An Intimate Adventurous Wedding at Olympic National Park: Jacqueline + Ryan
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All Photos by Vows & Peaks
How many wedding guests?
16
Why did you decide to get married in olympic national park?
Ryan and I wanted to have an epic wedding that was unique to us. We love nature and traveling so we immediately knew we’d love to exchange vows in a national park. We picked Bovee’s Meadow at Olympic National Park based on its tranquil water views and the deep woods surrounding us. It was a huge bonus that it was very accessible for our guests as well.
What did you choose to wear?
Ryan wore some fun pieces that highlighted some of our quirks as a couple. He wore cuff links with hops that signifies our love for craft beer! He also wore fun socks with pizza slices and tacos on them — a nod to our first ever chat where we lightheartedly debated whether tacos or pizza were better!
What special elements did you include in your wedding day?
We exchanged vows in the early morning so we thought it would be fun to serve our guests donuts and coffee!
What did you splurge on?
We splurged on our photographer. We wanted to have epic and amazing photos and we were not disappointed.
What did you save on?
We saved by not having a traditional ceremony and reception. Our ceremony at ONP was essentially free. We just paid for a permit. We had a group dinner at a local restaurant where we paid for our guests meals. We arranged with the restaurant ahead of time and created a menu of options for everyone so that we knew roughly what our tab would be in advance. We then attended a live music event at a winery which was perfect and so much fun for everyone!
What worked out really well, and was totally worth the investment?
We planned a lot in an attempt to keep costs low so we feel that everything we did was totally worth it for us. But the biggest value was getting married and having a vacation all rolled into one.
What, in retrospect, could you have skipped?
There isn’t really anything we would have skipped. We maintained a minimalist approach to our wedding planning. We did not utilize make up artists, “venues”, hairstylists, etc.
What is your best planning advice to other couples?
Our biggest advice is to have fun and do what you want to do as a couple. This day is about you and not so much about what others think you should do. If you stay true to your own vision and desires as a couple you will be happy!
Vendors
Florist | Bada Bloom (They provided a flower arrangement that Jacqueline adapted into a bouquet and boutonniere)
Dress | David’s Bridal
Planning & Coordinator, Officiant | Amanda Arehart
Suit | Men's Wearhouse
VOWS & PEAKS
My name is Sean Oblizalo, and Colorado-based free spirit with a fiery passion for the outdoors. I’m here to help you celebrate your relationship in a real and authentic way. I want you to have a day that truly matters and enable you to be YOU. I’m your new friend and want you to have the coolest, most fun and exciting experience with everlasting reflections and memories of your special day.
I approached this wedding the same way I do every elopement. I let the day come to us and went with the flow. Wedding days aren't about making epic photos for Instagram. They are about capturing the real emotions of the couple throughout the day. That starts with their first look, then to their vow ceremony all the way through to their hike. You have to embrace the real moments together and capture their happiness without pushing them outside of their comfort zone.
