Tamara and Matthew would rather be out exploring a new trail or sitting by a campfire with their dog Thor than caught up in the traditional wedding madness. It just made sense for them to trade in the expected for something that felt true to who they are: an intimate North Cascades wedding with breathtaking mountain views, a handful of their closest people, and plenty of time to soak it all in.

Thor, their adventure-loving pup, made the long road trip from Minnesota with them because the day wouldn’t have been complete without him. Tamara and Matthew’s wedding was a chance to connect with the things they love most—nature, adventure, and the people who mean the world to them.

An Early-Morning Hike to Iceberg Lake

The day started before the sun even made its appearance. We met Tamara and Matthew at the Iceberg Lake trailhead, headlamps on and hiking boots laced, ready for an adventure. As we made our way up, the sun began to rise, giving that early morning glow that many people aren’t committed to seeing. When we reached the lake, the air was crisp, the water was still, and the surrounding mountains were glowing.

Tamara and Matthew slipped into their wedding attire right there at the lake—because, let’s face it, there’s something undeniably badass about changing into a wedding dress and suit in the middle of the wilderness. And then came their first look. If there’s a better way to kick off a wedding day, I haven’t found it yet.

Their Intimate North Cascades Wedding Ceremony at Artist Point & Cozy Airbnb Reception

After the hike, Tamara and Matthew returned to their Airbnb, where their family was waiting to join in the celebration. When the time came, we headed to Artist Point for their sunset ceremony. If you’ve never been, let me tell you… she’s a showstopper, with Mt. Baker on one side and Mt. Shuksan on the other. Surrounded by about 15 of their closest family and friends, Tamara and Matthew said their vows.

Being “The Office” fans they are, they couldn’t resist weaving a little Dunder Mifflin magic into the day. Their videographer filmed the ceremony and moments throughout the day like an episode of the show, complete with hilarious interviews with the couple and their guests. Afterward, we ventured further up the trail for post-ceremony photos, chasing the golden light before the clouds began rolling in.

We returned to their Airbnb, where the family had whipped up a homemade dinner. The reception was laid-back and intimate. Tamara and Matthew shared their first dance as the sky turned dark, lit sparklers with their family, and soaked in the final moments.

Read more: Epic Fire Lookout Elopement in Washington

Incorporating Family in Your Elopement

Including family in an elopement can feel like walking a tightrope between wanting a private, intimate experience and still sharing your day with the people who mean the most to you. But it doesn’t have to be complicated. Tamara and Matthew nailed it, balancing their private moments with meaningful time spent with their family, and their day felt so genuine because of it.

The secret is to carve out space for both. Spend part of your day privately as a couple, like a sunrise hike, a quiet first look, or exchanging personal vows in a hidden spot. That private time lets you soak in the day’s significance without distractions. Then, bring in your family for moments that feel intentional and inclusive. Give them special roles, like preparing a meal or even officiating the ceremony. Plan group photos or a family toast where everyone can gather and share the enjoyment. Those shared moments create memories your family will treasure just as much.

Tamara and Matthew’s North Cascades wedding day was proof that you don’t have to compromise intimacy to include your loved ones—you just need to be intentional about how you include them in your story.

A Love Letter From the Couple

“Hannah is amazing, and her work is breathtaking! We knew she was the one to trust with our special day after our very first call with her. Hannah helped us coordinate the entire day and helped us find other wonderful vendors who assisted in bringing our vision to life. The day of our wedding was stress-free and fun, and it felt like we were spending the day with a friend. Our wedding day was better than we ever imagined. Hannah’s eye for beautiful shots is unmatched. We highly recommend Wandering Peaks / Hannah for anyone looking for adventure, laughs, and amazing photos of memories to last a lifetime.” -Tamara

“Hannah is a blessing. Her intuition of the area was crucial, her direction and quality of photography is sublime. I was worried about her cost prior to booking. In hindsight she was a steal. Book confidently” – Matthew

Vendors

Florist | Tangled Roots Floral

Videographer | Captivate Films

Bakery | Saltadena

HMUA | Ashley Maxine Davis