Is there anything more romantic than leaves crunching under your feet, the smell of fall in the crisp air, & light filtering through colorful foliage as you walk down a trail you’ve never explored before? As I drafted up a few options for how we could spend Kate & Ben’s elopement day I had that idea in mind, but of course it ended up being even more magical than I could have imagined. We spent the afternoon hiking a couple of different trails and were rewarded with stunning views that included a sea of yellow leaves floating along a stream that led to an arch across the water, deeply textured lichen-covered sandstone, and a waterfall surrounded by golden leaves where Kate & Ben pulled off their boots to wade and dance in the water. We saved the cliffside trail for sunset and they watched the sky turn from red to magenta to blue. They snuggled on their blanket as the moon rose. We drove the windy road back to their cabin and shared potato soup on their porch from a safe, responsible, distance. Ben got a fire going and they ended the night enjoying s’mores under the stars.

My spouse Joyce captured video of the day as well which gave the whole experience a very double-date feel that I highly recommend. We swapped stories of our favorite trips—they also love Peru. They hiked the Inca Trail when they visited which isn’t accessible during the rainy season when I was there...so now I’m looking forward to another visit if I can convince Joyce that hiking for several days at a high elevation is a fun idea. 

As is the case with most weddings right now, this wasn’t the original plan for the day. At first, they were going to have a more traditional ceremony & reception at Yew Dell Botanical Gardens in September and then we were going to go to RRG the next day for a day-after session. In June, they asked if I’d be free for a backyard wedding in a couple of weeks. Everything came together quickly & beautifully and they were able to have a small backyard ceremony with their closest friends and family that Joyce and I were able to document. They were still going to wait and see if in September it would be safe enough to have a larger group gather for a reception. As the date got closer and it became apparent that it was not getting any safer, our current plan was formed. Their ability to go with the flow, never get discouraged, and to focus on the most important parts of it all reminded me why I love what I do. Kate was in the middle of finishing up school & getting her nurse practitioner license while all of this was happening. I am beyond impressed that she managed to juggle it all with so much grace and compassion. 

For all of you who are planning your wedding or elopement during this chaotic time— focus on each other, embrace adventure, and everything else won’t seem quite as daunting. Hint: It helps to have a photographer who is down to help you dream and plan your perfect day. This elopement planning guide is also full of resources to help you along the way and I also have an elopement guide specific to Red River Gorge here!