The Wandering Bride (2025)

17/06/2024

It was a magical wedding weekend...from The Ahwahnee Hotel to AutoCamp Yosemite! This is what Yosemite Wedding Dreams are made of!! 😍✨

15/05/2024

As wedding season rolls on, Yosemite Weddings (& Waterfalls! 💦) are really starting to get rockin’!! ✨

To help all my upcoming Yosemite Wedding Couples, I wanted to give some tips on how to be as prepared as possible for your wedding day in Yosemite! 🌲🥾⛑️

Here are 3 Day of Tips to help you prepare for your Yosemite Wedding Day:

1️⃣ Give Yourself Options..
While I am sure you have your wedding dress or suit on lock down, I think it’s important to think about some supporting layers for your day of as well.

I’m talking light rain jacket, multiple change of shoes, and maybe even a hat or two. From the harsh sun to unexpected thunderstorms, the high elevation of Yosemite can bring all sorts of weather surprises. It’s a lot easier to roll with what comes your way if you are prepared here! 🧳

2️⃣ Remember Essentials!
A few key practical items might be the furthest thing from your dream wedding day list. BUT it never ceases to amaze me how they can really make a situation when you need them easier!

Think through items that always seem to come in handy for you & your crew. Is anyone accident prone? Or always getting eaten alive by bugs?? Make sure to include those items in an essential kit for your days out in Yosemite. I always recommend a refillable water bottle, hand wipes, tide pen, Tylenol, & bandaids for easy essentials! But the list is limitless. ⛑️

3️⃣ Create a Pack List.
It’s hard to be prepared for your adventurous wedding day if you don’t prepare! Taking time to create a well thought out Pack List can be a real game change when it comes to not forgetting anything.

Give yourself as much time here as you can, I recommend starting this at least a month out from your travel date, and literally write out a list of items that you will need when in Yosemite. Then use this list to help you pack when the time comes! 📝

Your Yosemite Wedding Day should be filled with all the things you’ve always dreamed it would be… jaw dropping views, love filled moments, & memories you will come back to over a lifetime!! Don’t let a little necessary preparation overwhelm you into not being prepared for your day! And if you need more help along the way, let me know!! 💫

03/04/2024

🎉Getting ready with your wedding party is a blast! Just a few tips here for some EXTRAS to elevate the fun:

1. Make it extra special with matching pajamas for that ultimate squad goals vibe!😎

2. Set up a recharge station for some pampering & relaxation before the festivities begin. You won’t regret a little R&R for yourself too!!🧖‍♀️🧖

3. Don’t forget to capture all the candid moments with a polaroid or disposable camera! 📸

Use these tips to make getting ready for your big day stress-free & fun!💫

02/04/2024

Find someone who reflects the best parts of you & makes every day brighter! 🌟

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10/01/2024

Conquering Yosemite on your Wedding Day = Being Prepared for it all on your grand adventure! 💪🏼

Planning a Yosemite wedding is all about embracing the wild beauty and packing for an unforgettable adventure. Don’t forget the practical side here because trust me, Yosemite weather can be unpredictable..

Here’s your packing list for conquering Yosemite, wedding edition:

1️⃣ Layer Up Like a Fashion Ninja: Think “chameleon chic,” folks! Yosemite can swing from sun-soaked bliss to chilly whispers in a heartbeat. Pack layers you can mix & match to stay comfy no matter the mood of Mother Nature. And yes, this applies to ALL seasons!⛅️

2️⃣ Comfort is King (or Queen): Ditch the stilettos for the day! Comfortable shoes that grip the terrain, think cute boots or sturdy sandals, will be your best friends as you take on any terrain and maybe even dance under the stars! I always recommend multiple shoes for the different parts of your day. 🥾

3️⃣ Essentials? Check!: Sunscreen, bug spray, sunglasses, umbrella, light (or heavy) rain jacket and even a hat are must packs when you’re surrounded by nature’s magic. Bonus points for packing a portable water bottle or two – as hydration is key for happy vows & less trash for our park service. 🙌🏼

Be Prepared for Anything! Remember the saying, “hope for the best, pack for the worst”? Well it definitely applies here! A small emergency kit with band-aids, hand wipes, & even a Tide stain pen can be your savior for minor (and hopefully unlikely) mishaps.

