Tunnel View may be the most famous viewpoint in all of Yosemite, and with good reason. Stretched out before you is nearly the entirety of Yosemite Valley, with El Capitan towering on your left and Half Dome perfectly framed in the back. It seems as if everything is simultaneously massive in size while also only at a fingertips distance.
In my book, it’s always a good day when it starts with watching the sunrise from Tunnel View in Yosemite. The way the stars slowly sink into the blueness of the sky and the horizon glows with warmth before the sunlight hits. Add in the gentle strumming of guitarist John Kilburn from Sierra Entertainment and it’s downright magical. This was wonderland that Kristain and Justin chose to be married in. And based on the smiles on their faces, it was an excellent decision.
In stripping down a full sized wedding to an intimate elopement, the honesty of love becomes that much more apparent and the central focus of the day. Gone are the aisle runners, unnecessary decorations and seating charts woes only to be replaced by the stunning beauty of Yosemite Valley. Moments of laughter fill in the ceremony because Kristain and Justin are really there, fully in every moment.
With the sun above and the ceremony behind, we traveled through Yosemite Valley soaking in the warmth of the day. Golden light seemed to filter through the trees and grasses just for them. Or maybe it just followed their smiles; I can’t tell.
