reach out to her for future photos! If you are looking for a sign to book her, this is it!!"