Now, go forth & pack with confidence! Remember, your Yosemite wedding is about celebrating YOUR love amidst epic scenery, not stressing about forgotten sunscreen. Taking more time here and creating a pack list for yourself will do you wonders in making sure you are all set for your day!

P.S. Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t sweat it! Send me a DM and let’s chat about making your Yosemite wedding stress-free & magical! ✨

20/12/2023

Ready. Set… ENVISION! ✨
Part 2 of Planning your Destination Yosemite Wedding is here for you!!

And it’s all about how to choose the best venue &/or setting for your day! Picture this, you’re standing in the heart of Yosemite National Park with your loved one. Maybe it’s just the two of you and an Officiant or maybe you have some close others with you. What else do you see?! Towering pine trees, snow-capped peaks, or a waterfall larger than life? Start here and envision together what or where you see yourselves exchanging vows.

Then to take it a step further, ask yourselves these questions:

1️⃣ Seasonality & Accessibility.
These two go hand in hand when considering your Yosemite wedding location(s)! What time of year are you considering for your day? Consider what limitations might come into play at that time of year. Peak summer season when tourism is high & parking is impossible? Or spring through fall when reservations are required {yes, some park reservations will be back in 2024!} Or winter when the crowds are much less but some roads may be closed? The time of year is everything in Yosemite and guides you on all the things you’ll need to be prepared for.

2️⃣ Do you want your ceremony & reception to be in the same place? Are you considering a traditional reception or something different?! And is a more traditional wedding venue an option or not? These are just a few other questions to help you determine where the best spots might be for you & your guests! You’ll want to consider the parking and travel needs if you’re looking at two different spots. Consider the areas where a little ease might be needed as well!

3️⃣ Are you thinking an intimate guest count, larger group, or none at all? Knowing your headcount requirements will be a much needed detail when making your final venue decisions. Then what’s the overall vibe you want to achieve?! Your photos/videos will tell your story for years to come, so what do you want in those forever shots?!

Did these questions get you thinking?! I sure hope so! As your trusted Yosemite Wedding Planner, I’m here to be your guide & Sherpa, helping you navigate it all when it comes to Yosemite + Your Wedding Day! 💫

06/12/2023

Planning Your dream Yosemite Wedding? ✨ Let’s ditch the stress & embrace the adventure!

I’ve been working on creating a guide for destination couples to ease the overwhelm & lean into the excitement of a Yosemite Wedding!

As your trusted Yosemite Wedding Planner, I’ve gathered up my best tips & guidelines in a 4 Part Series, dropping every Wednesday this December, to help guide you in plan a unforgettable Yosemite wedding. 💫

First up, SECURING TOP-TIER VENDORS!

1. Local Expertise rules it all when it comes to planning your destination Yosemite wedding! Here you definitely want vendors who have worked in Yosemite before and know how to navigate its wild environment. Experience here is key!

2. Real Couple Reviews are an amazing way to gain insight as to what it is like working with a vendor. Recommendations from other trusted vendors are an important element here as well. Then, what feeling do you get communicating with them?

3. Book your vendors as early as you can! Yosemite has many peak seasons for tourists and wedding seasons as well, so it’s always smart to book once you know a few details of your day or you may lose the chance to work with a vendor you love.

When booking your dream vendor team I always recommend considering which vendors are essential to bringing your wedding vision to life and then allocating your budget accordingly. Prioritize the wants & needs for your day so you have a clear guide when vendor shopping!

