October 21, 2021 was a truly special and beautiful day for Holly and Christian.

I had just moved to Las Vegas back in April 2021, but still had a very busy wedding season back in New York. I was planning on flying back to New York on October 21st, but a few weeks prior, Holly reached out to see if I’d be able to photograph their adventurous nuptials in the ADKs. She had seen my availability for October 22nd and wanted to have me document her special day. Over the phone she had said that they originally wanted to elope on October 21st because it was Christian’s grandparents 55th wedding anniversary it would mean so much to them if they could use the same date. I looked at when my flight landed on the 21st and told her I was down to hop straight off the plane and drive to Lake George and hike a mountain with the two of them - I’m wild and committed ;). It was so special to be able to elope on a very sentimental anniversary for Holly & Christian.

After a red eye flight and and over an hour drive, I was there and so excited to meet my soon to be bride and groom! Was I tired? Nah, I was fueled by trail mix and I had too much adrenaline and excitement running through me to photograph one of the most dreamy and thoughtful elopements on this planet.

Holly & Christian planned a beautiful first look at The Highland Castle in Lake George that overlooked the lake. Emily, Holly’s best friend since kindergarten, brought beautiful floral arrangements freshly picked from her garden. The whole set up was straight out of a fairy tale - Oh, and they even played an instrumental of “Kiss the Girl” from the Little Mermaid.. so yeah, it was actually a storybook elopement!

After the first look we drove to the trailhead to begin our journey to The Pinnacle, where the elopement was to take place. Christian’s best friend was waiting up there to officiate, as was a special surprise planned for Christian by Holly.

As the ceremony began, and Holly made her way to Christian, a beautiful piece began to be played on the violin. Yep, she knocked it out of the park and hired a violinist to accompany her down the nature made aisle. Again, FAIRYTALE STUFF.

The leaves were in peak fall colors, weather was beautiful, the little details of the bride and groom were so thoughtful, and the date was truly filled with so much love and sentiment surrounded by both of their best friends and family who facetimed in. I think elopements like this are so good for the soul, and I need more of them in my life!

MUA & Hair: Mia Mangino
Instagram: @Miamanginomua

Tux: Tuxego
Instagram: @tuxego

Florals: Emily
Instagram: @ gardeneremily

Wedding Dress: David’s Bridal