Some elopements are elegant, some are wild. Then there’s Carissa & Jon’s day – a perfect mix of both, with a whole lot of (manmade) snow! When these two tied the knot at Alpine Valley, they didn’t just walk down the aisle; they slid their way into married life, LITERALLY, as they skied and snowboarded down the hills FULLY DRESSED. 🤯

From the start, I knew this day was going to be a perfect representation of them – laid back, adventurous, full of love (and a lot of fun)! Carissa (aka-the “Karate Kid” cousin) and Jon knew exactly how they wanted to celebrate: at their favorite weekend getaway with the ones they love most just having a damn good time from sun up to (well after, actually) sun down. That 2am karaoke run hit different… 😆

The Vibe: Low-Key, High-Fun

Like I mentioned before, these two weren’t afraid to get a little snowy – and a lot cold – to get the shot! Jon himself (if you don’t remember from their engagement session) is an amazing videographer, photographer, artist, boat aficionado, snowboarding, mechanics guru, and all around man of many talents so I knew the shots needed to be top notch with what little time we had. What I didn’t expect was for the both of them to strap in – literally – and hit the slopes in full wedding gear!

Yep. You read that right.

After their intimate ceremony surrounded by the closest of family, Carissa grabbed her skis, Jon strapped into his board, and the wonderful guides at Alpine Valley drove me along in a snowmobile along for photos while the two lovebirds took a minute to ride the lift up. I hope they enjoyed their few minutes of what was probably their ONLY downtime the entire day, because once they made it off the lift, it was ON!

They looked like absolute fucking legends. 

Details That Mattered

Everything about this elopement was intentional. No over-the-top fluff, just the good stuff, personal touches and help from many loved ones, and the two most tear-filled mother/child dances I have EVER witnessed . Seriously, Jon WROTE AN ENTIRE SONG for his mom and watching Aunt Deb dance with Carissa for their moment in full blown tears had ME in full blown tears! The party mayyyy have started with Ski Shots (something I was taught it’s namesake the hard way) and was the most fun reception I’ve been to – shout out to my girls with Mackaraoke Sound – they CRUSHED it with the party (and the after party)!

I am obsessed with these photos – and truly hope I’ve done their vision at Alpine Valley Resort justice. These shots are powerful, playful, and include several worthy for a magazine cover. (No, seriously. Someone call Snowboarder or The Ski Journal.) 🤪

Let’s Wrap This Up

This elopement was a reminder that love isn’t about traditions – it’s about celebrating you – your way. And these two? They did it in the most epic way possible.

Jon & Cari – may your life together be as adventurous, fun, and full of love as your wedding day was! Knowing you, it will be PLUS some. May you always find the perfect run 😉  side by side. ❄️🖤

VENDORS: Alpine Valley Resort // Mackaraoke Sound’s // Men’s Wearhouse // Bri’zan Coture // Everyday Glamour by Alicia // Amy and Lexie at Salon 192 // Bremer Jewelry // Helzbergs // Saga Bands // Forum Snowboard //