I cannot even begin to tell you how excited I was for this PNW elopement at Mt Rainier. But even more than that, I was SO excited to finally meet Chelsea and Kyle. Every interaction I’ve had with them has done nothing less than warm my soul. It’s hard to explain the energy you experience between client interactions but in short- I know wish I could bottle theirs up.

It started the second I read their inquiry form. I ask couples to describe their vision and Chelsea said, “I want a day stripped back of everything but just my future husband and I sharing vows and committing our lives to each other. Preferably in front of some gorgeous mountain!” We planned for a PNW elopement at Mt Rainier. Their wedding day had the most unexpected weather I’ve experienced as a PNW elopement photographer, but these two greeted the experience with utter joy, and Mother Nature, in return, responded the same.

Rain, Fog and Snow. I wasn’t mad and neither were they.

Despite the forecast looking a little less than ideal for mountain views, when I arrived at their Airbnb, I met Kyle and instantly knew that it was going to be the best day rain or shine. Most people would have seen the downpour, but they saw the beauty all around us. And just before their first look, we caught a break in the rain- it could not have been more perfect.

Then, on the way to Paradise, we drove through torrential downpour and thick fog. Once at Paradise, we exchange the rain and fog for snow and wind! But again, despite what was in front of us…Chelsea, Kyle, and their family all wanted to move forward with our hike. We made it to a gorgeous location, the snow stopped and clouds lifted giving us the most beautiful view of the mountains and Mt Rainier.

As we were leaving, the snow picked up again, and once again, it could not have been more perfect. Weather can “only” dampen your day if you let it. I can’t help but look at Chelsea and Kyle’s vision and feel like it was everything and more than they could have hoped for, and it was an honor to be part of!

What made you fall in love with the other person for the first time? Can you describe that moment?

If you had to pick just one thing that you love the most about the other person…what would it be?

Kyle: I love how artistic and creative she is! She always has a wonderful eye for artsy things and she’s a great artist herself!

Did you two have a formal proposal? When was the moment that you two decided to get married?

It doesn’t feel right to wrap up an elopement at Mt Rainier anymore without popping a little champagne and a visit from our mountain friends!

To see more elopements photographed by MMP, click here!

Interested in a PNW elopement at Mt Rainier? You can read this post for ways to prepare and what to do to have the best day!

Megan Montalvo is a PNW Elopement Photographer based out of Seattle, Washington. Megan offers intimate wedding and elopement photography to surrounding PNW destinations. Locations include Tacoma, Olympia, Mount Storm King, Lake Crescent, Hurricane Ridge, Mt. Rainier, Lake Quinault, Snoqualmie, Snoqualmie Pass, Cle Elum, Suncadia, Leavenworth, Ruby Beach, Cape Kiwanda, Canon Beach and the San Juan Islands.