Save this post so you can refer to it while planning your Yosemite Wedding and be sure to check out the next part of this series next Wednesday 12/13!✨🍾

30/11/2023

Yosemite weddings are more than just a destination, they’re an adventure! 💫

Here from Kansas, Brianna & Sergio had a wedding day as unique & unforgettable as their love story. And I just feel blessed to have gotten to guide them along their journey here!

Have you dreamed of a Yosemite Wedding day? What makes it so special to you?! Let’s embark on this adventure together and create a wedding day that’s truly one of a kind!! ✨

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23/11/2023

From my table to yours, I’m wishing you the Happiest Thanksgiving!! ✨

I hope today you are blessed with laughter, amazing food, the best conversations, a good drink or two, and real love. May the spirit of gratitude fill you and bless you for the rest of the year & new year to come! Inspiring you to set the table and gather all your loved ones today and all season long. 🍴💫🍾

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Location: My Home in the beautiful
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11/10/2023

Wedding Reception Mistakes can really interrupt the party! 🍾

Don’t make these reception mistakes on your day:

1️⃣ From the guest tables to your dance floor & bar, there needs to be a flow that your guests can easily find when navigating your reception setup. Don't let the reception flow be a jumbled mess! 🌪️ Plan ahead and work with a wedding planner or coordinator to ensure a seamless guest experience from start to finish. 📋✨

2️⃣ Imagine the horror of not having enough seats for your beloved guests! 😱 And it happens more than you may think if you don’t have a plan here. Avoid the awkward shuffle by planning and confirming your guest list in advance and consider at least assigning guests to tables.
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3️⃣ Hangry guests are never a good idea! 🍽️ Make sure there's plenty of amazing food and drinks, both alcoholic & nonalcoholic, for everyone to enjoy throughout the entire evening. You need more than you might realize for your headcount!🥂🌮🍹🍤

💡 There are so many moving parts that have to come together to make a flawless reception that it is easy to overlook some things. Do yourself a favor and work with a wedding planner or coordinator (like me!) to ensure you don't overlook any easy fixes. 💫

02/10/2023

Oh Hey There Wanderer, I’m Jess!!✨ If we haven’t met yet, this is what I typically look like on an average wedding day….

📋 Clipboard in hand with all the customized documents I’ve put together for you to ensure your wedding day runs like a smooth operation.

💐 Toting your bouquet, jacket, veil, rings, marriage license…whateva I can help you with to make sure you’re relaxing whenever possible throughout your wedding day!

💃🏼 I’m usually rocking a black pant suit onesie, I own about 10 of the almost same version🤣, and I usually have my hair in a my go-to pomp so I don’t have to deal with it in my face at all. But my day of outfit is not complete without my smile, as the truth is, I’m smiling just about 85% of the time on your day because I am just SO happy for you and truly love what I do!!! Ask anyone I work with…I’m just a happy person and couldn’t be happier than on such an important day like YOUR wedding day!! 😍🥰

🌲 And it’s all with a gorgeous backdrop of someplace magical in the great outdoors! Someplace special to you that I have the pleasure of working in for you.

So, you ready?! Let’s make magic together!! Click the link in my bio to start our wedding adventure together! 💫

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05/09/2023

Remember, this journey is about more than just the destination. 💫Even though it doesn't feel like it at time during your wedding planning! BUT really, it's about creating lasting memories with your partner, learning how to navigate something big together, & cherishing the planning process along the way.

So, take a deep breath, relax, & enjoy every step of this incredible adventure! ✨

‼️Stay tuned as I'll be bringing you tips all week long on how to actually ENJOY planning your wedding! Because I believe life is too short not to!!

18/08/2023

Your Yosemite Wedding, the Ultimate Adventure! 💫Jaycee & Ian are showing off how simply magical it is to be a Yosemite wedding couple!! That lighting tho?! These two free spirits said "I do" in the most beautiful place on earth. Yosemite never disappoints, and I can't wait to help more couples make their Yosemite wedding dreams come true. ✨

This is your call to plan that Yosemite wedding! I'll help you plan the most epic destination wedding, your next great adventure. 💫✨

Inspiring your weekend y'all!! 🥂

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11/08/2023

Your Yosemite wedding day will be unlike anything you've ever dreamed of...and MORE! ✨This year in Yosemite has been one for the books!! From an amazing snow pack which led to more water in the valley through the year than in quite some time. Like decades!

