The Time We Got Married

Wildfires. Running out of gas. Last minute venue changes. We wouldn’t have it any other way.

Photos by Henry Tieu

9/15/2020. We awoke, overcome with anxiety, excitement, and fear. Immediately, we rolled to the side of the bed and checked our phones; the forecast was foreboding. Our planned elopement on the Maple Loop trail in the North Cascades was looking grim. Smoke filled the valley. Wildfires burning mostly in Oregon had filled most of Washington with a thick layer of smoke. Visibility is near zero. We had picked up and loaded our Airstream the night before, but now the destination was unclear. Without an absolute picture of where we were headed, we packed up the dogs and headed north.

We Struck For Mount Baker

The northernmost place where we might be able to find a campsite. As we entered the forest, cell service disappeared. With 27 feet and 10,000lbs of ballast in tow, we wandered through the park. Several wrong turns (and a harrowing trip up to Artist Point) later, we managed to snag a campsite at the Douglas Fir campground, complete with a river behind us. Honestly, it was perfect.

With a venue secured, we set the table and kindled a fire. Meals, cocktails, and general merriment ensued.

Emily got a new cast iron and cooked delicious campfire meals, complete with butter that descended straight from heaven above.

The night saw little sleep due to a tiny, precious terrorist.

Someone decided very early on she was not much of a fan of camping.

Morning Came, we made for Artist Point before sunrise

We dressed at the car, and I struck out for a spot Henry picked out. Emily had some last minute preparations. I waited, then felt a tap on my shoulder. In secret, she had purchased a ukulele and had practiced “I can’t help falling in love with you,” which she sang to me.

It was the best moment of my life. Nothing else has come close.

The sun rose red through thick smoke, becoming thicker by the moment

With the smoke filling the sky, we fled the mountains back to our campsite, and brunch

Apparently Emily can catch even very poorly thrown blueberries.

No road construction is a match for an Emily in a wedding dress

We have considered keeping one in the car for emergencies

After brunch, we had to pack up everything and move campsites

Because the Mormon camp hostess couldn’t even BEND the rules on our wedding day

Showers revived a grubby couple

Honestly, the day might not have continued without them

We loaded up in the truck, and proceeded up the sketchiest road we had ever been on

Potholes the size of busses, crazy switchbacks, Calvin in the back FREAKING OUT

Nearly to the top, we ran out of gas

The term “we” was used there, but it was 100% my fault. Luckily, I’m the smartest person in the world and randomly had a tank of gas in the back. DAY SAVED!