On the day of Evan and Kelly’s elopement, I woke up and immediately went to check the conditions at Mount Rainier from my dining room window. Even though their wedding took place during the first week of September, Rainier is the tallest mountain around and can create its own cloud coverage no matter the season. Visiting in summer gives you the best odds of seeing the mountain, but there is always a chance that it could be covered in clouds.

As I looked at a thick wall of clouds obscuring the mountain from my view in Tacoma, my heart sank knowing that Evan and Kelly were hoping to show off the mountain to their families coming in from out of state. In desperation, I went online to view the live webcams Mount Rainier has at various points along the mountain. Somehow, all the cameras showed clear views of the mountain!

When I got into the park, it was just as the webcams showed. A few clouds in the sky, but clear mountain views. The absolute perfect Pacific Northwest summer day.

Evan and Kelly were getting ready at Paradise Inn. The rooms are rustic and quaint. The direct sunlight streaming in gave me interesting light and shadows to work with for their detail photos — always a fun treat and challenge when you’re used to overcast lighting!

Their friends and family met them at the inn and helped them get ready. Then the two had a first look outside – overlooking the Tatoosh Wilderness. We wandered by the old ski chairlift, the famous steps at Paradise, and down a couple of trails for their portraits.

Afterward, they loaded up their family in a van and caravanned to their ceremony. As everyone got into place, Kelly and her dad arrived in their friend’s Porsche and he walked her down a path for the start of the ceremony.

They had a grand view of Mount Rainier in the background. Evan’s aunt officiated, as is tradition with the family, and everyone passed around the rings in a shell where Kelly grew up vacationing for a ring warming.

Afterward, the family was shuttled down the mountain to the Cougar Rock Campground, where they had close friends waiting for a reception. Evan, Kelly, and I took our time driving back down the mountain, stopping for photos along the way.

When we arrived at the campground, there were yard games set out, string lights hung up, and appetizers already out. Their friends did an amazing job prepping, even “icing” Evan upon arrival with a Smirnoff!

I must give praise to Chef Fara as well. She worked with Kelly and Evan to provide a meal that wouldn’t spoil without access to a kitchen. I was so impressed when they pulled out dish after dish from ice chests. It all looked and tasted amazing!

Toasts were shared next by each parent and sibling, but it wasn’t until a close friend piped up that tears were shed. Kelly let loose and showed him exactly how she felt about that with a swift finger gesture!

On my way out of the campground, Mount Rainier had the most beautiful alpenglow on it. I couldn’t leave without photographing it, so I stopped and wandered out on a trail that crosses the Nisqually riverbed for a clear view. It was so fun capturing images that I knew would be a complete surprise for them.

Thank you for inviting me to be a part of your day and congratulations again, Kelly and Evan!

Vendor team:
Catering: Chef Fara
Venue: Mount Rainier National Park
Lodging: Paradise Inn
Reception: Cougar Rock Campground
Dress: Goodwill
Boots: Looks Like Summer
Suit: Indochino