Kathryn and Nathan had a wedding ceremony unlike any we have ever seen. When she contacted us to take photos, it was exactly one month before her planned wedding date, and she sounded so excited to be planning her wedding so spontaneously!
Living in Colorado, they had originally planned to come to California on a camping adventure. After a bit more discussion, they came up with the whimsical idea to not just camp during their visit-but to get married in the forest-The Avenue of the Giants-which is surrounded by Humboldt Redwoods State Park and has the largest remaining virgin redwoods in the world.
There are many trails in this forest, as well as the 8th, 6th, 4th, and 2nd tallest trees including the “Champion Coast Redwood” at 370 feet tall! This was their planned destination, and we could not have been more excited to embark on the adventure with them!
They began their story 4 years ago as Anthropology interns, and met during an internship that required they live in tents for about 6 months. During that time, they had plenty of time to get to know one another. Kathryn admits it was here that her life changed as she slowly began to fall in love with Nathan over late-night chats, poetic words, and lots of laughs. As time went on, their love and adventures together only grew-and just last August, Nathan proposed in the middle of a river, during the solar eclipse.
Upon hearing their story, the spontaneity and gorgeous scene seemed a perfect fit for these two.
Just a little nervous-but more excited than anything-Kathryn and Nathan shared a first look before the ceremony. They definitely looked excited for what the day had in store...
Their first look was magic. From the smiles on their faces to their genuine touches and words shared between each other, these two were ready to become husband and wife.
After hiking just a short distance, we found a beautiful clearing in the forest. Luscious green shamrocks everywhere, and a humongous tree trunk in the background made for a perfect stop to have the ceremony. Officiated by Nathans brother, and complete with hand-written vows from the heart, an exchange of rings, and sealed with a kiss-the wedding was intimate, emotional, and whimsical just as Kathryn had hoped when the plan had first unfolded.
She even had her 'something blue' at her grandmother's insistence as she held a small handkerchief around her bouquet.
With the sun just beginning to come through the opening of the trees, it was as if the newlyweds were being welcomed into their next chapter. They couldn't have looked happier! As we took some fun photos, and a few quiet moments to enjoy the beautiful surroundings, we were once again reminded that it's the stories that people share that end up creating a lifetime. This will absolutely be a wonderful story for the two to remember and share for the rest of their lives, and we are incredibly happy to have been able to include their story as part of ours!
Congratulations to such a lovely, passionate and endearing couple. We wish you all the best as you continue your grand adventure through life!
