Fireflies and Loons, Butterflies and Rainbows: A Love Story Full of Magic and Wonder
L and J elope in the mountains of Patagonia on a stunning fall morning.
L and J’s love story started in the wild and has always in some ways been tinged with magic– fireflies, butterflies, loons, rainbows… They first laid eyes on eachother in the woods at an old farmhouse for the ecology students at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, which they both attended. A little later on, after a multi-day backpacking trip in the Dolly Sods Wilderness of West Virginia, they fell in love. L was entranced by J’s calm and kind spirit; J was captivated by L’s funny, smart, and adventurous nature. One night, after staying up late chatting and giggling, they shared their first kiss amongst a multitude of fireflies, and they have been inseparable ever since.
Although L wasn’t expecting a formal proposal from J (as they had already discussed an elopement and epic trip), he managed to surprise her with one after a sunny, magical hike (with their beloved dog) to Stanton Lake outside Glacier National Park. Upon arriving at the lake, they spotted a lovely pair of loons– an auspicious sighting indeed. The symbolism of seeing these two birds (who mate for life and whom L and J both love) was not lost on them. As they reposed on a log, snacking and admiring the Great Northern, J pulled out a ring– a Montana sapphire– and asked L to marry him. Quite surreally, they were then serenaded by a swarm of butterflies as they toasted eachother with French rose and reveled in their joy.
Never being ones desirous of attention or comfortable in big groups, L and J knew from the beginning that they wanted an elopement in some distant locale. Loving nothing more than getting outside together and exploring the mountains, far from the madding crowds, L and J fittingly chose Patagonia as their “I-do” destination
L and J’s wedding day started with a stunning fall morning in Torres del Paine. A shimmering pink sunrise filled the sky with light as L and J reached the trailhead and did their first look. L looked gorgeous in her tulle sheath dress– her court train waving dramatically in the blustery winds. J looked dashing, too, in his sleek, classic burgundy suit. At some point during the morning, a rainbow arched magnificently over the sky, and followed the pair throughout the rest of their bliss-filled day. Following an exchanging of vows (from little customized wooden books), they toasted their new marriage and then indulged in some warming hot chocolate and delectable chocolate cake. Next, after hiking some more, L and J settled down and cozied up in the sunshine to read the letters from family and friends that had been collected and published into a keepsake tome.
After trekking back down the trail to a dazzling spot by the water, L and J shared their first dance to “I Choose You” by the SteelDrivers and then returned to their lodge where the happy newlyweds rested and reflected on their wondrous day.
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…and be sure to see how this location totally transforms when it’s covered in snow:
Congratulations, L + J!
Dress: AW Bridal
Bride’s Shoes: Danner x Free People
Bride’s Hat: Will and Bear
Suit: Indochino
Groom’s Boots: Nisolo
Flowers: Gracefully Bloomed
Vow Books: Casa Verde Weddings
Letter Books: From A Birdie
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Elopement Photographer Andrea Enger (Portrait by Realm Studios)
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If you’re still in the research phase, I hear ya! Here are some more resources that my couples have found helpful. I hope you do, too!