It's always a pleasure getting to reconnect with old friends. Alexis and I worked together 5 years ago at an outdoor adventure summer camp in Durango, Colorado. She and her fiancé, Jordan, had planned on having a massive wedding, but like so many others, they had those plans thwarted by COVID. Alexis & Jordan decided to course-correct and do a small, destination elopement instead. As always, we at Torches Together are ecstatic to work with couples who have an adventure in mind. We spent the weeks prior online, searching for the right mountain top vista & nearby locations for couples photos. We landed on Hawksbill Trail in Nebo, North Carolina. We went all out on this one, capturing the weekend via digital cameras, 35mm film, a Super 8mm video & Polaroids. 

Indy and I departed from Fayetteville, Arkansas in an Open Road Campervan and camped along our route (we have a deal worked out where I do all the driving & in return I get to stop at each skate park we pass to "stretch my legs" -- Marriage Negotiations 101). When we arrived at the Air BnB, the drinks were already flowing and the celebration of Alexis & Jordan's love had begun. The guys left early to set up the elopement spot while the ladies got ready. We followed the bridal party to the trailhead to begin our hike. With family and friends by Alexis's side, we all followed the sound of the ukulele up the mountain to watch her and Jordan tie the knot. 

The view, the temperature, the light, -it was all perfect. Vows were read, tears of joy were shed, prayers were spoken & a field of flowers became the perfect spot to sprawl out in. We stayed atop the mountain until the sun set then voyaged back down the parking lot. That evening we plotted out the following day: wedding band tattoos in the morning, lunch at a tapas & dipsum restaurant & an afternoon romp around the Biltmore Estate. 

Alexis, Jordan, -thank you for having us along for the ride. It was so special getting see you guys tie the knot after all the hard work and love you put into your relationship & to end the weekend feeling like we were all old friends. Until our paths cross again, we wish you all the best. 

The day after the wedding, it was time to immortalize the covenant with wedding band tattoos! 

Shoutout to the fine folk at Seven Swords Tattoo Company

Alongside the digital photos that we took, we ran a couple rolls of 35mm film (Portra 800 + Kodak Vision 3 250D) through the trusty Nikon F3. Gotta love the grainy, timeless feel of analog.