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Rebecca and Timothy
September 2, 2010
| Elopements | Weddings
Less than thirty hours before their wedding, Timothy and Rebecca enjoyed the view from Glacier Point by themselves. They had never visited the Yosemite before, so they came to discover the perfect spot to marry. They knew quickly that this place, with it's magical views and sweeping vista was their place. In fact not only would they marry here the very next day, but on that first visit, Timothy proposed to Rebecca as he slipped an engagement ring on her left hand.

Late the next day they gathered again at Glacier Point, this time to exchange their vows as the sun set behind us. Together with Rev. Carol Dewey, we hiked up a trail a little ways from the amphitheater to escape the crowd and suddenly, it was just us and the trees. Together they shared their love and tears for each other, overlooking the granite of Half Dome. It was a beautiful scene, a husband and a wife embracing in a magical place.

As the sun raced towards the horizon I continued to photograph Rebecca and Timothy around Glacier Point while tourists gathered to watch the sunset. They were playfully in love, knowing that they will always have each other. I love how these photographs are not only drenched with late afternoon light, but also soaked with the strong and tender emotion between a loving couple.

Congratulations again to Rebecca and Timothy!

Hair and Makeup: Bellissimo
Officiant: Rev. Carol Dewey


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alec vanderboom says: Thursday, September 2, 2010

totally awesome stuff man! 3rd from the end is my favorite. Great lighting
Mariah says: Thursday, September 2, 2010

These are AMAZING. I LOVE the light. You captured her glow perfectly. What a beautiful couple! Congratulations!

Dennis Pike says: Thursday, September 2, 2010

Gorgeous work. I love that so many of your weddings are so intimate. Definitely different from the weddings I normally shoot. Also, Love the panoramic portraits you have been doing lately, It actually inspired me to try a couple on the engagement shoot I did yesterday
Patrick says: Thursday, September 2, 2010

Thanks Dennis! I think its the nature of an elopement to be so intimate for those who elope - somehow it just feels right. I can't wait to see your panos!
Patrick says: Thursday, September 2, 2010

Thanks Mariah, they were a really loving couple. I can't wait until your wedding comes around!
Patrick says: Thursday, September 2, 2010

Alec thanks for the good words! The open meadow shots are some of my favorites too.
Carol Cardinale-Ruiz says: Thursday, September 2, 2010

You amaze me Patrick these are Beautiful!
Rebecca says: Sunday, September 5, 2010

BEAUTIFUL. I cant stop looking at these photos. Thank you so much!!!
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145
Suzanne and Jon
July 23, 2010
| Elopements | Weddings
Outdoor adventurers to the bone, Suzanne and Jon traveled from Los Angeles to Yosemite to marry in the beauty of the outdoors. The simplicity of an elopement fit them perfectly. Their priorities were on each other and nothing else.

They came up to Yosemite a few days before their wedding to take in some hikes and and find their perfect wedding spot, in the Ahwahnee Meadow just beneath Half Dome. I met them their for the first time and joined them for a beautiful ceremony, just the two of them in the wind whispering through the grass.

After the ceremony Suzanne and Jon told me that I had free control over where we went in the park for photographs. I love this complete freedom and took full advantage of it. Thankfully, both Suzanne and Jon are in great shape and used to spending time outdoors, because I took them up above 8,000 feet to the top of Sentinel Dome. 

The landscape changes so drastically from the valley almost a mile below. The granite dome seemingly sits on top of the world, with views in every direction. It was the perfect place to create these dramatic photographs and it was from this amazing vantage point that Suzanne and Jon shared their first sunset as husband and wife.

On our way down Sentinel Dome, Suzanne and Jon showed a lot of character. I was driving them back just in time to have dinner at the Ahwahnee's dinning room when we encountered a group of lost hikers. The hikers were not equipped for their hike and through a lack of planning ended up about six miles away from their car. Knowing with certainty that it would mean an end to their dinner, Suzanne and Jon knew that we needed to make sure the lost hikers made it back to their car safely.

Sure enough, when we made it to the Ahwahnee the dinning room was closed. As I left them that night, they were heading into the back to their room with smiles on their faces and arms around each other to order room service.

It's really an honor for me to slip into a couples lives for a few hours and share such an amazing part of their story. It is the turning point when a two individual people become so much more. There was so much love this day between Suzanne and Jon that I felt blessed to have been there to see it. And this was not just the sappy date move kind of love. This was the real kind of love, the love that says I will always be there for you, because of you.

Officiant: Rev. John Paris
Hair and Makeup: Bellissimo

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Jamie White says: Friday, July 23, 2010

OMG such amazing pictures. I love them all. They are great pictures becasue they are of great/wonderful people. Thanks for posting them so soon for us that don't live close can see how happy they are. Congrats Suzy and Jon hope you all will make it home (WV) soon.
Stephanie White says: Friday, July 23, 2010

Patrick - these are amazing. Great work!!! What a wonderful set of memories for Suzy & Jon.
KRISTINA LENTZ says: Friday, July 23, 2010


CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU BOTH!!! BEAUTIFUL PICTURES.
YOSEMITE...WHAT A PERFECT PLACE FOR A WEDDING.NOW
WHEN AM I GONNA BE A AUNT? LOL.

