Day 1: Family Ceremony
Occasionally elopements have hiccups, but if this is what a hiccup looks like, there’s really nothing to fear: Yes, family was running late with travel challenges, it was foggy and rainy in New River Gorge, and the dog rolled in something smelly. But you know what the day looked like?  

It looked like Umi and John hanging out with their pups in the cabin, hanging out in the hammock, getting ready for their sweet first look together -then- in separate parts of the house, calling to each other, laughing from different levels while the dogs ran back and forth between them.  

It looked like the family’s delay giving the rain time to clear, so that the views were amazing as John’s dad led them through the ceremony with a few readings... 

Day 1: Family Ceremony
Occasionally elopements have hiccups, but if this is what a hiccup looks like, there’s really nothing to fear: Yes, family was running late with travel challenges, it was foggy and rainy in New River Gorge, and the dog rolled in something smelly. But you know what the day looked like?  

It looked like Umi and John hanging out with their pups in the cabin, hanging out in the hammock, getting ready for their sweet first look together -then- in separate parts of the house, calling to each other, laughing from different levels while the dogs ran back and forth between them.  

It looked like the family’s delay giving the rain time to clear, so that the views were amazing as John’s dad led them through the ceremony with a few readings.  

It looked like a grill-out that night, with Umi’s family bringing traditional Korean food and John’s family bringing nor’easter foods. The night closing out with champagne and a bonfire, sitting around with family.

Relaxed. Enjoyable. Family-focused. Bumps are recover-able, and in fact, can sometimes lead to something unexpected and better!

Day 2: Full Day of Private Vows and Rock Climbing

Just before dawn, we met up at the trailhead. Umi’s mom had already been up, making traditional Korean kimbap rolls for a special gift of lunch on the go. We headed out on the trail with headlamps, quiet, both hiking through mist in formal wear. The birds knew when the sun came up and sang through the mysterious fog. 

We arrived at a cliff, felt the vast sense of openness even through the fog, and when they felt ready, they read their private vows to each other. After their vows, they sat as the fog cleared offering breakthrough views to the valley below.  

When we hiked back to the car, we met up with their climbing guide, Grant,  who picked out some perfect areas for them to climb, setting things up for them. Umi climbed like a pro, her dress flowing in the wind, she and John both teasing and cheering each other on.

You should have seen the delighted expressions of others passing on the trail that day - with why are they out here in their formal wear quizzical looks on their faces. It underscored how rare and special this type of wedding really is, and made it all the more fun.

The day finished with the iconic and popular New River Gorge climbing wall that, as luck would have it, was completely empty except for Umi and John. A final stretch of hammock time closed out the day.

“Kate was an incredible planner for our wedding. We could not have asked for anyone better suited and more dedicated to making our experience the best it could be. We encountered many last second road blocks and hiccups towards the end and she nimbly helped us adjust for every single one.

By the time we met her we truly felt like we knew her and she was a part of our lives for years.

Because of Kate, our wedding was better than I could’ve ever imagined.  Her photography skills are amazing, she was perfect, thank you so much for everything Kate!!! 10/10 would recommend to anyone looking to break the mold of a traditional wedding format.” 
- John