Sydney + Bailey met in college in Flagstaff and when it came time to get married they knew they wanted to come back to the area. They hiked out for sunrise to a stunning spot in Sedona to help each other get ready + share a romantic first dance together. We then met up with their closest family members for their emotional ceremony. Both of the bride’s mother gave moving speeches during the ceremony and others shared heart warming toasts afterwards. To end their elopement we headed out to a river where they often would go to study together or just relax by the river. They set up their hammock and took some to just let it soak in – they were married! They shared lunch and played in the leaves before heading back to the airbnb to spend the rest of the day with their guests.
How did you meet?
We met during Sydney’s freshman year and Bailey’s Sophomore year at Northern Arizona University. During the early days of dating, we first bonded over our love of the outdoors.
What is your proposal story?
I proposed to Sydney first. I was so excited as we walked to our little spot on a pier on Lake Michigan. We walked to the end and I pulled out the ring and asked her to marry me. Syd was so surprised and excited she ran around the pier for a moment before she could say yes. A few months later Syd asked me as I was sitting on the couch. She pulled down her guitar and started to play our song. This was nothing out of the ordinary, except this time when she finished playing she asked me to marry her back.
Tell us about your attire choices.
Sydney- Looking for a wedding dress was a bit harder than expected for me. I knew I wanted lace sleeves and was quickly overwhelmed by how many different styles there were. I also wanted to find something that was easy to hike in.
Bailey- With my family being in Az and me being in Chicago, I did not get to do the whole dress shopping day in person which caused a lot of anxiety on my end of will the dress fit and make me feel good. I had purchased one dress that I absolutely hated. Time got closer and I got more nervous I would have to settle for something I did not love. I found the Azazie dress out of the blue and fell in love. I couldn’t have been happier with my dress.
What were your favorite parts of the day? (memories and stories)
It is hard to pick specific parts because it was the most perfect day! We loved hiking in in the dark and being able to watch the sun rise. The ceremony was very personalized and and special. We had our closest family and friends there with us and our moms each gave a speech during the ceremony and our maid of honors gave a toast at the end. We loved being able to celebrate with our family and take pictures with them as well. We ended our day resting and taking in the day so far in a hammock on the creek.
Do you have any advice for couples planning their weddings now?
Our advice is do what feels right to you! When we got engaged our original plan was to go with a “traditional” wedding but as we started planning we realized quickly it was not for us. We did some research and learned about outdoor elopements and fell in love with the images, the more laid back processes, and the absolute customization. We found Bill and Traci at Adventure and Vow and came across their epic Sedona elopement photos and we just knew that was right for us. We believe fully that wedding planning and the big day should be fun and exciting, and for us this was the perfect way to say “I do”