Real Micro Wedding Submitted by Lucy Schultz Photography; all photography by Lucy Schultz Photography Editors note: microWED collective is a small wedding planning resource and we consider elopements part of the small wedding category.
Damian and Emma's wedding day was a celebration of love and adventure. They knew what they wanted from the start, and with the help of Lucy Schultz Photography, they were able to make their dream a reality. Their story is a reminder that there are no rules when it comes to love and that the most important thing is to stay true to yourself. Despite facing some challenges along the way, Damian and Emma's elopement in Yosemite National Park was fun, intimate, vibrant, adventurous, and non-traditional, and a beautiful and intimate reflection of their personalities and values. Their advice to others planning an elopement is to not worry about what anyone else thinks. It's only for you!
From the start, Damian and Emma knew they wanted to elope. Their love for travel and the fact that both of them had lost their parents made a private adventure elopement the perfect fit for their special day. They decided to go to a place they had never been, the Tuolumne Grove of Sequoias in Yosemite National Park and they hired Lucy, who provided full planning, officiating, and elopement photography services to help bring their vision to life.
Despite the simplicity of the plan, there were still a few surprises to navigate. When you’re planning a wedding, no matter the size, it’s important to have a plan B. One of the benefits of a smaller celebration is that it is much easier to pivot in the event the road leading into your location falls off the side of the mountain…wait, what?? Yep, that happened, but Lucy was able to replan the location due to um, shall we say, Mother Nature’s unfortunately timed redecorating project.
On the day of the wedding, Alexis Jade did Emma's hair and makeup in the same cabin they rented through VRBO. Emma and Damian got ready on each floor of the 2-story A frame-style cabin near Mariposa, CA and their hair and makeup artist came to them on-site, which saved them travel time on their already busy day in Yosemite.
The couple implemented unique details that reflected their personal style and interests. Emma looked absolutely stunning in a black wedding gown from David's Bridal with incredible sequin detail and a beautiful back. Damian customized the inside lining of his green velvet suit. Their shared love for cars shone through with Damian’s gearstick cufflinks and a Camaro convertible they rented so they could cruise through Yosemite with the top down.
They ceremony was held in a secluded grove of Sequoias. The trio hiked a mile into the ceremony site and along the way, paused to read letters from family and friends who had instructed them to open one as they encountered special moments in nature such as a neat bird, an especially large tree, or a cool rock. They exchanged rings and vows under the huge trees, which are sentimental for Emma, stealing kisses throughout the ceremony (this is a reminder to do it your way). To make it official, a group of passing German tourists signed the couple’s marriage license as witnesses.
After the ceremony, the couple spent the rest of their day touring Yosemite and a second day touring the Redwoods. They skipped a traditional reception and relaxed at their VRBO together enjoying a box of Kraft Mac and Cheese for dinner and decompressed from a big day by relaxing on the couch while reading the rest of the sweet digital letters from friends. At the night's end, they gazed at the stars from the comfort of their on-site hot tub.
The moments that stuck out to the couple were that they both loved the ceremony and marrying each other under the huge sequoias. Ending the day in the hot tub under the stars was a special memory for Emma. Damian says the first look took his breath away, and was so emotional to see his beautiful bride all put together. They were both so happy with how much FUN it was! Of course they knew it would be fun, but it really was the best day of their lives—which they thought was just hype!
Damian and Emma spent $7600 on their elopement, which included two full days of elopement photography, planning, and an album, plus flights, a rental Camaro, outfits, jewelry, and accommodations. They also paid $150 for a special use permit and $91 for a CA marriage license.
Damian and Emma's elopement in Yosemite National Park was a beautiful and unique celebration of their love and commitment to each other. Their intimate ceremony, amidst the Sequoia grove, was a reflection of their personalities and interests, with unique details that added a personal touch to their special day. Despite facing some challenges, the couple remained true to themselves and their vision for their wedding. Their story is a testament to the fact that love knows no bounds and that the most important thing is to stay true to yourself.
Vendor team:
Photographer: Lucy Schultz Photography
Emma's HMUA by Alexis Jade (no longer in business)
Jewelry by Attleboro Jewelers Rhode Island
Damian's Suits by indochino
Emma's dress from David's Bridal
Bouquet by MyiDinosaurDreams via etsy
Author Bio
Jennie Swenson is a former micro wedding bride, and she now supports countless couples in planning their own intimate celebrations through her blog, featuring real micro wedding stories and a curated vendor directory. Her practical advice and firsthand experience make her a go-to resource for those seeking to create memorable and meaningful micro weddings.
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