This year has been more fun than ever to get married in Yosemite and continue your love story in. No better place to just jump in and go with the flow, right?!

Happy Friday y'all!

05/08/2023

Stay thirsty my friends! 🍸✨ Whether you're unwinding after a long week or gearing up for some weekend adventures, it's time to let loose and have some fun! So grab your favorite drink, gather your friends, and let the good times roll! 🥳🌴🌈

Remember, life is too short to be anything but thirt*! 😉 Stay thirt my friends! ✨

02/08/2023

Yosemite Wedding Goals!Michelle & George are living their best lives as a Yosemite wedding couple, and I'm so here for it! 😍 Yosemite really never disappoints and I can't wait to help more couples make their Yosemite wedding dreams come true. I mean look at that backdrop?!

If you're thinking about getting married in Yosemite, click on the link in my bio and let's chat! ✨ I'll help you plan the most epic destination wedding, without all the stress.

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Venue: Tunnel View, Yosemite NP

29/07/2023

Kick those heels up! Cheers to a weekend full of love in the great outdoors!! 💖Photo:
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27/07/2023

Feeling stressed and less connected to your partner?! 😝 Wedding planning can be stressful and at times can put a strain on your relationship. Don't lose touch with what is MOST important! Your Relationship & Partnership. 💫

Y'all know I am a BIG advocate for self-care and believe it helps achieve a more stress-free wedding planning process! One of the easiest ways to keep in stride with your partner is to schedule time for just you two! Yes, actually schedule it!! If your crazy schedules aren't allowing much time to be together then you have to schedule it into your days/nights. I think this is important to do at least twice a month, especially if you feel like you are not having much down time together.

Meet at your favorite restaurant, play tourist in your town, leave work early and hit a happy hour, or even pack a picnic and head to your favorite park. Do something different together than your normal day to day. You will feel more connected and less stressed about wedding planning details! I Promise!! ✨

19/07/2023

Yup, I said it... these are mistakes that I see over & over again. And I am here to tell you that you DON'T want to make them too!! 1. ❌Not having Service Staff or dedicated Bartender(s).
If you are not booking with a full-service venue that also is providing your catering & bar, then this is a BIG one. Who will be setting up your bar & restocking your booze, setting up place settings, pouring champagne at the tables, bussing dinner plates, or cleaning up the ample drinks from your guests throughout the night? Trust me, you don't want to rely on your guests here because some will clean and some just won't.

2. ❌Not having a plan for your rental items.
Delivery & pickup of these items at your venue is important. When does the venue allow for these items to arrive and when do they have to be removed by? Where can they be stored on-site? Who is responsible for moving them into their needed locations and packing them back up afterward? Most venues won't move items that are not their own for liability reasons, so it's important to have a plan here as there can be many moving parts!

3. ❌Having a 'Friendor' as your Wedding Coordinator.
There will be problems that arise and trust me, things will get dropped when you have a 'friendor' instead of a vendor as your Coordinator. Professional coordinators know tricks for your décor styling, how to manage all your vendors with ease, as well as timeline saves to help you get on to the fun stuff! What happens when your 'Friendor' leaves to change right before the ceremony, sits down for dinner, or joins the party at a certain hour? Unfortunately stuff pops up and you don't want your wedding to be interrupted because of it.

