Sunrise Mt. Rainier Fire Lookout Elopement
Sunrise Mt. Rainier Fire Lookout Elopement
After a crazy high snow year, our permit being taken away from their first choice trail a couple weeks before their date (the NPS double booked it on accident), and Cameron slicing his finger open the night before, Mother Nature really pulled through for Amanda and Cameron with the most magical sunrise!
Amanda and Cameron met me in the parking lot at 3:00am and we put on headlamps and started hiking with the goal of watching the sunrise on a mountain top in Mt. Rainier National Park. We hiked fast and reached the top with plenty of time to get ready and have their first look before the sunrise! A + C’s first look was so cute because they were both back to back and kept accidentally turning before the other person did, so we were all laughing as they finally turned at the same time on the third try. Amanda and Cameron then watched the sun rise over the distant mountains and witnessed the most beautiful light poor through the nearby valleys. It was one of the most peace and gorgeous sunrises I’ve seen!
Sunrise elopements are so special. On one hand, they can be a bit stressful because the best lighting for dreamy portraits is right at the beginning of the day and if you’re running late then you might miss it! It can also feel a little bit more rushed on the photographer’s side of things because the sunlight changes every few seconds and we really have to nail the shots early in the session before everyone has had the chance to fully settle into the day. On the other hand, it’s so quiet and peaceful during sunrise. Almost everyone is still asleep, yet you’re up on some epic mountain exchanging sacred vows with the love of your life. It’s hard to describe just how gorgeous it truly is and how special it is to witness moments like this!
Anyway, back to A and C! Shortly after the sunrise Amanda and Cameron started their ceremony. Their sister’s had prepared a ceremony script for them to read together to walk themselves through their ceremony. Then they exchanged vows and a first kiss! The views were so beautiful in every direction I truly didn’t know which way to shoot!
After their ceremony we explored around the fire lookout for some portraits. The fire lookout was actually occupied by a ranger and unfortunately we couldn’t go up to the top of it, but it was still a fun photo opportunity to stand on the stairwell. After their portraits A + C sat down for a breakfast picnic with hot cocoa and muffins! They read letters from their family and friends as well. Then we headed back down the trail and were greeted by tons of hikers along the way. After our hike we headed to their Airbnb for a mini reception with their family! It was a perfect day!
Meet your Mt. Rainier National Park Photographer
Hey, I’m Sierra. I’m an elopement photographer, wife, engineer, animal lover, outdoor enthusiast, and occasional camper-van converter based in Seattle, WA.
I’m not just a photographer. I’m your sounding board for dreaming up your perfect day, I’m your logistics planner, windblown hair fixer, tie adjuster, and so much more.
I’m an adventurer through and through and I’m here to help guide you through the process of planning and executing whatever day you and your partner dream up. From the moment you book me as your photographer I am there for you to help create an experience that you will remember and cherish.
My goal and hope is that by the time your wedding day comes along we already feel like close friends. I want to get texts of the wedding attire you picked out. I want to know what you love about your partner and how you met. I’m here for it all.
