When Morgan initially reached out, I immediately wanted to document their elopement!

First of all: I'm a huge sucker for intimate weddings, especially when the backdrop ends up being the Sierra Buttes.
Second of all: they sounded incredibly cool. They met in a pub in South Korea (7 years ago), so I was instantly drawn in to their connection, stories and travels. She even gave me solid advice on teaching internationally, which Morgan and Matt have done a lot of.

Browse some favorite images below and enjoy a peak of their elopement!

Lake Tahoe Photographer, couple elopement at Sardine Lakes photo

About the engagment:

Morgan and Matt had an intimate engagement. He proposed a random Monday morning as she was getting ready for an interview.

I was going to propose in Boston but it ended up raining and wouldn't have worked out where I was planning to do it, so I decided to do it before we left New York.- Matt

I was really, honestly surprised! I don't know if he could've surprised me like that had he done it anywhere else. Also, I got the job I had my interview for and work there now.- Morgan

Elopement in Sardine Lake, father daughter first look photo

Sierra Buttes, photo of lower sardine lake

The Ceremony

Elopement in Sardine Lake, ceremony photo

Elopement in Sardine Lake, ceremony photo, flower girl throwing petals

Elopement in Sardine Lake, ceremony photo, bride walking down the aisle with her father

wide angle view of a lake tahoe elopement photo

What were your favorite moments from the wedding?

Seeing Morgan for the first time and saying " I do" - Matt

WAY too many. The drive up with my dad, having everyone we love in one place, seeing Matt for the first time. I think saying our vows was definitely my favorite moment of all but the rings getting left in the car was pretty memorable! We didn't really know what to do so we just rolled with it. My brother (our officiant) did an amazing job and kept the ceremony moving while my brother-in-law ran to the car.- Morgan

Forgetting the rings in the car was pretty hilarious. See below for their reaction. - Your Photographer

Elopement in the sierras photo, couple holding hands during the ceremony photo

Sierra Buttes elopement, first kiss photo

Couple enjoying their ceremony at lower sardine lake photo

The after ceremony feels...

Lower Sardine Lake wedding photo, near Sardine Lake Resort

Sardine Lake Resort, Sierra Buttes elopement photo

Sardine Lake Resort, Sierra Buttes elopement, couple popping champagne photo

Sardine Lake Resort, Sierra Buttes elopement couple drinking photo

Future goals include: gardening, traveling more and family vacations!

Sardine Lake Resort, Sierra Buttes elopement couple pouring champagne photo

Sardine Lake Resort, wedding couples photo

Lake Tahoe elopement photographer, couple laughing and holding hands photo

Sardine Lake Resort, Sierra Buttes elopement, couple kissing photo

Sardine Lake Resort, Sierra Buttes elopement, couple laughing photo

Sardine Lake Resort, Sierra Buttes elopement scenic photo

Morgan & Matt: Thank you for letting me document your elopement. It was beautiful.

Sardine Lake Resort, Sierra Buttes elopement simple rings photo

Sardine Lake Resort, Sierra Buttes elopement simple rings photo for brides and groom

Extra Info:

Elopement Location: Sardine Lake: Near Sierra City, California (North Yuba River).

Tip from bride for future couples who are planning an elopement: Rehearse your intimate wedding like you would a regular wedding, so everyone is well directed and ready for the big day!

FYI: There are several trails and different activity options in this area. Including camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, canoeing, and even gold panning (according to recreation.gov). We'll be making our way up on a tiny backpacking trip soon, so you can follow our adventures on IG @elsaboscarello

Photography: Elsa Boscarello Photography