Kaitlyn and Matt met during Matt’s senior year of high school. They hadn’t talked much but one night he asked if he could stop by while she was moving into her new house. As Kaitlyn recalls “From that night on, he pretty much moved in with me and I have loved him ever since”. Truly love at first sight! Whether they are four wheeling, driving around late at night jamming to some of their favorite tunes or cuddled up with their dog binge watching horror movies as long as they are together they are totally happy. Once Matt was done with high school he enlisted into the Marine Corps and spent most of 2021 away for training. So when they found out he would be stationed south after he was done with the initial phases they knew they had to make it official. Being on leave for only a few days they chose to elope midweek at Cook Forest for an adventurous winter hiking elopement!

The day started at the Gateway Lodge where Kaitlyn and Matt got ready separately with help from Kaitlyn’s mom. There for support and to assist Kaitlyn with her hair and makeup. They chose to share a first look just outside of the lodge on one of the many nearby hiking trails. Kaitlyn wore a gorgeous white mermaid style dress with long lace sleeves. While Matt looked great in his grey pants, bowtie and cowboy boots.

Once everyone was ready we headed out to the nearby Indian trailhead and began our roughly three mile hike around the main portion of Cook Forest. Stopping every so often for photos and to take in the lush landscapes. Due to a mild beginning to winter, the moss and pines were still vibrant hues of greens. Making for some exciting sights in an otherwise dormant forest. 

Kaitlyn and Matt chose to self-unite by exchanging their handwritten vows on a quiet path surrounded by giant trees. It was a serene scene and it felt like their own private chapel nestled in the woods. 

We headed along the trails eventually completing the loop and making it back to our cars for a quick warm up before heading up the old logging road to our second destination. Now above where we just were, surrounded by tall pines dotting the single lane road we took advantage of the deserted area. They danced in the road and shared some snuggles to stay warm. 

As the light began to fade we hopped back in the car and drove down to the Clarion River for our final destination before returning to the lodge. The fog was now rolling over the water. It was the absolute best scene to end the hike with. Full of mood, color contrast and creamy late day light. Kaitlyn and Matt were serious troopers all day while hiking in formal attire and embracing the chilly weather. Even at this point in the day they were looking stunning as they embraced one another. Just as we were taking our final photos the skies opened up and the freezing rain began. We took that as our que to head back to the lodge. Once there they took a minute to regroup, celebrate and warmup. And Matt changed into his formal dress blues uniform. For the last portion of their elopement day they stepped outside one last time for night portraits among the lodge’s trees that were beautifully lit with Christmas lights. It was a unique way to end out their day before heading to a local bar for some well deserved comfort food!

Kaitlyn and Matt thank-you so much for not only allowing us to capture your elopement day but to be your guides on your first hike at Cook Forest. Spending the day hiking in the forest with you two was truly the best way to close out our 2021 season! Wishing you two all the best on this next adventure as you make your first big move as husband and wife!

[Vendor Love]
Accommodations | Gateway Lodge
Videography | Carnation Films - seriously the best video duo…if you are eloping and want two sweet souls to document it via video Penny and Matt are your people!