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Madison & Alec: A Mountain Top Wedding
At first glance, it looks like a beautiful wedding photo. A breathtaking snow-covered mountain and two newly-weds. It looks all normal, until you notice that the groom is wearing a pair of Vans Authentics. Now you know you're in for something special.
Meer Madison and Alec. They got married last June enveloped by the majestic Mt. Baker in Washington and surrounded by their loved ones as they declared their vows to each other. And of course, exchanged a ring from Gardens of the Sun.
Madison and Alec share what made their wedding day so them. They take us through their most special day filled with beer and pizza. And a lot of dance.
First things first, how did Alec propose?
Alec and I actually came to the decision together to get engaged! While in the midst of walking around downtown Bellingham (where we live) doing some Christmas shopping, we stopped at one of our favorite breweries to take a break and have a beer.
We began talking about our goals for the upcoming year and the things we’d like to see happen, and getting married that summer was one of those things.
After agreeing, I said to him, “So.. Are we engaged then?” To which he replied, “Yeah I guess we are, huh? How about we go pick out some rings!”
We walked to a local clothing store and picked out two rings for one another (Alec had an engagement ring too!!), drove home to pick up a bottle of our favorite beer and our dog, then went to the beach where we shared words and tears, exchanged rings, and a cheers!
Who chose the ring? Did you pick the piece together?
Untraditionally (almost like everything we did), I had two engagement rings! The first ring was sterling silver with a beautiful oval solitaire chrysoprase stone, but I knew from the beginning that I wanted and would definitely need a ring that I could have for everyday wear.
A dear friend of ours (and our amazing wedding photographer) suggested Gardens of the Sun for a custom ring that really fit my style. After searching through styles together, we found the kite diamond! I picked out the actual diamond and design, but Alec was there nodding over my shoulder the whole time.
You picked a salt and pepper kite diamond ring. What made you decide to pick this diamond and design in particular?
I chose this ring because it was SO MY STYLE! The shape makes it unique and yet something I will be proud to wear for the rest of my life. The bezel set and the low profile allow me to feel confident when wearing it to work (I work in the beer industry), and seeing how the wedding band was able to sit so flush to the engagement ring really sealed the deal for my decision!
The location of your elopement is so beautiful. Why did you choose to get married on top of Mt Baker?
Alec and I both moved to Bellingham, WA 5 years ago, and though we didn’t know each other at the time, it’s become our home and a very special place to us.
Part of Bellingham’s culture revolves around Mt Baker, and it’s easy to see why. It is the snowiest place in the world, yet in the summer you have access to thousands of miles of hiking trails.
That entire area is like a playground, and we have done our fair share of exploring up there from skiing and snowboarding to hiking and camping to foraging for mushrooms. It’s a place that is so dear to us and integral to why we love Bellingham, so it only made sense to have our ceremony there and show our families, some of which had probably never seen anything like it, such a beautiful place.
Who chose the ring? Did you pick the piece together?
Untraditionally (almost like everything we did), I had two engagement rings! The first ring was sterling silver with a beautiful oval solitaire chrysoprase stone, but I knew from the beginning that I wanted and would definitely need a ring that I could have for everyday wear.
We knew it would be the perfect, low key spot to sit down with just our wedding party, have some beers, get some food and really celebrate!
They put us upstairs in a private section where our sisters and some of our wedding party gave speeches. It was an amazing spot for some recharging after the ceremony and before our big reception that evening.
What was the most special memory you have of your wedding day?
My most special memory of my wedding day has to do with my dad. He has always been one of my closest friends and someone I look up to, and a story from the day I was born has been told many times between us. After I was born, I needed to be moved to another room, so he reached out his pinky, and I held on with my hand and he walked with us as they ushered me down the hall.
Every year on my birthday at the time (2:53 PM) I was born, he’ll reach out his pinky and I’ll grab on.
It’s been difficult living so far away from my family at times (they live in New Jersey), and it’s been a while since I’ve held onto his pinky on my birthday.
On my wedding day as I went to meet him on the dance floor for our dance together, he met me and held out his pinky. He’s definitely a sappy kind of guy, and I definitely inherited that from him.
Though the day was filled with many of my favorite memories, this one is extra special to me.
How did it feel like, that day at the mountains?
That day in the mountains felt as if every puzzle piece that was ever made came perfectly together right then to make this moment in our lives so special.
To be surrounded by so much love, in the shadow of an awe-inspiring view, and marrying your best friend is second to none in the memories I have and will continue to make, but to have had the weather be so perfect and to have the most beautiful bees buzzing around my bouquet, and for everything to go so smoothly.. it felt as though we were supposed to be in that exact spot getting married that day.
Piece Chosen:
Madison and Alec handpicked a custom-made Kite-Diamond ring to symbolize their love for each other.
Not only do they get to infuse their love story into this ring, they also get to share their values through a piece she's proud to wear everyday.
Click here to build your own ring, and tell YOUR story.