We were in South Africa (which is my favorite place on the planet) and he carried the ring in his pocket for two days because he was waiting for the right time. He knew I didn’t like to be in front of people for a proposal. So after an all-day safari, we get to our hut. I am super sweaty and we are dirty. I’m looking in the mirror worried about a rash on my face (my skin was breaking out). I was telling him “Joel, my face is breaking out. It’s so embarrassing. Don’t look.” He said, “Come here, let me show you something.” I’m thinking ‘Oh does he have a face cream I don’t know about?’ I turned around. He takes my hands, and I still don’t know what’s going on, until he starts getting on one knee and shows me the ring, and asks, “Will you marry me?” I’m shocked. Mouth open. I pull the ring to my face without yet saying anything. He takes the ring back quickly, stating “You have to say something before you get this.” I said yes.
– Bride, Natori
The Elopement
From a biking adventure in the dark (and again at sunrise) to see an active lava flow in Hawaii, to their first I love you’s in Bali, to getting engaged in South Africa, these two adventurous hearts knew they wanted to get married somewhere new, somewhere they could explore together, somewhere they could be ‘just us’. An experience filled with deeply intimate moments, more than just going through the motions of a typical wedding, they wanted a deeply memorable experience. Knowing they wanted to be surrounded by snow-peaked mountains, with lush, wildflower-filled meadows, near a large body of water – The Rocky Mountains of Glacier National Park immediately came to mind and to Montana we went. It’s really tough to do and see all the things in such an epic park, so these two opted for a two day wedding adventure through Glacier National Park- and I am so glad they did! Day one we met at their lodging where Natori and Joel got ready together. From there we hopped in the vehicles and headed to the park for their vow ceremony in the mountains. As these two were speaking their vows to each other, it was like everyone else around this popular overlook just melted away, like they were the only 2 people standing there among the grand peaks and endless meadows. It was such an honor to witness their deep love and honest connection. And yes, it was as magical as it sounds! From there we hopped in the vehicles again, walkie-talkies in hand for us to communicate the next stop and some silliness along the way! We arrived at the trailhead for their first official hike as a married couple. Then set off for an incredible view of the lake to enjoy some cake while soaking up the whole experience so far and to celebrate. After hiking back out we mini road-tripped again to a couple of other beautiful stop offs along the route, saw some mountain goats and ended day 1 at sunset. Day 2 was all about the adventure, we had planned a pretty long hike to an alpine lake unlike any others in the park, but was cut short due to an afternoon thunderstorm that we deemed a little too risky and exposed to push forward. However, we still managed to see an incredible sunrise over the most iconic lake in Glacier National Park, as well as a solid hiking adventure to another truly picturesque lake in the mountains and we squeezed in another mini road trip through the park filled with photo ops and exploration along the way! It was truly a beautiful thing to be a part of their adventure wedding days, I cannot wait to see what is in store for these two!!
Flip through our National Volume 6 Magazine for incredible national park elopement inspiration and tips to help you plan the ultimate I do with your fiancé!
