After becoming engaged, Kelsey Row and Ali Reed were hesitant about arranging a grand wedding. However, when they found a photographer who focused on Alpine elopements, they seized the opportunity. The couple packed their wedding attire and hiking boots, invited their sisters, and set out for a weekend getaway in the mountains…
DAY BEFORE WEDDING
Ali (left) and Kelsey
Kelsey: On the eve of our wedding, we embarked on a lengthy hike to three different alpine lakes. Our photographer Cat orchestrated our elopement — she inquired about our vision, suggested hikes, and discovered a fantastic bakery. It was wonderful to collaborate with someone so familiar with the area.
Kelsey: We thought, Why not marry with our sisters by our side? All four of us are of similar age, share many traits, and are quite close. It felt incredibly special.
Kelsey: I had so much reluctance about entering the glacial lake. It was freezing but immensely enjoyable.
Ali: Afterwards, we dined at a mountain restaurant and continued our hike.
Ali: Before arriving in Austria, we doubted it could be as beautiful as the photographs suggested. Yet it was even more stunning in reality.
WEDDING DAY
Kelsey: We stayed in an apartment in Innsbruck, Austria. One of my favorite moments of the day was preparing together. We’re not morning people, so we snoozed until nine, styled each other’s hair and makeup, and sipped mimosas with our sisters. It was delightful not to have a strict schedule or the stress of many guests.
Ali: We completed our preparations separately to enjoy a genuine first look.
Ali: I found a jumpsuit with a cape for $98 and joked about passing the remaining dress budget to Kelsey. She had me guess what her dress would like, and I was completely off. I imagined lacy and bohemian, while she radiated silk goddess vibes. It felt amazing to turn around and see her.
Kelsey: After our first look, we reunited with our sisters and hiked to a lake for the wedding ceremony and a picnic.
Ali: Since our parents couldn’t be there physically, we requested each set to write something, and our sisters read their letters aloud. We laughed, shed tears, and then laughed at our tears.
Kelsey: Then Ali and I exchanged our vows.
Ali: We paused several times to really soak in the moment. It felt as if the entire world paused.
Kelsey: Ironically, I forgot to pack water for the picnic, so we only had Champagne to drink.
Kelsey: Ali and I covered our sister’s expenses, and then, following the wedding, we all traveled by train around Austria, Switzerland, and Italy. Two weeks with four people in Europe — a once-in-a-lifetime journey — turned out to be significantly less expensive than the estimates we received for larger weddings in the U.S.
Ali: It was complicated to get legally married in Austria, so we signed our marriage certificate with Kelsey’s sister at a random airport bar before our international flight. Now, whenever we’re at the airport, we pass by that bar and say, ‘That’s where we officially tied the knot!’
P.S. Imagine a wedding at home — how would you make it feel true to yourself?
(Wedding photography and planning by Wild Connections Photography.)
Title: A Dream Wedding: Couple Marries in the Alps with Sisters in Attendance
In a stunning ceremony that appeared to step right out of a fairy tale, a couple recently exchanged vows against the breathtaking backdrop of the Alps. This enchanting occasion was further enhanced by the presence of their cherished sisters, who played significant roles in the celebration.
The couple, who share a profound love for nature and adventure, selected the majestic Alps for their wedding, seeking a venue that embodied their shared passions. The location presented a breathtaking panorama of snow-dusted peaks, verdant valleys, and tranquil lakes, offering a remarkable natural setting for their union.
The ceremony was held at a delightful chalet nestled in the heart of the mountains. Adorned with wildflowers and rustic touches, the venue perfectly harmonized with the surrounding natural beauty. The couple exchanged vows beneath a floral arch, with the towering mountains as witnesses to their commitment.
The bride and groom’s sisters played pivotal roles in the wedding, contributing a personal and familial touch to the festivities. The bride’s sister acted as the maid of honor, delivering an emotional speech that moved many attendees to tears. Her words encapsulated the couple’s journey, their shared aspirations, and the love that connects them.
Meanwhile, the groom’s sister embraced the role of officiant with grace and authenticity. Her presence added an intimate and warm atmosphere to the ceremony as she shared anecdotes and insights about the couple’s relationship, eliciting laughter and smiles from the assembled guests.
The wedding festivities continued with a reception held in a cozy lodge, where guests savored a feast of local delicacies and danced the night away beneath a starry sky. The sisters once again took the spotlight, leading a series of toasts and joining the couple in a spirited dance that represented the joyous union of two families.
This Alpine wedding was not merely a celebration of love between two individuals but also a testament to the ties of family and the significance of having loved ones beside you during life’s most pivotal moments. The sisters’ involvement emphasized the theme of unity and support, making the event a truly unforgettable occasion for all attendees.
As the couple embarks on their new journey together, the memories of their enchanting wedding in the Alps, surrounded by the love and support of their sisters, will undoubtedly remain engraved in their hearts forever.
