wildflower wedding at paradise
Shannon and Nick’s Mt. Rainier elopement was the perfect summer day filled with easy hiking, waterfalls, pizza, and sunset over the glaciers. Throw in some wildflower meadows bursting with pinks and yellows and you’ve got a picture-perfect postcard view 🙂 There’s a reason this part of Mt. Rainier National Park is named “Paradise”!
We kicked off the day at their cozy cabin getting ready – Shannon is a professional hairstylist and did her own hair and makeup so beautifully! The two shared a first look by the river before we hopped in the car and headed off toward the mountains. Our first pit stop was a mossy forest trail with towering fir trees overhead. We always love visiting the forest in the afternoon when the sun is still high overhead and the temperature is toasty. It’s nice to escape the summer heat and seek some shade as the light filters through the forest canopy.
Next, it was time to get married! We wandered a short distance up the trail to their designated ceremony site, and the two lovebirds shared heartfelt vows. There were lots of tears and laughter as Nick showed off his artistic talent (peep the cutie drawings he made)! Shannon popped on “Just Married” shades and held her gorgeous bouquet aloft (courtesy of Little Joy Fleurs) as they celebrated being officially married.
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, we headed up the trail in search of a closer view of Rainier. The wildflower meadows were in peak bloom as we wandered higher and higher. One of the best parts about this area is how many scenic viewpoints are within a mile or two of the parking lot – no crazy hiking required! Once we arrived at our sunset spot, the newlyweds broke out pizza slices from a local restaurant and shared an intimate first dance as the glaciers turned orange, then purple with the last rays of the sun. All in all it was a perfect day in Paradise filled with lots of love, giggles, and creating art together.


