Now more than ever we are looking different at weddings. And although this one if from a couple years ago it is spot on to some of the ideas I’m seeing become more and more popular now. A way to get married and have family, while still having an adventure and more outdoor open space than you could ever need!
I loved all the little details they incorporated as well. From the s’more packages to the trail mix bar this was truly a perfect wedding for two adventurous souls.
Scroll down for photos and more about the couple!
Photography: Trista Maja Photography (a What if We Elope Member! See more of her work HERE and reach out to her directly for more info! )
Location: Agua Caliente State Park
Caterer: Dos Banditos
Cupcakes: Cupcakes Squared
Flowers: 2 Blushing Blooms
Hair &Makeup : Hair &Makeup by Kelly Scripps
Handmade Goods Designer: Haley Pawp
How they met
We met back in 2006. I had just gotten a job at Mercury Insurance in San Diego, CA where Chris had been working for a couple of years. We were both dating other people at the time, but we turned into really good friends. When I had eventually broken up with my boyfriend, Chris was also single. But, the last thing I wanted to do was get into another relationship. So, nothing really happened back then. I found a different job and we kind of fell out of touch.
Flash forward to 2010 and I hit up Chris to see how he was doing. We started hanging out again. Both of us were single. We had both changed a lot and the timing was better for both of us. That is when we started dating.
Chris and I both love the outdoors, but I had never been camping. Aqua Caliente campgrounds was the first place he took me to. The desert is one of his favorite places, but I had never been. After the first camping trip, I was in love with this place. Great hiking, beautiful scenery, and the hot springs. I mean, come on. When we were living down in San Diego, we would go out to the campgrounds often, just to get away for the weekend. So, when it came time for a venue, we decided since we were keeping it very low key that we should have it there. It had been almost 4 years since we had been there. It felt so perfect once we got there.
Tell us about the proposal
As far as the proposal goes, we had already been dating for 6 years and living together for 5. We actually discussed getting married and that made me want to search for rings. When I had found the right one, he bought it for me. But, he didn’t let me see it when it arrived. We found this awesome deal for a trip to Iceland! I had seen photos on the internet of a wedding in Iceland and always kind of wanted to run off to Iceland and elope, but have really great photos. We really wanted our parents there and I had to have my BFF be there. Iceland seemed a little impractical to have our family and BFF’s come out to, so we decided to just go there on a trip anyway. It can kind of be a pre-wedding honeymoon. We were there for 3 days and we were out exploring the entire time, except to sleep and eat. Chris proposed to me on the 2nd day, when we were doing the self drive around the Golden Circle. We were in Pingvellir National Park and had just taken a short walk down to Oxararfoss (waterfall) through this awesome fissure (right on the tectonic plate boundaries of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge). I mean, the place was AMAZING!!! We were so blown away. This place is a geological wonder. You should check it out. I recommend Iceland to everyone that loves to travel. : )
We were on our way back to the car when we had stopped to take in one last look at our surroundings. Before I knew it, Chris was holding my hand, getting down on one knee and busted out my ring. In a way, I figured he would propose in Iceland, but at the time, I was not even thinking about it. So, I was still a little surprised.
Since we returned from our trip we were planning our wedding. As stressful as it was, all I was thinking about was my wedding day and just being back in the desert and being at our favorite campsite and sharing that magical place with our family and closest friends. Everything turned out fabulously and I couldn’t have been more pleased with all our hard work.
