Baylee + Cory | Cloudland Canyon, North Georgia Waterfall Elopement
Baylee and Cory have such a fun and whimsical relationship from what I can tell. Their hearts are full of joy. I don’t think we stopped laughing throughout our time together. Baylee has such a spring in her step that not many people have. It’s contagious as a spreading wildfire. You can tell Cory is mesmerized by the way he looks at her.
She told me they plan to get a plot of land to build and start a family while Cory manages his own tattoo shop. Fast forward to a day before I planned to finish this blog: Baylee announced she is pregnant and Cory’s shop is finished! Check the shop out here.
Looking back to 2.2.22, their elopement couldn’t have fallen together more perfectly. Maybe it was fate or whatever you believe — read on about it below.
Their friend, Hara, is one of many talents (click to check out their site here). Hara was the only wedding guest (besides me!) and graced us with a singing bowl experience to start / end the day. This included a rainmaker instrument for more soothing sounds. Let me also mention Hara officiated Baylee and Cory…in the rain! Don’t tell anyone, but I think Hara called on the water spirits or something.
While we listened to Hara creating relaxing sounds for us, Baylee put on her makeup and made her own headpiece. With her pink veil, she added flowers onto it.
While Cory was getting ready, he enjoyed a smoke and took in the views of our Airbnb in the North Georgia mountains. We had a secluded property to ourselves that included two housings, lots of bamboo, an outlook, and a sunroom. I had a cabin to myself that gave me an opportunity to unwind with editing and a movie (my favorite combo) and fall asleep to the sound of the night critters out of the window. Oh and let me not forget my Buccee’s Beaver Nugget movie snack and beef jerky I gifted Cory - if you’re from / lived in the South, you know the hype.
The AirBnb was the perfect spot for first look.
The wind picked up just as they embraced. It twirled Baylee’s veil around both of them as if the Earth said “Hello, I’m here to join you together as one.”
We found a random old phone on the other side of the tree at the edge of our outlook. We had some fun with it! It honestly matched the tones of their dressings so it was awesome for photos.
Next up, photos in a bamboo patch. Of course, we had to have fun with that too. We found props inside the AirBnb to play with. Baylee stood on a stump while we recreated American Gothic and did a playful lil’ paddle whackin’.
More stumps and rocks for Baylee’s portraits. Had to show off her boots and tattoo by Cory.
Cory made us breakfast and they shared a smoke before we headed to our hike to Cloudland Canyon.
Nothing this day had been planned that much, especially according to time. Typically, I get a timeline but this was all on spontaneity and I loved every second. It just felt more genuine and calm. You know how I said their elopement date was 2.2.22? We ended up starting the trail at 2:22pm. The crazies just keep adding on.
We were equipped for the weather with proper warm clothing, umbrellas, and a blanket that I volunteered to “carry” which was me just wrapping myself in it as we walked.
Once arriving at the waterfall, Hara began the ceremony with a sage smudging. If you don’t know, it is an ancient ritual of burning sage. It “cleanses” the area and allows you to become more centered, grounded, and connected. In this moment, you may feel able to let go of negative thoughts.
Vow reading included tears and tripping over words as the waterfall rushed behind them.
It started to lightly sprinkle during the ring exchange and really came down during their first kiss as a married couple. I stood in awe as the clouds receded afterwards. The timing was impeccable.
Baylee made her own bouquet from store bought flowers. The colors really popped against the neutral tones of the Earth.
Can you tell what Baylee’s favorite color is? Any guesses at all? ;)
Baylee got these earrings specifically for wedding day and WOWZA, both sides are equally as cool.
I loved the tones and colors of what Cory was wearing against those of the water. They seemed to blend and mesh so well.
Even the yellow of Baylee’s jacket and his to the water was just a beautiful color combination.
Last but not least before heading out, we had to do a bouquet toss!
Taking in those last views of the canyon.
It was cake time back at the AirBnb! It was still a little frozen from sitting in the fridge so long. However, Baylee had the brilliantly silly idea of putting the cake in front of the fireplace that Cory had just lit. That actually seemed to help!
Hara and I laughed watching their cake smash before we all shared pieces under candlelight. How crazy that the AirBnb also had the perfect ones already set on the table. Am I even surprised? This day unravelled the most ideal elopement anyone could ask for. These special moments came to a close with our final sound bath by Hara accompanied by a tranquil meditation.
Thank you for letting me in and trusting me with so much! I wish ya’ll the best in the next chapter.