When V&A reached out to me, they were sure of 3 things, they wanted to get married somewhere epically beautiful, they wanted some of their closest family by their side, and they wanted simplicity. If I could think of any three ways to describe the day it would be beautiful, intimate, and simple. V&As sunrise elopement at Gold Creek Pond was one of those that reminded me just how powerful and beautiful, simplicity can be.
My friends and family would tell you that I’m not a morning person. I truly never was and coffee is certainly required! But sunrise elopements are something special. There’s quiet and calm energy to them, and a special kind of magic that comes with having nature’s majesty all to yourselves.
The day started in the lingering light of dawn when I met A in the parking lot. His parents drove to be there and we’re helping him adjust his tie and prepare for the day (and his private first look with me in just a few minutes). As we walked to the trailhead together, I shared his nerves and excitement about the day, and the fun they were already having back at the Airbnb with family who had flown in for the weekend. The walk to the lake was only five minutes.
Gold Creek pond is a super popular elopement location for this reason! Only about an hour’s drive from Seattle, ample parking, in a five-minute ADA-accessible walk to the most insanely beautiful alpine lake. The work-to-reward ratio is insane and it’s honestly quite rare. That makes this location a fantastic option for couples wanting to elope with a small group of friends and family! As we approached the lake – we were struck by a sense of calm. The light was soft on the mountains and the water perfectly still. I left him to his thoughts and excitement, as I went back to get V for the first look. V&A shared their first look with only the stillness, a mountain, and myself as their witness. They cried. I cried. There was such a beautiful simplicity to the whole moment.
After they spent some time taking in the beauty and the quiet (and taking some pictures in the soft and dreamy light), 10 of their closest friends and family, some of who had flown in from out of state, joined them for a lakeside ceremony. Today was a special day for several reasons. Of course, it was the day they were to be married, but it was also the date another dating anniversary! It was the first time that their families would all be together. They both shared with me that it was super important for them to have intentional time with their families and to really honor the blending of the families together. From the ceremony that V‘s dad officiated and her aunt wrote, to the champagne pop and toasts to and from family – The importance of family and community was such a special part.
After a champagne toast and wandering around the lake together, they capped off the day with a final adventure to a nearby waterfall! Simple but special, surrounded by love, and Washington’s incredible natural beauty – V&A’s day was so damn special and so perfectly them.
Are you feeling inspired by this Sunrise Gold Creek Pond Elopement story? If so, then check out this Fall Gold Creek elopement, same location different vibe!
” I knew I could finally take a breath, and Jess would make my dreams a reality.”
Jess made my day feel so special, and I have the pictures to prove it! The entire process of selecting a Washington elopement photographer and planning my day was overwhelming. There are so many beautiful places in Washington state, and I quickly felt anxious and stressed – until I found Bloom and Wander Co. Jess is so knowledgeable when it comes to scouting the perfect place that met my wildest wishes. She does a phenomenal job of paying attention to the details I envisioned and planning the perfect timeline for the allotted schedule. We initially had a consultation, and I immediately felt a connection and sense of trust. As soon as I made my deposit, I knew I could take a breath and have the internal confidence that she would make my dreams a reality, plan the day hour-by-hour, and deliver high-quality photos for the best day of my life that I will always remember. In order to make this happen, she requests information on a few occasions to get to know what you’d want, who you want pictures with, names of attendees, any special demands, what is important for you, and much more. She truly cares about producing the best work she can with your vision in mind- she risked her super cute purple sweater by laying on the dirt-covered ground to capture a champagne toast from below. Gave me her sweater to sit on so we could take pictures in my wedding dress in the wildflowers, and used different methods and lenses for enhanced creativity. The night before, she even texted me to change the start time of the ceremony because of the conditions. This time change made a huge positive difference in the lighting, and I am so glad she pays attention to those details! Her personality is so bubbly, fun, and warm. Everyone in attendance at my ceremony had kind words to say about her post-ceremony. I was in complete awe of my photos when they were returned to me. I relived the day over again. I can see the love and happiness radiate in each photo. Her directions to have us laughing, hugging, kissing, and posing were easy to follow, and we did not feel awkward. If you are looking for a skilled photographer who doesn’t view hou as a source of their income but genuinely is passionate and excited about your special day, producing beautiful photos, and exploding with creativity- schedule Bloom and Wander Co.! You will NOT regret it. – Valerie and Adam
