Morgan & Ryan’s Backcountry Wedding in Southern Vermont

SWELL & STONE / ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER / VERMONT & BEYOND

Morgan and Ryan had a clear vision for their absolutely stunning elopement in southern Vermont. They had the A-frame picked out, but they didn’t know the area super well, so I suggested some nearby locations, and they ultimately choose Jamaica State Park and a secluded little waterfall to say their vows.

We started the day at the A-frame, and when I rolled into town it was rainy and overcast, but the sky opened up and the sun came out right before we left for the ceremony location. As they were getting ready for the first look Morgan was pretty much ready to go, and Ryan called family to figure out how to tie is bow-tie. He never fully got it, and me and the videographers were no help, so he decided to abandon it altogether in favor of a more casual look. It was funny, and cute, and a fun way to start the day.

After the first look on the beautiful grounds of the A-Frame Airbnb we headed out to the waterfall location of their ceremony. They recited emotional vows and did a hand-fasting ceremony followed by a ring exchange, and then on to popping the champagne. We had fun exploring the area, and had plans to go hike to a view point for the sunset, but on the drive in Morgan spotted this gorgeous lake that looked so peaceful and serene and was reflecting the fall colors surrounding it.

That’s something I LOVE about eloping couples, they are open to go with the flow of the day, and if we see something that inspires us, we stop and take in the view, and truly, fully, enjoy the day without rushing from one place to another.

Here is why they decided to elope- “For us to truly enjoy our day, we wanted to remove a lot of the stressors that cause anxiety when planning a wedding. We want to make this day intimate, fit for us, and spend the entire day together celebrating together.”

After enjoying cake, which Morgan was beyond excited about, and enjoying a charcuterie board we headed back to the A-frame for a bonfire. The gathered s’mores materials, plus they cooked what looked like mini-pizza’s over the fire. They danced, kicked around in the leaves, and generally played like little kids. At the end of the night we all watched the stars come out. It was an incredible end to an unbelievably fun and beautiful day.