Guys, was there ever a better way to kick off a weekend than with a dreamy mountain vow renewal, especially among the breathtaking landscape that is Yosemite’s Half Dome? Didn’t think so! Vanessa + Luke were married two years before, and to celebrate their anniversary (and love of the outdoors), they decided on Yosemite adventure full of romantic details that mimicked the gorgeous setting they’d renew their vows in. Photogs Lauren Alisse Photography and Ashley Baumgartner | Photography & Calligraphy teamed up to shoot and style this occasion for V + L, and boy do they make quite the team!
The story of the day, as told by our talented photogs… Fire swept the western edge of Yosemite Valley as we made our way to Olmsted Point for Vanessa and Luke’s vow renewal. As we drove up the winding roads to Olmsted Point, we watched as a dark haze came rolling across the sky—an eerie reminder that recent Yosemite fires were still burning strong. Vanessa and Luke, as well as the two of us photographers, put a lot of love and passionate design into their vow renewal so we were determined to make it to the top of Olmsted Point, so long as we remained out of real danger and followed the rules of the park rangers.
Deets like Ashley’s calligraphy on handmade paper by Fabulous Fancy Pants and silk ribbon by Honey Silks & Co. were included to highlight the textures, colors, and natural formations of their backdrop.
The date of their two-year anniversary had just passed, which was also a strong driving force for Vanessa and Luke to make it to the Half-Dome overlook despite the fires. Luckily, we found the only entrance to the Park open and made it in time for the gorgeous sunset. And even though the haze of the fires was present, there was such beauty in this day and in the cotton candy sky—a great reminder of life’s blessings amidst storms.
With only Vanessa’s mom present, they promised to travel abroad together, share In-N-Out together, and remain committed in their love to one another.
Vanessa tells it, My favorite moment from the vow renewal was when Luke started tearing up while reading his vows to me. I honestly wasn’t sure if reading out vows and love letters to one another would bring back the same emotions from our wedding day, but it absolutely did. I barely made it through mine, I was so overcome with emotion. It was so special and sweet to be able to do this and have beautiful photographs to remember the moment. The colors, flowers, setting, our vows in calligraphy… it was all perfect.
These two have made it through long distance (twice), several cities in California, and a Park Winters wedding with Lauren Alisse Photography behind the lens. Makes sense that only an epic location would be appropriate, right?
All the best to Vanessa and Luke!
Photography & Event Design: Lauren Alisse Photography & Ashley Baumgartner | Photography & Calligraphy / Venue: Olmsted Point in Yosemite National Park / Floral Design: The Blonde Bouquet / Calligraphy: Ashley Baumgartner | Photography & Calligraphy / Handmade Paper: Fabulous Fancy Pants / Silk Ribbon: Honey Silks & Co. / Marble Cutting Board: Target
