Relaxed Elopement at Ohiopyle State Park | Emily+Kevin

Emily and Kevin opted for a low-key, nature filled elopement day. Taking place just as fall began, their September elopement was effortless, setting aside the stress and solely focusing on their love for one another!

Emily and Kevin met at the school they both work at. She teaches 7th grade science and Kevin works in the technology department. There are several younger staff members who get together for trivia nights, bonfires, brunches, and game nights. So naturally they would see each other in these group settings and slowly got to know one another. Eventually this turned into them hanging out one on one, enjoying movies and craft beer together. As Emily recalls they officially started dating after the Greek Festival, when Kevin said "are we doing this or what?" A few days later they went skydiving for Emily’s 25th birthday and he brought her a Firefly Music Festival ticket, from this point in their relationship, in her words “the adventures/fun haven't stopped!”

Emily and Kevin were adamant that they didn’t want their elopement to feel like a big photo shoot, that they didn't want to stress over the small details and that they really just wanted to have a simple day in a beautiful place. This led them to the decision of having a peaceful, scenic weekday elopement at Ohiopyle State Park. They knew how they wanted to spend the day and so we created a space that allowed them to spend time with nature and each other, without too many planned photographs.

They began their afternoon elopement by meeting up with family in the parking lot for Fern Cliff trail. From here us and about 15 guests made the short walk down the trail, eventually leading everyone to an area of large flat rocks overlooking the Youghiogheny River. After everyone was in place and had a moment to take in the scenery, the ceremony began. Emily’s sister officiated their short but oh so sweet ceremony, which was followed by a celebratory champagne toast!

After taking a few family photos, everyone made their way back to the parking lot, parting ways with Emily and Kevin who stayed behind to take advantage of river scenery. We took a few photographs here before we headed off to our next destination. We drove over to Cucumber Falls and made the hike down to the water. Emily and Kevin spent time just enjoying the waterfall and soaking up their time with each other. We made our way down to the river where they ditched their shoes and explored the water and river rocks. Again taking time to just sit and enjoy nature and one another’s company. It was truly so refreshing to see a couple be so present on their elopement day.

We hiked back to the cars and made the short drive to our last stop, the overlook area that gives a beautiful view of the Ohiopyle valley below. We helped them set up a picnic and stepped back while they enjoyed a meat and cheese board paired with champagne and their favorite playlist.

Time seemed to slow and it was just the two of them appreciating each other as they watched the evening light slowly dance across the hills in the distance. Our coverage time was coming to an end as we all witnessed a storm cloud begin to roll in. Rain has played a role in a few key memories in their relationship. As we watched the clouds come in, Kevin admitted that he had hoped that their elopement day would end with rain. Just as he said this a light mist began, they were so happy about this beautiful unexpected gift from nature. They held each other and looked up at the sky, embracing this new rain filled memory. For them it was the perfect ending to a perfect day.

Emily and Kevin’s relaxed weekday Ohiopyle elopement that included a short ceremony with family and time spent with each other outdoors was everything they envisioned! We loved spending a relaxed afternoon with them while documenting this part of their love story!

| Vendor Love |

Hair+Makeup | Amanda Vicinelly
Accommodations | Fernstone Retreat
Dress | Baltic Born