Sara Soto Photography

What if you gave yourself a pause? If you're planning a traditional wedding, with guests, a ceremony & a reception, you can absolutely embrace that.

Because if the community & celebration bring you joy, why not?! 🤍

But what if somewhere, in the middle of all that, you planned something just for the two of you?

Not a choreographed moment but an actual, intentional pause.

In nature.

Away from the timeline & hussle of the day 😮‍💨

It could be a short hike before the day begins. Or, sitting somewhere, sharing a warm drink in the evening, along the sunset-lit cliffs.

It doesn't have to be something big (unless you want to!)

All you're doing is allowing space for your inner world, even on a traditional wedding day. Especially if you're the kind of people who feel the most grounded when it's just you two.

So yes, have the ceremony, dance, hug it our & clink your glasses 🥂 And also, give yourself time to be still; to drop your shoulders & breathe.

Your day doesn't always have to be either/or.
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You + Rings + Yosemite = The Dream ⛰️

A Yosemite elopement is seriously one of the most inspiring, adventurous & romantic experiences out there.

You're hiking up a rock, saying your vows amongst a sea of pine trees, with the rush of a distant waterfall & the peaks as your witnesses-- Ahh, isn't that the epitome of a perfect wedding day? 🤩

The best part is that Yosemite & the surrounding charming towns offer a variety of things to do to make your itinerary a whole lot more intentional (this is your sign to start a new yearly tradition too 😜).

Need some ideas aside from hiking trails? There's something for everyone:

🪨 beginner/advance rockclimbing class
🚲 guided walking or biking tours
⛷️ snowshoe or ski in winter season
🚂 take a western-style train!
🖼️ do a paint-and-sip class in the valley
🧖🏽‍♀️ book a relaxing spa
🐎 join a horseback riding tour
🔭 skygaze & have a starry picnic

Just a little reminder that your elopement isn't just a day. It's your wedding day & it deserves to be a one-of-a-kind experience too 🫶🏽

How would you spend your elopement day in Yosemite?
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Years ago, I used to dream about taking photos at the almond orchards during their blooms but I just never knew how to do it or where to go...

Until I moved to the central valley 😍

Every year, they never dissapoint as they dress up the orchards with those cute tiny flowers-- It's seriously one of the prettiest backdrops for photos & I can't wait for this year's season!

As both a photographer & nature-enthusiast, I have a few tips to keep in mind if you're booking a session this time around:

🌸 Many (if not all) orchards are private property so be sure to get permission beforehand to access them

🌸 Blooms last a short time & only once a year so book a photographer who's familiar with the season

🌸 Dress to match the whites/pinks AND the weather (flowy, pastels, neutrals & layers are usually best)

🌸 Bees love the orchards & may be hard at work so be mindful & calm wherever you're walking!

🌸 Of course be respectful & kind-- Don't pick the blooms or pull/shake the branches
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