Josh & Melanie | Yosemite Elopement
Yosemite National Park is always such a magical place to capture a love story. Capturing Melanie and Josh’s elopement surrounded by God’s creation was an unforgettable experience. We love capturing elopements because it is all about being intentional and making sure that your wedding day is about you. Intimate. While a lot of weddings turn into a big production and a “performance” for everyone else, eloping just means that you’ve decided to focus on what matters to you, and what reflects you two as a couple. And that’s exactly what this lovebirds did. Josh and Melanie laid on eyes on each other in 2019 during their time at Stanford. Melanie describes Josh as being compassionate and helps her broaden her perspective on life, faith and world view. On the other hand, Josh describes Melanie as his sweet “Oi Ling” the kindest person he ever came across, an angel on his shoulder that pushes him to be the best person he can be. Their friends describe as a”power couple”, game changers and leaders in their community whom they look up to!
In the predawn light at Glacier Point, Josh waited in anticipation as he saw Melanie for the first time in her wedding dress. As soon as he turned around, he held on tight to Melanie in awe and excitement to finally tie the know as they watched Half Dome become brighter. When the sun rays peaked over the valley, they exchanged their vows with families and friends. What really touched our hearts was when Melanie’s mother was during her sermon as she describes the story of when they met Josh during Melanie’s graduation 2 years ago and couldn't believe that he was the one that they were praying for to marry their daughter. It really shows that their marriage is a true testament that love has no bound despite cultural backgrounds and religion. To celebrate the newlyweds, their family surrounded them to toast and do an epic champagne spray to the future! The rest of the day was filled with love and laughter that consisted of the sweetest speeches from closest friends and family and taking a dip at the merced river during the reception!
As the day ended, we took a trip to Taft Point. A short hike, broken by sunbeams poking holes in the forest canopy, opened up to a view of Yosemite in the setting sun. The Taft Point overlook is best known for the view of a granite rock protruding out over a 7,000 foot drop to the valley floor. It’s the image you’ll get wobbly knees even thinking of. The excitement we had being there stitched into each word makes us smile. The evening we took these photos of Josh and Melanie was epic and beautiful , and the colors warmed everything they were standing on. We didn’t leave the overlook until it was dark and we all donned headlamps to head back down.
This Yosemite elopement will definitely be one we always remember. We were truly blessed and honored to experience this intimate time with them.
- V <3
