Sunrise Adventure Elopement at Picture Lake, North Cascades

Still looking for words to describe Kelly & Austin’s sunrise adventure elopement at Picture Lake! Between the gorgeoussss dawn that shone golden light across the snowy mountains, the fabulous outfits (come on, that train??), and the sweet love pouring from their guests, I really don’t have the right language to sum it all up. 

I hope you’re ready to enjoy one of the most beautiful sunrises I’ve ever seen, a mischievous pup, and two happy people bowling on their wedding day! (my new favorite elopement activity)

Kelly & Austin’s Sunrise Adventure Elopement

A snowy day in the North Cascades

When it comes to planning your elopement, there is nothing I love more than helping you nail down the location that has you giddy with excitement, gratitude, and appreciation for the natural beauty around you. Kelly and Austin were hoping to get mountains and snow– and Mt. Baker/Artist Point were already floating around in their heads. They’d actually seen a previous elopement I captured at this same spot the previous summer, and hoped for similar conditions: a snow-covered Artist Point with pleasant weather and accessible views. Fortunately, that’s just what we got!

A dreamy first look + portraits beneath the alpenglow

This sunrise is sure going to be a toughhh one to beat. The bar is HIGH from here on out, and I’m so lucky I got to experience it with Kelly and Austin! We met up in the Artist Point parking lot, where Kelly was wrapping up transferring her vows from her laptop to her vow book, and Austin was kindly playing chauffeur. (PSA that you can drive to your elopement location together without seeing each other, if you’d like to have a surprise first look– just have one of you sit in the back. No peeking!)

Once everyone was ready to roll, Kelly hopped out of the car and made her way into the snow for their first look. We found the most gorgeous spot with 360-degree views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains, the sky painted in soft pinks, blues, and oranges above us. And just as the world was slowly starting to wake up, Austin turned around to see his beautiful bride, standing in the snow looking like an absolute princess! The tears came almost immediately, and I love loved the massive grins that were basically pasted onto their faces from this moment onward. Truly the most joy-filled couple who were so beyond thrilled to be experiencing this together!

We spent the rest of this perfectly peaceful morning watching the sunrise crawl across the sparkling snow, admiring the ever-changing landscapes just as the sun began to peek above the peaks on the horizon. What a morning; shoutout to this ethereal alpenglow for showing up & showing off.

A teary-eyed ceremony at Artist Point

Back at the parking lot– this time soaked in early morning sun instead of that gentle blue hour glow– Kelly & Austin shared excited hugs with their loved ones. Austin’s grandfather led an emotional ceremony at a spot just off the parking lot, overlooking scenic alpine vistas as these cuties exchanged their vows. All the family watched on with teary eyes, so happy to be celebrating these humans they adore so much and in such a magnificent place!

(Oh, and I adored the vibrant bouquet Kelly held during the ceremony, full of bright summer tones and very much inspired by PNW wildflowers 🙂 )

Want to see what this spot looks like on a slightly cloudier day, later in the summer? Take a peek at Brandi & Jordan’s Moody Artist Point Elopement!

Sun-drenched portraits at Heather Meadows

After plenty of hugs with the fam (and after everyone had wiped their tears), Kelly & Austin snuck off with me to Heather Meadows for a few mid-day portraits. The meadows themselves were still partially hidden under snow cover, but the views of the steep cliffsides and the lush, green trees under the bright blue skies were *phenomenal.* This is why Mt. Baker is my all-time favorite place for elopements– the landscapes are spectacular whether they’re covered in snow, bursting with colorful wildflowers, or dripping with rain on a stormy, overcast day! 

A first dance at Picture Lake (ft. Taylor Swift)

Did you know that first dances aren’t only for big, traditional weddings? They’re a meaningful element you are absolutely welcome and encouraged to include in your elopement– if it feels right to you and your love.

These cuties had their first dance in front of Mt. Shuksan, which is maybe my very favorite mountain to gaze upon! She also looks glorious in all kinds of weather, and the craggy peaks absolutely enchant me. I can’t think of a better backdrop for such a momentous dance; they were just glowing the whole time!

And as an extra little cherry on top, they danced to Timeless by Taylor Swift, with the biggest smiles on their faces. As a devoted Swiftie, there is no faster way to my heart (other than maybe an adorable pup, which will be coming up shortly…).

National Park-inspired cabin details

Once we felt satisfied that we’d explored as much of Mt. Baker as we could, we headed to Kelly & Austin’s cabin for more portraits– and to meet up with said pup (their Cavapoo, Odie!). I got to capture a bunch of fun details here, including (but not limited to):

• Their custom National Park sign (featuring their new last name & elopement date)
• Locally-made favors: coffee beans, handmade soap, and wildflower seeds
• Personalized napkins with a picture of Odie
• A gorgeous cake with pressed wildflowers
• An itinerary made by the couple themselves
• Thrifted plates & mugs (we love secondhand, eco-friendly elopement decor!)
• Flowers from Pike Place Market

A celebratory bowling night in Bellingham

For their final hurrah, Kelly and Austin celebrated their newlywed status with a favorite family tradition: bowling! They enjoyed lunch with their guests at the cabin, and later we met up in Bellingham for an evening of light competition in the bowling alley. It was so much fun to capture everyone’s jubilation (or good-natured devastation) after each frame, as everyone cheered on or commiserated with the bowler. One of the favorite activities I’ve seen on an elopement day, and SO much fun for the entire group. These two sure knew how to throw an epic post-elopement party, and it’s one I’ll truly remember for a very long time 🥹

Vendor Team

Dress Shop: Blue Sky Bridal | @blueskybridal

Dress Designer: Kelly Faetanini | @kellyfaetanini

Suit Shop: Sew Generously Bespoke | @sewgenerouslybespoke

Cake: Honey Crumb Cake Studio | @honeycrumbcakes

Catering: Crave Catering | @cravecateringbellingham

Soap Party Favors: Lunaraya | @lunaraya.co

Looking for a North Cascades elopement photographer?

I’d love to be the one for you– but take it from Kelly, not me! 😉

“I could not be more thankful that Marla was there to capture the moments of our wedding. From start to finish, she was always there to answer questions and offer guidance. When we got to see pictures, we were left speechless. Her work is incredible and I could not recommend her enough!”