A seasoned Coordinator pro will guide you through all of these areas and ensure your day flows smoothly without adding stress on YOU! 💫

13/07/2023

What do you get when you take the perfect forest setting, and complement it with your style and an experienced outdoor wedding coordinator?! Pure wedding magic that equals an unforgettable AND stress-free wedding day for you! 💫Let's make wedding magic happen together!! Click the link in my bio to receive $250 off my month of/day of wedding coordination package. Available only for 2023 weddings❣️

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28/06/2023

There truly is no where else in the world like Yosemite National Park! ✨Brianna & Justin, here from Wisconsin, are showing off how amazing it is to be a Yosemite Wedding Couple!!! I mean, look at Bridalveil Falls! 🤩 I just love how many couples from all over the world come here to get married and I love even more that I get to work with so many of them!

Let's make your Yosemite Wedding Dream come true!! ✨ Click on the link in my bio to instantly feel more relaxed about planning your destination wedding!

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View: Tunnel View,

24/05/2023

Give me ALL the details! ✨I just love the detail shots that photographers get!! They can so perfectly capture the important details of your day, but also capture the total vibe with how they bring those elements of your day together.

So, trust your photographer has you covered there! But it got me thinking about those forgotten items that are commonly forgotten on the wedding weekend and are a bummer when forgotten. So I 'rounded up my top 3 for you here:

1. Your Invitation Suite
This is a commonly forgotten item as you don't need the invite for the weekend itself, and you know your guests have already gotten theirs, BUT, what would be a complete detail shot of your day without it? Including your save-the-date if you sent one out as well! These are the start of your design elements for your wedding day, and I believe they should not miss their moment under the lens.

2. Marriage License
This is an important one! I have never had a couple forget their wedding rings, but I have had a few forget their marriage license. This is what is actually making your marriage legal and is an important one to bring with you to your wedding! Assign someone (MOH/MOB/etc) to this task for you.

3. Cake Cutting & Serving Set
Fun fact, this is the most forgotten or overlooked wedding item that couples forget! Especially for my traveling couples. While forgetting this one is not as big of a deal, especially if you have a pro wedding planner or coordinator😉 as I always have a backup one with me on wedding days, it is just something to think about in case you do have a specific color or style you want to use!

Was there something you forgot on your day? I want to know, so drop me a note below! 👇🏼 Happy Planning!!

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17/05/2023

LOVE FIERCELY! ✨I know that seems too simple or silly, but in today's nonstop world that is something I think we need to be reminded of from time to time. When you find someone you can't live without, then DON'T! Hold on tight, fight for your love, fight for each other, fight for what you believe in, and do everything you can to never let go of each other. Give LOVE your ALL!!! ✨

That is my big tip for today's ! Lol. Just a gentle reminder to lean all the way into YOUR LOVE!! I will always be here routing you and all the other love stories on❣️

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10/05/2023

As you approach your wedding day, it is so common to get overwhelmed with the final details and start to second guess the decisions you've made for your day. I totally get it! I mean FOMO in wedding planning is real!! In our day & age of constant content & instant gratification, it is hard to quiet the noise around you. Trust your gut! Lean into the things YOU love & choose for a reason, and if you can't remember why you decided on something, then trust that you made the right decision at that time.

As your wedding day arrives, I know it is hard to not overthink absolutely everything. But trust in the decisions you've made and know that your day will be amazing!! Now is the time for you to relax & recharge, so you can truly enjoy your wedding day. Don't second guess yourself, you've got this! ✨

04/05/2023

Is there anything more gorgeous than two people in love, committing their lives to each other, in a beautiful outdoor setting?! 💫 I don't think so!! And I am so lucky to get to help amazing people like Lexi & Aaron on their wedding day. ✨ Happy 1st Anniversary you two!! ..sorry I am a bit late!

Photo: danilaceyphotographs
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02/05/2023

Looking for those WHOA moment's to incorporate into your wedding day? 🤩Don't underestimate the effect of a perfectly polished place setting! Featuring elements here that represent you as a couple or your surroundings will never go out of style. Especially when they tie into your tablescape as a whole and compliment each other. These touches might be a simple napkin floral piece, a jar of local honey with a note, or a wood round charger - or maybe all three!! Don't underestimate the effect of a perfectly polished place setting on your guests as they take their seats... this will be a place where they will spend a little bit of time at during your reception and if it's dressed right, it can have a lasting impression on them.

