Rattlesnake Ledge Elopement

Hannah + Ayo’s Rattlesnake Ledge Winter Elopement was absolutely amazing! The PNW is so beautiful, but their wedding day; snow-freezing temperatures and all, was an elopement photographer’s dream come true!

I first featured Hannah + Ayo on the blog, after we shot their fall engagement photos. The session was a fun day of walking around and exploring Ballard. But the best part about it was really getting to see the dynamic between Hannah & Ayo, while also building my relationship with them. It’s funny because, at one point during their wedding, I heard “Candace”! And I turned around to find Hannah’s parents calling me. I love getting to know my couples on a deeper level. But I also love it when their families welcome me in as well!

During their engagement session, Hannah + Ayo told me about their (original) plans to elope in December at Ruby Beach. Long story short, with family traveling in for their wedding and freezing temperatures, Ruby Beach didn’t work out. So they decided instead to hold their elopement at Rattlesnake Ledge, and I was totally on board for the pivot to this amazing location!

Rattlesnake Ledge is a popular elopement location!

But it’s not too often that couples decide to elope in the winter. So I knew Hannah + Ayo’s upcoming elopement, was going to be something truly special.

Hannah and Ayo rented out an adorable A-frame cabin. They stayed at the cabin along with Ayo’s mom who flew in from out of town to join them. Later, Hannah’s parents joined them at the cabin as well. The cabin was such a picturesque setting for them to get ready on the morning of their wedding. Hannah, a former makeup artist, did her makeup upstairs while Ayo got ready downstairs. While Hannah was busy applying the finishing touches, I took Ayo outside for a few portraits and to prepare for their first look.

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With Hannah fully dressed, her parents walked her outside to meet Ayo for their first look. It’s clear to see where Hannah gets her bubbly personality from! Her parents had so much fun linking arms with their daughter to “walk her down the aisle” so to speak, to meet her groom. But, I cannot stress enough how cold it was that day! Add that to the unexpected snowfall and her parents quickly went back inside to get a bird’s eye view of their first look from the window of the cabin. You might even be able to catch a glimpse of Hannah’s dad peeking through the window during their first look, too funny!

Once the first look was complete and the gorgeous portraits in front of the cabin were shot, we loaded up my car and headed to the site of their elopement. Literally, the bride and groom jumped in my car! I always tell my clients, if they’re down, so am I. I even brought along the rug that you’ll see them standing on during the ceremony. You can never be overprepared, right?

Hannah and Ayo’s elopement at Rattlesnake Ledge was intimate and full of love!

Their parents and a handful of friends joined them for the hike to their ceremony location (Arizona Elopement Collective does this with their clients too). The entire day was so personal and everyone in attendance had a close connection to Hannah and Ayo. It made their wedding feel so intimate and relaxed.

Once Hannah + Ayo were pronounced husband and wife, I walked them over to a beautiful location I scouted for portraits. The snow was deep, it was beyond freezing, and Hannah was an absolute trooper! With just her wedding gown and some boots on, she leaned into her bubbly effervescent personality and we captures some unforgettable moments in the snow.

With their Rattlesnake Ledge Winter Elopement complete, the bride and groom invited their parents, close friends, and those who could not attend the elopement to The Cathedral, a non-profit event space on Ballard ave, for cake and dancing! Scroll through the photos below to see more!