Real Couple Elopement: Mariana + Tim's Adventure in Yosemite
To say that Yosemite stole our hearts is an understatement. We’re pretty sure our hearts are firmly planted in the ground somewhere in that valley; they require a return visit every year. That said, we couldn’t have asked for a better first visit, elopement, or couple to spend this trip with.
THE TAPESTRY COUPLE.
Mari and Tim started their relationship on a summer fling over a decade ago, which turned into a seven-year long distance relationship through college and career launch, and saw them through to a celebration in one of their favorite places: Yosemite National Park. They both love travel and the outdoors and, as an engagement present, received a National Parks Pass a little over a year prior. They made a point of going on road trips and visiting different parks in our country in the year leading up to their “I do’s”.
Mari reached out to our Tapestry team with a request to help plan and coordinate the key details for their day in the park, as well as create a heartfelt, intimate ceremony to begin their marriage. In the months leading up to their elopement, we helped source the design elements that would make their ideas come to life. Mari had a clear vision, and it was such a pleasure to collaborate with her on the fine details that would make this day complete. We also met and collaborated with the vendors who would help make the experience of their day free and easy.
HOW THEIR ADVENTURE BEGINS.
Mari and Tim stayed at Autocamp the night before their elopement for a glamping experience. They had spent the days prior to their elopement exploring around the park and unwinding their routines to be completely present to each other and nature. We at Tapestry had done the same, zig-zagging through the park and taking in all Yosemite had to offer. We scouted their ceremony and golden hour photo locations with the photographers — The Brothers Martens — to ensure the light and framing was perfectly on point. After a meal and a few drinks with the photographers, we wound our way out of the valley and back to our beds. Watching the climbers scuttle their way up El Capitan at night by headlamp was one of the more remarkable moments on our first day in the park.
On the morning of their elopement, Mari and Tim woke up at their Autocamp stay. Mari’s beauty team came on site to help her get ready. Their photography team followed, dropping in to document the packing process and to escort them to their ceremony. We at Tapestry headed straight to El Capital Meadow to meet the florist, set up and stage the ceremony space, and get ready to greet Mari and Tim.
AN UNFORGETTABLE DAY.
The ceremony in the valley was a beautiful summer setting in tall grass. Because other park adventurers had their focus on the El Capitan climbers, we had the meadow to ourselves. Mari and Tim exchanged vows against the backdrop of Yosemite’s most epic outcroppings. The space felt all our own, and we shared many happy tears as Mari and Tim exchanged their vows.
After romantic moments in the meadow, we packed up our ceremony and drove up to Taft Point to enjoy sunset. Along the walk we paused for a first dance in the trees, swapped travel stories on the trail, and kicked up some dirt to make our mark. When we arrived at the point, Mari and Tim split off with The Brothers Martens for cliff side portraits. Meanwhile, our Tapestry team scrambled over to the other side of the cliffs to set up a private picnic for sunset. We regrouped as a team to watch the sun disappear over the valley, drink champagne, share gourmet hiking snacks, and spend a sunset among friends.
We had a hard time admitting the sun was gone, but when the cool evening air came in, we packed up our picnic and made our way back to the trail head by headlamp. We shared a lot of laughs and some hi-jinx on the hike back, along with sweet hugs and promises to visit each other again soon. After piling into our cars, we wound our way out of the valley to some of our favorite tunes.
Mari and Tim, the adventurers they are, woke up before sunrise the next day to watch the sun come up over Glacier Point with their photographers. Sunrise is our favorite time of day and we’re so glad these two took the opportunity to watch the sun come up on their first day of marriage in such a beautiful place. We look forward to the next time we visit Yosemite and can reconnect with these two special people.
— Kate, Tapestry Creative Director
All photos courtesy of The Brothers Martens.
“Simply the best! Kate helped us plan our wedding and officiated the ceremony. She listened to our ideas/preferences and implemented everything perfectly. You can tell that she enjoys what she does and is a pleasure to be around. Thank you Kate for such a memorable experience!”
THE VENDOR TEAM.
Officiant & Planner: Tapestry Event Co. // @tapestryeventco // Seattle, WA & Beyond
Photographer: The Brothers Martens // @thebrothersmartens // Always traveling
Florals: The Bamboo Bridge // Oakhurst, CA
Hair Stylist: Braided Blonde Locks // @braidedblondelocks // Sonora, CA
Make-up Artist: Liz Leon // @forever.liz // Los Angeles, CA
Dress: Sarah Seven // @sarahseven