When Ariana and Brayden asked me to be their wedding photographer, they shared with me how much they love the mountains and how nature is a big part of their relationship. It was clear early on that Yosemite National Park was the perfect fit to tell the love story of these two! We started the shoot at the Wawona Hotel, a Victorian style hotel built in 1876 to serve tourists traveling to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias the the valley floor of Yosemite. We found our way to Glacier Point, an elevation of 7,214 feet above Curry Village, one of the most scenic views in the world. From that point, you can see Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall, and Clouds Rest. It was an absolutely stunning backdrop for these two and they even received an applause in congratulations for being soon to be newly weds!

      Now, I’m sure you’re wondering about the proposal since their engagement session is pretty extraordinary to start! When Brayden proposed, they were in upstate New York visiting Ariana’s brother. Brayden planned a picnic date by a waterfall in Central Park, just outside where they were staying. He had a picnic basket full of breakfast items, Ariana’s favorite meal! When Ariana opened a box of chocolate strawberries, there was the ring box waiting for her and she was overjoyed with a resounding, “Yes!”

       They love reading together, working in coffee shops together, day trips to Newport Beach, swimming in the ocean, road trips, bike riding around San Diego Bay and working out. When asked about their families while growing up, Ariana said, “My parents are the best of friends. They do everything together. They both serve each other very selflessly.” Brayden didn’t grow up in the foster care system but had moved around 18 different times. He lived with several different families because of challenging circumstances. He wants to model the love and acceptance he felt from the families he lived with by embracing children in foster care.

       One thing I really love about these two is that they both have huge hearts for foster care and adoption. In the future, they hope to have more foster children than their own! Brayden is a self proclaimed theologian. As a Pastor and in his spare time, he reads Bible commentaries and writes sermons. Ariana lived and served in South Africa for 3 months.

       I’m so honored and excited to photograph their wedding this spring! I love how they are both looking forward to their vows and the celebration of an exciting adventure to come. And they are having breakfast for dinner! Stay tuned for Part Two of this incredible shoot in Yosemite!