Cover Photo Courtesy of Kara Perry Photography
We were standing on a mountain in Asheville, North Carolina, the very place we first met. There was no long aisle, and no expensive venue. I just remember the two of us, surrounded by family members, the sound of birds joyfully swooping over the tops of the mountains, and the endless view of trees.
Choosing to elope was, without a doubt, the best decision we’ve ever made….Which is part of why I became an elopement photographer!
A Morning That Felt True to Us
When we got engaged, we quickly felt the pressure that comes with planning a traditional wedding. Seating charts. Vendor contracts. Endless expectations. It all felt… heavy, and exausting. Like we were planning a day for everyone but ourselves.
Then, one day, I came across a blog post that said, “get married in the place that is significant to you as a couple.” That sentence changed the way I saw marriage celebrations. So, with that in mind, we made the decision to let all the expectations go, and to elope in the place our story began.
On the morning of our elopement, we laced up our matching Blundstone boots, the ones we got fitted for together at REI, and slipped into our wedding attire. With our families by our side, we hiked up a mountain, surrounded by laughter, and anticipation. Along the trail, passing hikers offered high fives and congratulations, adding even more fun to the climb. It was the kind of attention that didn’t leave me with shaky hands or a racing heartbeat, so different from the thought of walking down an aisle in front of hundreds of people.
Vows On The Mountain
At the top, we found our ceremony spot-yes, we actually picked it out! There was no altar, just the big blue sky and the stretch of the Blue Ridge Mountains. We stood in the presence of our loved ones, read our handwritten vows, and promised each other forever. It wasn’t anything fancy, but it was sacred.
A Local Touch
After our ceremony, we celebrated with a cake baked by a local Asheville baker, someone a friend had lovingly recommended to us. It was simple, sweet, and made with care. Just like the day itself. We also picked up pizza from our favorite local pizza spot, PIE.ZAA (which happened to be where we had our first date). Side note: If you’re in Asheville you MUST check it out!
The Beginning of Elope with Jo
That day didn’t just mark the start of our marriage, it planted the seed for what turned into Elope with Jo. Because of my elopement, I realized what a gift it is to choose a wedding that’s grounded in intention, not obligation. That experience completely reshaped the way I view weddings, and it deepened my passion for helping couples design intentional days that reflect their story.
Now, I help other couples create elopement experiences that are authentic, connected, and free. Because I believe your wedding day should reflect your desires, not someone else’s expectations.
Want to dream up an adventure elopement day that reflects you and your love? Heck yes!
Head over to my contact page to get in touch, I’d love to help you create a day that feels true to you.
A Note to My Husband
Alejandro, thank you for saying yes to the adventure with me. For hiking in your Blundstones, for reading vows with tears in your eyes, and for walking every mile of this journey hand-in-hand. The Blue Ridge Mountains will forever be one of the most sacred places in my heart.
I love you.
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