Winter bridal shoot inspired by the Yosemite landscape

With a mutual love for Yosemite National Park, Charleston wedding photographer CLAY AUSTIN worked with Carrie from TYPE A SOCIETY on this gorgeous winter workshop. Shot over crisp clear winter days, they found a stunning spot beside the creek running through the Valley of Yosemite and staged their couple against the jagged rocks and cliff views. Taking inspiration from the surrounding landscape, florist WILD BUD CO. created dried bouquets of grasses and woodland objects. 

The gown was an Eco-friendly gown made from vegan materials by Dear Heart a branch from CAROL HANNAH. Carrie says, "We loved the way the gown moved and there was a unique W shaped design in the back that caught wind when she ran and created magical movement. The blue cape was a 1920's vintage cape pulled from SHOP GOSSAMER and both TONI SANCHEZ and MAKEUP BY LIZ did a lovely job on our models looks. We wanted her hair down to flow in the wind and picked soft blues to add in as soft touches to match the winter sky."

The tablescape was kept neutral to blend into the surroundings. Soft velvet natural linen and whites and creams were carried through the paper elements – by SLIBBRECHT STUDIO, plates and napkins. For the more colourful portion of the shoot, Carrie chose a golden LEANNE MARSHALL gown to match the setting sun in the canyon. She says, "WILD BUD CO. created a heavenly crown to grace her beautiful dark brown hair and I loved how the images turned out for that final scene. The image of her gown flowing and her boldly standing on the rock in the water gives me heart a little happy flutter."

A huge thank-you to Charleston wedding photographer CLAY AUSTIN for sharing this beautiful Yosemite wedding inspiration with us today. Clay is a firm believer in true love, and documents it in its most raw and authentic form as these images attest to. "Shooting film allows me to be completely in the moment, patiently waiting for windows of honesty and those sparks that make each couple unique. It gives me overwhelming joy to provide my clients a way to relive such a meaningful occasion for the rest of their lives!" 

You might also like to view this Classic & Chic wedding in South Carolina's lowcountry. And be sure to check-out more of Clay Austin's wedding photography work here.