Living in the Pacific Northwest, I often find myself feeling like I live and work in a movie scene. No matter how many times I go to Mt Rainier, I am continuously captivated by the beauty around me. Now, that beauty can come with a lot of unpredictability, especially in March. Thankfully, the weather cooperated enough for us to execute Sacia and Tom’s vision and celebrate the start of their forever with a snowy Mt Rainier elopement at Paradise.

Everything about their day was who they are and what they love. They kept it simple, focusing on their commitment to one another, all while being surrounded by the woods, the snow, and their closest friends and family. Their first look took place just outside of their AirBnB cabin in Ashford. Nestled in the trees, they took a moment to just be and take it all in before we headed to Mt. Rainier for their elopement ceremony.

Paradise at Mt Rainier

Once we got to Paradise, we made our way to where they were going to do their ceremony. Covered in snow, it could not have been more beautiful…and maybe just a bit cold! You wouldn’t know it though- the smiles on their faces say it all. The joy, the laughter, the love…it was so evident that these two were meant to be together.

One thing I loved about Stacia and Tom was their ability to be in the moment. From their first look to their vows and reception, Stacia and Tom were present. When asked to share a story that sums up their relationship, they said, “A small story we think sums up our relationship would be when we went hunting together this year. It’s something Tom taught me and we both love doing. We got to spend quality time in the woods and even though we didn’t get the end result we wanted we gained so much more. Our relationship is based on all the little moments, not the gains we do or do not get.” It’s so true. Yes, there will be really big moments in life, but if there’s one thing I have learned in my own marriage is that it’s those little moments that mean the most.

Congratulations Stacia and Tom- thank you for having me be part of your special day. Cheers to a lifetime of making each other laugh!

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

“I fell in love with Tom, not in a single moment. I fell in love with him when he showed me every day that he wasn’t going anywhere. He remembered all the little things about me and has been patient with me since day one. It’s the comfort he brings me when I am a little off track.” – Stacia

“There wasn’t one thing that made me fall in love with Stacia. It was just a constant connection between us. From the late beer and pizza nights to Stacia butchering words she tries to pronounce and me not letting her forget about it. We were comfortable with each other from the very beginning, like it was just part of the big plan.” – Tom

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

“The one thing I love most about Tom is his goofiness. His natural way of making me laugh even if he isn’t trying.” – Stacia

“The one thing I love most about Stacia is how strong she is. She can be so independent and stubborn, which makes it hard to be the man of the house sometimes. But she’s always surprising me with how she handles herself, even in the toughest of days she battles through and comes out smiling, cheering up everyone she meets bringing smiles to their faces.” – Tom

If you had a free day where you could go and do whatever you wanted, with no limits, what would you do together? Describe your perfect day.

Anywhere out in the wilderness. Maybe a picnic on the tailgate of the truck with some music looking out at the woods around us.

Amazing team of vendors:

Planner + Coordination | Kate with Tapestry Event Co.

Officiant | Bri with Tapestry Event Co.

Florist + Decor | Villanelle Floral Company

Hair and Makeup Artist | Holly Tipp Makeup

Cake | Sift and Gather

Grazing Board | Grate Boards

Picnic Rentals | Balancing Balloons

To see more elopements photographed by MMP, click here!

Interested in a snowy Mt Rainier elopement or a winter elopement in general? 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 such as 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.