There is nothing I love more than the elevated look of a well-dressed table!! 😍🤩

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26/04/2023

I love you to YOSEMITE & back! ✨💚✨In continuing with the celebration of , I thought I'd 'round up some of my favorite ways to tie in more of your LOVE for Yosemite into your for this week's :

1. Anything involving drinks AND Yosemite...am I right?! I can't get enough of Cassandra & Marc's 'Love You to Yosemite and Back' multi-colored beer cozies! A basket of these at the bar and your drinks are styled.

2. National Park swag in your name and date?! Yes please! This full YNP place setting has a custom national park gate handout personalized to the wedding day program and a custom national park cookie! Etsy for the win!!

3. Signage is a must when trying to incorporate your theme and no better way to show off a national park theme then custom signage to match the great outdoors you are in! Cameron & Jake nailed it with this hand painted sign by Cameron herself!!

4. Incorporating more wood into as many parts of your wedding as possible. Talk about some woodsy vibes this wood on wood on wood dessert table gives!

5. A centerpiece beaming with Yosemite love is a surefire way to show off your setting and national park love! I love that this Yosemite table sign is both decor and table signage with a little history too.

No matter how your love for Yosemite shines through, it is sure to show of you & your passion for Yosemite, but will also hands down impress your guests who traveled to share in your Yosemite Wedding day!! ✨

24/04/2023

Dancing into the new week like...🕺🏻💃🏻Thinking about your first dance and the nerves are already kicking in?! Are you asking yourself, should we take dance lessons? What is our dance style?? UGH! Who knows!

If you are worried already, then taking some lessons together that final month before your wedding would be a good idea. And it is something fun for you both to do together before your wedding day! But if that feels overwhelming to add on, then don't worry about it and just be yourselves. I always say to worry the least about your first dance together as your love for each other will always show through! Have fun with it and don't over think it!!✨

Lesley & Gregor definitely NAILED their lift in their first dance!! Dirty Dance has nothing on them! 😍

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21/04/2023

Earth Day, tomorrow April 22nd, kicks off one of our favorite weeks here at The Wandering Bride, National Park Week!! 🌲This 9-day celebration, April 22nd - 30th this year, is a time to reflect on what our national parks mean to us, carve out time to enjoy what they provide to each of us that visit them, and commit to protecting these places we cherish.

Being located at the Southgate to Yosemite National Park, we have a front row seat to the amazing power that are our national parks. These are powerful places that have meanings & connections to those who visit them. Our shared history, our sense of discovery, & our dreams for the future all can be felt visiting an awe inspiring national park.

We see it in each Yosemite Wedding that we have the honor of being apart of! Yosemite is such an important place to so many people and it touches everyone that has the privilege of visiting it. We love how we leave Yosemite with a fresh perspective each time we visit it and how no day in Yosemite is ever the same. It is pure MAGIC on Earth!! ✨🌲🐾🪵✨

How do you celebrate Earth Day &/or National Park Week?! Let's celebrate & protect our lands that give so much to us.

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Info Sourced from The National Park Foundation at NationalParks.Org

19/04/2023

For those who need this right now, IT'S OKAY TO TAKE A BREAK!! Life doesn't stop for wedding planning and I know it can really be overwhelming at times. Be kind to yourself and when you need it, give yourself a break! ✨I truly believe this is a major KEY to keeping yourself relaxed and your batteries charged so you can actually enjoy your wedding day. If you keep obsessing over the wedding plans and take no time out from them, then it could (& will!) burn you out by the time your wedding gets here. That is the opposite of how it should be!!

Give yourself some grace and tend to yourself! ✨ Especially in the final weeks before your day. What is all the planning worth if you are a ball of stress by the time your wedding day arrives?

The Wandering Bride