My 2024 Wedding & Elopement Awards: Celebrating Love, Adventure, and Unforgettable Moments
As 2024 comes to a close, it’s time to reflect on a year filled with love stories, epic landscapes, and unforgettable moments. This year brought this Adventure Elopement Photographer to fog-drenched valleys, last-minute pivots, sunrises worth the 3 a.m. wake-up call, and laughter that echoed off mountain peaks. Every couple’s story was unique, and every celebration had its own magic.
But why just reflect when we can celebrate? Without further ado, welcome to the 2024 Wedding & Elopement Awards, where we highlight the most unforgettable moments of the year. From Mammoth weddings surrounded by alpine lakes to intimate Zion elopements tucked in red rock canyons, these awards honor the love, resilience, and adventure shared by all the incredible couples I had the honor to photograph.
1. Most Adventurous Elopement
🏆: Katie & Roger’s Sunrise Elopement at Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park
Rise and shine, adventure seekers! Katie and Roger didn’t just wake up for their Glacier Point elopement — they leveled up. While the rest of the world was snoozing, these two were basking in golden-hour glory with Half Dome lit up like a masterpiece. I used my insider knowledge as a Yosemite Elopement Photographer to utilize the best angles and sunrise glow to help them score the perfect spot. The result? A peaceful, golden-lit personal vows with views only the most dedicated adventurers get to see.
2. Best Last-Minute Change of Plans
🏆: Marah & Chip’s Community-Backed Elopement at The Bit and Spur, Springdale, Utah
When life throws you construction detours, you pivot with style — and that’s exactly what Marah and Chip did. Their original ceremony spot became a no-go, but with a little community magic (and my local expertise), we scored a dreamy spot at The Bit and Spur’s back lawn. Locals rallied, and Marah and Chip’s patience paid off big time. It’s not every day you see the local community come together like this, and that’s what makes this day unforgettable.
3. Best Dream Team Wedding Venue Award
🏆: Convict Lake Resort
If there’s one venue that’s got “dream team” written all over it, it’s Convict Lake Resort. I had the honor of photographing multiple Mammoth weddings at this iconic spot, and every single one was a well-oiled machine thanks to their rockstar team—shoutout to Meghan! Their attention to detail and “we’ve got you” attitude is next level. Plus, with my local knowledge of the best dock shots, lakeside moments, and golden hour glow, each couple’s wedding day was pure magic. Here’s to many more unforgettable celebrations at Convict Lake Resort.
4. Best Laughs All Day
🏆: Rusty & Ally’s Wedding at Convict Lake Resort
From start to finish, Rusty and Ally’s wedding was one big joy fest. These two didn’t just “get married” — they had a blast doing it. Portraits before the ceremony meant more cocktail hour fun, and with me knowing the ins and outs of the best photo spots, we breezed through the shots while still catching those candid, belly-laugh moments. Rusty and Ally’s contagious energy was everything, and capturing it felt more like hanging out with old friends than “working.”
5. Best Surprise Moment
🏆: Nima’s Sunrise Proposal to Martina at Big Pine Lakes, Sierra Nevada
Nothing beats a surprise proposal at sunrise — except maybe a surprise proposal with a teal lake backdrop. Nima’s plan was chef’s kiss perfection. From the very first interaction, Nima shared his dream for a remote proposal several hours in from the trailhead. While other photographers Nima had inquired with suggested simpler options, I leaned in with enthusiasm, telling him, “This so clearly you and your partner. Let’s make your vision and dream moment come true.” This is where my experience as a Adventure Elopement Photographer. With my guidance on timing and how to do the proposal, Nima led Martina to a rocky outcrop at Second Lake. The whole morning felt like a movie scene. I stayed hidden, snapping every frame as the first light brought color the world around us, and yes — it was as magical as it sounds. Spoiler alert: she said yes.
6. Most Weather-Resilient Couple
🏆: Debbie & Brooke’s Rainy-Day Yosemite Elopement
Rain, schm-rain! When Mother Nature decided to test us, Debbie and Brooke were like, “Challenge accepted.” With rain shifting us from Taft Point to Yosemite Valley, we leaned into the moodiness and came out with jaw-dropping fog-draped shots. I tapped into my local knowledge to suggest new locations that would still give us that iconic Yosemite feel, and the reward? A rainbow over Half Dome. Talk about a jackpot moment for this Adventure Elopement Photographer. Here’s what Debbie had to say about the experience:
“Jaymie’s deep knowledge of Yosemite made all the difference on our rainy elopement day. When our original plans got washed away, she turned it into an adventure we’ll never forget. From hopping around the Valley to capturing that unreal rainbow over Half Dome, she made the entire experience feel magical and stress-free. We’d give her 100 stars if we could!”
7. Best “Feels Like We’ve Been Friends Forever” Award
🏆: Hailey & Byron’s Sunrise Engagement Adventure
Some sessions feel like catching up with old friends — and that’s exactly how it felt with Hailey and Byron. From our first Zoom call to their sunrise shoot at Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park, it was clear we were adventure buddies at heart. Thanks to my experience with Yosemite’s sunrises (because yes, that’s a thing), I scouted the perfect spot where the light hits just right. We laughed, explored, and made magic together — no awkward posing required. Hailey and Byron booked my wedding package that includes an engagement session, and I’m beyond excited to photograph their wedding in 2025. It’s going to be one for the books!
10. Best Review (and Warm Fuzzies) Award
🏆: Tina & Ethan’s Glowing Review
This year, Tina and Ethan’s review stood out as one of the most heartwarming pieces of feedback. Their thoughtful words highlighted my communication, professionalism, and the extra mile I’m always happy to go — like wading into a lake to capture the perfect shot. Here’s what they had to say:
“Where do we begin? From start to finish, Jaymie was an absolute dream to work with. Communication was seamless, her energy was positive and calming, and she went above and beyond (literally wading into a lake) to get the most breathtaking shots. We felt so lucky to have her as our wedding photographer. Her presence made everyone feel at ease, and it felt like we had a close friend with us the whole time. We’d give her 100 stars if we could!”
Closing Reflections and Looking Ahead
What a year it’s been for this Adventure Elopement Photographer! From epic Mammoth weddings to intimate Zion elopements, 2024 was filled with unforgettable stories. Each couple brought something unique to their day, and being able to document those moments was a true honor. My local knowledge and expertise played a role in creating experiences where couples felt seen, supported, and celebrated.
Looking ahead to 2025, I’m excited to continue growing as a photographer and storyteller. My goals are to capture more weddings on film, take on fewer weddings to provide an even higher level of service, and be more hands-on with couples as they plan their dream weddings and elopements. I know I’m not the photographer for everyone — and that’s okay. I’m here for the couples who aren’t afraid to get a little messy, who value authenticity over perfection, and who want a photographer that’s not just capturing moments, but advocating for them every step of the way. Get in touch today to start planning your dream day with a teammate who’s all in for you.
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