Riane & Seth’s Blue Lake Elopement Amid the Golden Larches
By Hannah Childress | Vérité Visuals
When you picture an adventure elopement in the North Cascades, it’s easy to imagine dramatic peaks, turquoise alpine lakes, and moody weather rolling through the mountains. Riane and Seth’s day had all of that—and then some.
Despite a forecast promising sunshine, the mountains had other plans. Rain, mist, and fleeting sun breaks created a cinematic backdrop that perfectly matched their spirit: adventurous, joyful, and ready for whatever came their way.
Morning Portraits at Diablo Lake
We started the day early in Bellingham, coffee in hand, and headed east along the North Cascades Highway. Our first stop was Diablo Lake, where the glacial waters shimmered an unreal shade of turquoise even under cloudy skies.
A gentle rain fell as Riane and Seth shared quiet moments together, wrapped in jackets and laughter. The shifting light and soft mist made for dreamy portraits that truly captured the essence of the Pacific Northwest.
A Charcuterie Picnic at Rainy Pass
Next, we drove up to Rainy Pass for a mid-morning charcuterie picnic. The rain let up just long enough for them to lay out a cozy spread—cheese, fruit, and champagne among the evergreens. Surrounded by wildflowers and fog drifting through the trees, it was one of those simple, intimate moments that felt straight out of a storybook.
Liberty Bell Views and Playful Moments
Before starting the hike, we wandered the start of Blue Lake Trail and caught glimpses of Liberty Bell Mountain peeking through the clouds. Riane and Seth couldn’t resist a few playful moments—running through the forest, sharing kisses, and laughing as the fog curled around them.
Hiking to Blue Lake for Their Ceremony
Then it was time to load up the packs and begin the hike to Blue Lake. The trail was sprinkled with the beginnings of Larch Season, meadows, and that fresh alpine air that makes you feel alive. Near the lake, Riane and Seth changed into their wedding attire inside a tent just off the trail.
Their first look was one for the books—emotional, raw, and surrounded by the stillness of Blue Lake. The reflection of the peaks on the water felt like nature itself was standing witness.
For their ceremony, they exchanged vows and rings trail-side as mist drifted across the lake. Their words carried softly through the alpine air, a quiet promise in the middle of wild beauty.
Post-Ceremony Portraits & A Rainy Farewell
After the ceremony, we wandered the lakeshore capturing post-ceremony portraits in that golden, fleeting mountain light. Just as we began our descent, the rain returned—almost on cue, like the mountains were applauding their vows.
What started as a forecast for clear skies turned into a day of rain, fog, and light—an ever-changing mountain mood that made every photo unique. Riane and Seth embraced every drop, every chill, every shift in the weather—and it paid off in the most magical way.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one thing to take from this day, it’s that the best elopements don’t go perfectly—they go beautifully. The mountains have their own rhythm, and when you lean into it, you get moments that feel wild, honest, and unforgettable.
Riane and Seth’s North Cascades adventure elopement was proof that love and laughter outshine any forecast.
Planning Your Own North Cascades Elopement?
If you’re dreaming of a day like Riane & Seth’s—filled with alpine lakes, moody skies, and heart-thumping adventure—I’d love to help you plan and capture it.