Leap Year only comes around every four years and this year was a year of Leaping! Squaw Valley Weddings hosted a ceremony and reception on Leap Day for 27 couples, all uniquely different in their foundational goals and intentions for being there on that day. Some couples showed up to the windy, yet beautifully sunny, Squaw Valley morning planning to renew their lifelong vows, while for others, this was their first leap into the rest of their lives. 

Leo and Sabrinah asked me to join them alongside 26 other couples for the Leap of Love to capture their adventurous romance as they said “I do” in front of so many teary-eyed on-lookers in the Squaw Valley Village. Leo and Sabinah met at the University of Vermont where they both got their degrees in 2017 and since, have never left each other's side as they moved around the United States for their Travel Nursing jobs. They lived in Salt Lake City most recently and now, Reno is their landing place until they uproot again for work. They both love to mountain bike, ski and snowboard and get out and climb together too! Sabrinah was a natural model on the slopes during her wedding day, with her sweet sassy brown eyes (their wedding song was Brown Eyed Girl) and Leo was so thoughtful and caring toward her. Their love was obvious in such a subtle way as they cruised around Squaw together, holding hands on their skis and snowboard. A very natural connection. 

When I met them in the morning, they rolled up in their Mercedes Sprinter Van, I knew they were going to be a rad couple! Their mellow yet exciting demeanor was contagious. It was cool to see so many couples relaxed, excited and in love on their wedding day. There is a definite “chill” vibe to all my eloping couples. I love it! 

The ceremony was performed by Meredith Richmond of Ceremonies By Meredith. She has such a beautiful way of setting the stage and mellowing a crowd of 27 jittery couples all together in one space. She made time for each couple to say their vows to each other and allow for privacy together while in a very public eye. I’ve been to quite a few weddings that she has officiated and we’ve actually become good friends. She has such a talent that exists within her voice alone, it’s just perfect. Megan Ganim of Made Rowdy Events was my Photo Assistant for the day. She was able to live stream the event for close family and friends that I’m sure would have loved to been right there with them! 

After the ceremony, all the couples either went skiing or headed over to Base Camp in the Squaw Village and cut cake, danced to a live band, and toasted with champagne. 

Leo and Sabinah, Megan and I all went up KT-22 to take a few victory laps. Sabrinah and Leo cut their cake on the lift, it was pretty iconic! 

We had a super fun afternoon! What’s better than champagne, skiing, cake, laughing, dancing, and love!?! 

Leo and Sabrinah’s first wedding gift from Mother Nature was a powder day!!! Lucky for them, they got to camp in their epic van and be one of the first on the slopes to enjoy the snow! Elopements make me so happy! They truly are a way to have a low stress, love celebration, incorporating what matters most to YOU! 

Vendors: 

Photo Assistant: Megan Ganim at Made Rowdy Events 

Officiant: Ceremonies by Meredith 

Venue: Squaw Valley Weddings