A Magical High Peaks Elopement: Olivia & Besnik's Intimate Mountain Ceremony
- Molly Hennighausen
- 4 minutes ago
- 5 min read
Scroll through to read the story of Olivia and Besnik's elopement day. Or, if you want to go straight to the gallery, click here.
Sometimes, the most profound moments happen when we slow down. For Olivia and Besnik, their Adirondacks elopement wasn't just about getting married—it was about savoring every second of the journey. Against the stunning backdrop of the High Peaks, they crafted a day that perfectly balanced comfort with adventure, proving that your wedding day can be exactly what you want it to be.
A Vision of Magic and Comfort
When Olivia and Besnik first described their dream day, three words stood out: magic, slow, and comfort. They didn't want a rushed timeline or the stress of a big traditional wedding. Instead, they envisioned a day that unfolded naturally, allowing them to be fully present with one another.
Their vision began with a slow, intimate morning. No alarms blazing before dawn, no frenzy of vendors. Just the two of them, enjoying a quiet breakfast and preparing for the day ahead. This deliberate pacing set the tone for the entire experience—relaxed, intentional, and deeply personal.
Why Choose a Slow Morning?
Many couples feel the pressure to pack their elopement day from sunrise to starlight. However, taking a cue from Olivia and Besnik, there is immense value in a "slow morning."
Reduced Anxiety:Â Starting the day at your own pace eliminates morning jitters.
Connection:Â It offers quiet time to connect with your partner before the ceremony begins.
Energy Management:Â Saving your energy for an afternoon hike ensures you're fresh for the most important moments.
A First Look and an Early Walk
Olivia and Besnik’s day began with a heartfelt first look in their hotel room, a quiet and private moment that set a loving tone for the adventure ahead. After seeing each other for the first time, they shared a peaceful walk around the hotel grounds, soaking in the beauty of their surroundings and the excitement of the day. These intimate moments allowed them to connect, relax, and fully embrace the start of their elopement journey together.
Fueling the Adventure
No mountain adventure is complete without good food. As lovers of local flavor, Olivia and Besnik made sure to pack sandwiches from Simply Gourmet. These weren't just snacks; they were a beloved part of their day's narrative (and yes, they even made a cameo in the photos!). It’s these small, personal details—like bringing your favorite sandwiches to a mountain peak—that make an elopement truly yours.
The Day's Journey
On their elopement day, Olivia and Besnik adapted to the unpredictable Adirondack weather with smiles and flexibility. Instead of a set schedule, the cloudy skies inspired a new plan, as there was no guarantee that Whiteface Mountain would still be open at sunset. The plan had been for two mountain summits- a small mountain for lunch and sunset on Whiteface. We flipflopped the plan, knowing that we could easily escape a storm later in the day on the small mountain if needed.
With the new plan to head up Whiteface first, we headed out. Olivia, Besnik, and two of their friends enjoyed a relaxed lunch just below the summit as low cloud cover swept across the mountains. Afterwards, it was time to head up. Despite summiting Whiteface Mountain with zero views, the couple reveled in laughter and the simple joy of each other's company as they explored the misty peak together.
The Ceremony: Intimate and Honest
After Whiteface, I led the group to a smaller peak beloved by locals. With spurts of sunshine poking through the clouds, it was a magical hike up. After a break for just the two of them and surrounded by rocky outcrops and clearing skies, they exchanged rings in an incredibly simple, heartfelt ceremony. After their vows, the group celebrated with a champagne toast—laughter echoing across the summit as they raised their glasses to love and new adventures. The moment was made even more memorable with a spontaneous dance and joyful spin on the rocks, capturing the spirit of celebration and connection that defined their elopement.
For couples considering an intimate mountain ceremony, remember that there are no rules. You can:
Read letters from family.
Share private vows.
Simply sit in silence and take in the view.
Exchange rings as the sun begins to dip.
Celebrate with a toast and dance on the summit.
Crafting Your Own High Peaks Wedding
Olivia and Besnik’s story is a beautiful reminder that your wedding day belongs to you. By prioritizing comfort, meaningful food, and specific scenery, they created a memory that will last a lifetime.
If you are dreaming of an Adirondacks elopement, take a page from their book:
Define Your Feeling:Â Choose three words that describe how you want to feel (e.g., Magic, Slow, Comfort).
Choose Your Pace:Â Don't be afraid of a slow morning or a sunset-focused timeline.
Pack Your Favorites:Â Bring the food, drinks, or items that bring you joy.
Respect Your Limits:Â Pick a trail difficulty that leaves you feeling energized, not exhausted.
Your elopement is the start of your greatest adventure. Make it magic.
Meet Your Adirondack Elopement Photographer and Hiking Guide
Hi! I'm Molly, a LGBTQ+ award-winning elopement photographer, licensed hiking guide, and avid skiier! I would love to chat about photographing your perfect elopement, vow renewal, or pre/post-wedding session in New York (or in the Austrian Alps!)
I'm a small wedding and elopement photographer who is always up for a new adventure- especially if it involves hiking to a view.
While I'm based in the Adirondacks, I also have a second home in the Austrian Alps. If you think the Alps might be a great setting for your elopement or honeymoon adventure, reach out- I love to talk about the beauty of the Alps and share all sorts of advice.
Interested in eloping on a mountain top in the Adirondacks, White Mountains, or beyond?
Scroll through to check out a sampling of images from Olivia and Besnik's low-key elopement day in the Adirondacks!
Hi, I'm Molly! A Photographer and Hiking Guide here to help you have an elopement day that is just perfect for YOU!
Hi! I'm Molly, a LGBTQ+ award-winning elopement photographer, licensed hiking guide, and avid skiier! I would love to chat about photographing your perfect elopement, vow renewal, or pre/post-wedding session in New York (or in the Austrian Alps!)
I'm a small wedding and elopement photographer who is always up for a new adventure- especially if it involves hiking to a view.
While I'm based in the Adirondacks, I also have a second home in the Austrian Alps. If you think the Alps might be a great setting for your elopement or honeymoon adventure, reach out- I love to talk about the beauty of the Alps and share all sorts of advice.
Interested in eloping on a mountain top in the Adirondacks, White Mountains, or beyond?