We decided to elope because we wanted our wedding day to feel peaceful, meaningful, and true to us. Instead of navigating the stress and pressure of a large event, we chose a day that would allow us to be fully present with each other—free from expectations, timelines, and social overwhelm. For us, that meant being outside, surrounded by nature, doing something we love. Hiking has always been a special part of our relationship. There's something deeply grounding—and almost spiritual—about standing on a mountaintop together. It felt only fitting to mark this chapter in a place that reflects the kind of love and life we’re building. Eloping also allowed us to be intentional with our resources. Our original plan would have been to host a big party to celebrate with you all, but when our venue cancelled on us, we decided that rather than investing in a single day, we would prefer to save for shared adventures, experiences, and the future we're dreaming up together. This wasn’t a decision made lightly, but it was made with a lot of love—and a deep sense of peace that we’re doing things in a way that feels right for us.
We kept our day simple, meaningful, and rooted in what we love most: adventure, nature, and each other. We woke up around midnight to begin getting ready, with headlamps and sleepless excitement guiding us through the early hours. We arrived at the trailhead around 3AM and began a quiet, starlit hike toward the summit. We reached the top just before dawn, with enough time to change into our wedding attire and exchange a first look under the stars. As the sun rose, we exchanged vows, rings, and our first kiss as a married couple. :) Afterward, we spent a little time exploring the summit, taking photos, and sharing our first dance in the morning light. We hiked down the mountain for a lake-side champagne toast and a charcuterie picnic. Then, we ended the day by jumping in the lake together! It was in no way traditional, but it was deeply us. Just the way we wanted it to be.