LUV, KRISTINA
Carol Cardinale-Ruiz says: Saturday, July 24, 2010

Patrick I believe you truly have out done yourself on these! They are AMAZING!! Truely Artistic! They capture everything that our area has to offer. They also capture the true genuine personality of Suzanne and Jon ! They were amazing to work with! Thanks for the fabulous work!
Sarah Montoya says: Saturday, July 24, 2010

Awesome pictures!! Makes me want to get remarried just for the pictures!!
Patrick says: Saturday, July 24, 2010

Thanks everyone for the good words! These photographs just seemed to flow out of Suzanne & Jon and right through my camera. I love to create art for people who love the art!
Carol Cardinale-Ruiz says: Saturday, July 24, 2010

I am mesmerized! Still looking!
The Landmans says: Tuesday, August 3, 2010

So happy to be able to view these pictures and share your celebration! The pictures are beautiful, as is the bride!!! Hope your life together is as wonderfrul and happy as you both look!!!!
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146
Stephanie and Dominick
July 21, 2010
| Elopements | Weddings
The original plan was to elope in Yosemite. Just Stephanie and Dominick in nature. But when word got out of their plans, their family had to come and be with them on this important day. So instead of just the two of them, it became the two of them and some of the most important people in their lives.

Stephanie and Dominick are outdoor enthusiasts. I think they have tried just about every sport known to man and love to travel together.

They were married just downstream of Superintendents Bridge in sight of Yosemite Falls and Half Dome. They stood in the open meadow as the day warmed and shared the vows of their love with each other. It was the perfect place for them, made clear as they embraced for their first kiss.

I doubt Stephanie or Dominick noticed, but during the ceremony a bystander slowly made her way from the bridge closer to us to listen in on the wedding. She patiently watched and waited, only to reveal at the end of the ceremony that she was married in this same place sixty years ago. Magical.

Stephanie and Dominick had a few specific places picked out for photographs, so after the ceremony we embarked on a little safari making our first stop at Lower Yosemite Falls. I have never actually taken a couple up to the base of Yosemite Falls for a shoot. Normally the area is covered in both tourists and spray from the waterfall. But the recent warm weather has already melted a lot of the snowpack and the waterfalls have began to slow down. The crowd however, did not slow down, but thankfully we were able to squeeze in and get the shots we needed.

From here we found our way into a grove of oaks, the riverside and eventually up to Tunnel View. Everywhere we went the scenery changed but the passion between them grew. I think with every passing moment after the ceremony, the reality of their new life together began to sink in a little more

As we continued to travel around Yosemite and spend more time together, the nature of their love became more and more evident. They are at an interesting point in life, as the look forward to the future and all that it has to offer, really certain of only one thing - once you have the love of your life in your life, life is a lot simplier.

Officiant: Rev. Carol Dewey


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Dominick Gluck says: Friday, July 23, 2010

Thanks so much for working with us in Yosemite, Patrick! I think the pictures are fantastic, do you think I should have worn the suspenders more? I think I should have now that I view these haha!
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144
Suzanne and Jon - Sneak Preview
July 21, 2010
| Elopements | Previews

Late in the afternoon yesterday Suzanne and Jon were married in Yosemite valley. Just after that, they climbed to the top of Sentinel Dome to watch the sunset. Here's one from the top. More coming soon!

suzanne_jon_sentinel_dome.jpg

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Carol Cardinale-Ruiz says: Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Beautiful Shot Patrick! I love the way she allowed me to do he hair and make up. Natural and soft!
Patrick says: Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Thanks Carol for your hard work! She looked beautiful. I can't wait to share the rest of the pictures, I'm editing them right now.
Stephanie White says: Thursday, July 22, 2010

Absolutely breathtaking!!! Amazing work Patrick. Suzy & I graduated from high school in WV together. Glad we are able to see pictures since we couldn't be there on their special day.

Looking forward to seeing the rest of the album.

GREAT JOB!!!
Patrick says: Friday, July 23, 2010

Thanks so much for the kind words Stephanie! Suzy and Jon are such wonderful people and so full of life, they really make the photos.

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143
Stephanie and Dominick - Sneak Preview
July 19, 2010
| Elopements | Previews

I just got back from Stephanie and Dominick's Yosemite wedding a few minutes ago. Quick fact about Dominick, I share his birthday and now I share their anniversary. I haven't had chance to unload all of my memory cards yet, but I had to share this one photograph. I love the seemingly simple composition and the layers of this shot. Much more to come, but first an anniversary dinner with my wife.stephanie_dominick_yosemite_elopement.jpg

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Stephanie says: Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Patrick, the picture looks amazing! cant wait to see the rest of them. Seeing you work in person, I see your passion and dedication. Happy Anniversary to you and your wife!

Patrick says: Thursday, July 22, 2010

Stephanie,

Thank you so much for the kind words!! You guys are amazing and I loved working with you - so much personality. I just posted a larger set of photographs and I love the way they turned out. Thank you for the anniversary wishes too!
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Stephanie and Dominick - Sneak Preview . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://patrickpike.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/142