11 Years, a Mountain, and a Whole Lotta Clouds: Our Vow Renewal on Mt. Rainier
Photography by: The Crawfords | Mt. Rainier | Washington
This year, Chad and I hit 11 years of marriage, and we wanted to celebrate with something unforgettable. Not a big party. Not a fancy dinner. A mountaintop. Just the two of us, in our wedding best, surrounded by clouds and wildflowers.
We renewed our vows at Mount Rainier National Park, hiking up with the incredibly talented Crawfords, the photo and video duo we’ve had the privilege of working with over the years on so many weddings. This time, it was our turn.
I packed my pink dress and Chad’s navy blue suit (yes, with a pink shirt because he’s that good), and we hiked up with hearts full and backpacks heavy.
The Crawfords | Mt. Rainier | Washington
Before we hit the trail, Azalee did what she does best and made me look flawless, even after hiking a mountain. Thank you for making me feel beautiful, confident, and totally myself in front of that camera.
When we reached the top, the mountain completely disappeared behind thick cloud cover. Golden hour came and went, but Mt. Rainier never peeked through. It wasn’t quite what we imagined, but it was honestly still so surreal. We were completely wrapped in mist, like our own little world, suspended in the sky.
And then, it happened.
On our way back down, the clouds began to part. Soft pinks and oranges lit up the horizon, making the entire sky look like it had been painted just for us. We were walking on the clouds, and it felt like our own little slice of heaven.
Chad’s suit popped against the pastel sky. My dress flowed in the wind. We danced, laughed, and cried. And then, just as blue hour crept in, Mount Rainier finally showed herself. Standing there with my husband, after eleven years of choosing each other, watching that mountain emerge was one of the most breathtaking moments of my life.
This wasn’t just a vow renewal.
It was a reminder.
Of growth. Of commitment. Of how deeply love can evolve over time.
To the Crawfords: we are endlessly grateful. You captured not just images, but our hearts and this season of life. Every single frame holds weight, light, and joy.
If you're dreaming of an elopement or vow renewal in the PNW, trust us. The mountains will show up when they're ready, and it will be so worth the wait.
Let your day be an adventure. A journey. A story you’ll never stop telling.
Here’s to 11 years down and forever to go.
—R
