Our national parks are a wonder and this couple was lucky enough to host their romantic summer wedding at the Ahwahnee Hotel in the heart of the Yosemite Village. The Ahwahnee is about as luxury as you can get at the floor of the Yosemite Village. The hotel is a premier example of National Park Service architecture and opened its doors to guests in 1927. It wasn’t declared a National Historic Landmark until 1987. In my research I learned that interiors of the hotel were adapted for Stanley Kubrick’s ‘The Shining’ with huge influence from the elevators, lobby and great lounge. The Ahwahnee Hotel has hosted four US Presidents, Queen Elizabeth II and countless celebrities and entertainers over the years.
It’s easy to get caught up in the fresh and new of capturing weddings but I do appreciate taking time to pause and relive moments from older wedding stories here too. This is one of those, a nice look at this romantic summer day in Yosemite with Danielle and Anthony.
From my first call with Danielle and Anthony I learned that they are pretty artsy, theater people who share a great passion for the outdoors. The two love the history of national parks and knew getting married at one would be a dream come true. The Ahwahnee was the perfect location, a short drive for most of their family and friends, to share a weekend in one of the very best national parks California has to offer.
The couple and most of their guests got to stay onsite at the hotel and at surrounding hotels, some even camped! The bride’s getting ready room had an incredible balcony with Yosemite Falls views.
The couple is a blindfolded first look just outside of the restaurant before some wedding party photos on the grounds. The ceremony was out in the woods and guests got to enjoy the sounds and views of the valley as they waited for the ceremony to begin. I had a few moments to feed a deer that was passing through which was a first for me! There were kilts, strolls through the forest and merriment into the evening in the same place where Presidents and Queens have enjoyed the National Park for years.
This location was enchanting in every sense of the word. I’m so happy to share a few cherished memories from their beautiful wedding day …
Venue: Ahwahnee Hotel
Coordination: Ybarra Events
Photography: Teri B Photography
