ariel i. Vega
Yosemite
photographer
specializing in california elopements and adventure weddings
for couples who want to say I do in the great outdoors
So you want to get married in Yosemite?
You’re in the right place!
if you’re reading this, it’s probably because you want to say I do in an adventurous and intentional way that is completely true to who you both are as a couple.
You favor meaningful connections with others and your environment plays a vital role in your overall well being, hence why you picked such a unique way to to get married… the dopamine being outdoors gives you.
You favor real experiences that you can genuinely feel over materialistic pleasures that will mean nothing in 10 years from now.
You are not worried about the latest wedding trends, you want your day to be unique to you and your love.
You and your partner are set on promising your life to one another in a way that truly celebrates all of the beautiful things that makes you the unique couple you are.
You both love the outdoors and it’s played a vital role in your relationship. Yosemite has a special place in your heart and you’re drawn to it. it isn’t something words can fully describe, but rather a feeling drawing you in.
you are ready for the union of your two souls in a place that leaves you awe struck. You are ready to elope in Yosemite, but where do you start?
Hey I’m Ariel, your fellow Yosemite lover!
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My style
I pride myself on being a leave no trace, landscape and portrait photographer! Because I specialize in both, I not only capture people in a beautiful photo, but the entire, breathtaking landscape as well. Which is SO important in a place like Yosemite!
My mission is to always capture the day just as it was, just as you see it.
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real life
I am a firm believer in doing things that set your heart on fire. When I am not capturing beautiful couples, you can still find me with a camera in hand, exploring Yosemite and the Sierra Nevadas.
This is where I call home, yet there is still SO much to be explored.
The thrill of finding a new hidden gem is unmatched!
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My values
I truly believe your day should be 100% you. Skip the production, create a day that is true to who you are as a couple!
You call the shots, it’s your day, you make the rules.
You want to say I do as the sun rises over half dome? You want to promise forever to your partner as you with the warm sun shinning on your at Taft Point? You want to say I do with just El Cap as your witness?
Your love deserves a day that truly celebrates who you are as a couple!
Let me paint this picture for you…
You decide you wanted to elope in Yosemite. You’re from out of state so you befriend a local photographer to capture your special day. You spend months planning your day, every little detail. It’s a bit stressful, but you trust your photographer to be there every step of the way…and just like she promises, she is.
She helps you secure a permit, which is 100% needed to get married in a national park. She sends you all the best local vendor recs. she helps create a timeline that fits every important aspect of the day. since she’s a local yosemite expert, she plans the day according to the best lighting scenarios in the locations you want to explore.
Months later…the day is finally here. You just hiked 2 miles to get to the special spot. You’re in your gorgeous dress, your partners in their wedding attire. It’s sunset and the weather is perfect. You get SUPER lucky and have this place to yourself (pretty rare) and all is well. Nothing else in the world matters except for this moment. This moment of you. Your love. In Yosemite. In your beautiful wedding attire. Promising forever to the love of your life with Half Dome and El Capitan as your witness.
With AIV as your by your side, this is how stress free your day could be too.
Love Letters from clients turned friends <3
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Working with Ariel was an absolute pleasure! From planning things to delivering photos was seamless experience . Ariel made us feel completely comfortable, like we were being captured by a friend rather than a photographer. This was our first time getting professional photos taken, and we’re so glad Ariel was the one behind the camera. She knew some amazing spots in the Valley that made for beautiful backdrops. The whole experience was so memorable, and the photos turned out stunning. Ariel was also incredibly quick in delivering the final images, and we absolutely love them! We can't wait to frame our favorite ones. We highly recommend Ariel and would love to work with her again in the future! - S
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“Loved every part of it!!!! Memorable, fun, and perfect you are so perfect Ariel! Thank you so much for memories of a lifetime. - E+S
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You’re an angel 🥹🥹♥️♥️ literally crying looking at them all Thank you so so much!!! The black and white look like their straight out of an anthro catalog 🥲
If you’ve made it this far it’s because this sounds just like what you’re looking for!
Booking is easy…Here’s how it works…I’ve made it super simple for ya!
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Step 1: Book Me
First you will inquire through my website, we’ll set up a zoom call so you can share all about your vision!
After the call, I will send your a contract and invoice to make it official! Once those items are ticked off, you are set! Let the planning process happen.
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Step 2: Planning Process
This is where the magic happens. I will send you a questionnaire guide to fill out and make your vision come to life.
You will also need to secure your permits and vendors!
Permits sound scary, but they protect you and the land!
I will also send over local vendors upon request.
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Step 3: Timeline
I will create a custom timeline for you that fits in every important part of your special day question.
Whether you want to have an jam packed day with hiking and exploring or enjoy the day by having a romantic picnic and slow dancing under the stars, we will make it happen, Anything you dream, we can make it happen.
As long as it complies with the parks rules of course.
Believe me, your day is SO SPECIAL to me , but respecting the land is ALWAYS a priority to me.
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Step 4: Your Special Day!!
All the planning has finally paid of. Your day was everything you dreamed of, and the best thing was…it was 100% you.
You said i do to the love of your life in a perfect location
You did some of your favorite ACTIVITIES, maybe even tried new ones.
You had the ultimate Yosemite experience…AND to top it all off got the most amazing photographs that you get to keep forever.
You also have a forever Yosemite friend that you get to come back and visit soon!
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Step 5: Sneak Peaks within 48 hours!
Don’t worry you don’t have to wait 2 months to see your photos. I will send you 10-15 sneak peaks within the 48 hours of your special day.
I know you want to share the photos with your loved ones…especially if they were not present. I totally get it. I will send you a sneak peak gallery. this is apart of the EXPERIENCE.
Full gallery times may vary, always refer back to your signed contract. Trust me, art takes time. I am making sure your full gallery represents the day just as it was.
