A Wedding Story: Skye & Garrett

Planning a wedding is a stressful endeavor. As every bride knows, each little detail needs to be figured out in order for the day to run smoothly. It can be challenging. Adventuring couple Skye and Garrett decided to add an extreme step to their wedding preparation: the two planned to rock climb up a mountain, and exchange vows at the summit.

On the morning of August 3, 2024,  Skye and Garrett arose with excitement. This was the day before their wedding. All of their planning was done. That evening, they would leave the van they called home, put on their climbing gear, and ascend Liberty Bell Mountain. Their wedding ceremony would occur on top. This beautiful mountain in Washington State is one of many places in nature that this couple reveres.

For Skye and Garrett, playing in nature is a foundational aspect of their relationship. They’re avid rock climbers, backpackers, skiers, hikers, etc. Their favorite activity is alpine climbing. Their passion for the outdoors is something that unifies them.

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They’ve spent thousands of hours together in the mountains, many of them climbing. This time is characterized by both its physical and mental demand. Perhaps nothing can prepare a couple for the stress of marriage the way difficult mountain expeditions can. Over the years, they’ve enjoyed many adventures together. These started when they met in an alpine climbing class in 2017.

Skye met Garrett while on a climb with a group called The Mountaineers –a local nonprofit that offers climbing, and safety instruction in the Pacific northwest. Garrett worked for the company. The two hit it off. However, both were in other relationships at the time. After meeting, they decided to stay in touch for potential climbing projects. Theoretically, this could have been the end of their relationship. Fate had other plans. Five months after initially meeting, they encountered one another on a dating app. This led to a first date in which the two went snowshoeing for 12 hours! This long date in the mountains led to many more. As their partnership in the mountains built, so did their relationship away from the wild.

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Six years after their first mountain expedition together, Skye and Garrett decided to give vanlife a try together. It was 2023. They had money saved, and wanted to pursue the freedom of mobility. More than anything, they sought ultimate proximity to the mountains. They have followed the weather, spending winters in the western United States. In their summers, they’ve pursued whatever adventure sounded most fun. Much of that time has been spent in the Cascades, and in British Columbia.

The love that Skye and Garrett share is special, and has grown over time. In 2023, they knew that they wanted to take the next step in their relationship. While on a backpacking trip to Mt. Assiniboine, Garrett decided to surprise Skye. The silicon engagement ring he selected as a placeholder was fitting for the two adventurers. However, they knew that they wanted something more meaningful. Skye immediately began thinking about a ring that would symbolize their love, and their love for the mountains. She knew exactly where she would find that ring. Scott James Jewelry!

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Scott’s fine, ornamental work had long captured her imagination. She loved the way his pieces represented nature, mountains, and a call for adventure. In addition, she loved that he’s a local artist. Skye and Garrett have enjoyed adventures in Scott’s home state of Utah, and are amazed at the way he’s captured the beauty of his home state. Skye knew that Scott would help her design a ring that would capture the unique beauty of the places that she loves. As wedding plans were being made, the ring she wanted became more clear. She selected a wedding ring that was beautiful, ornate, and reflective of both her individuality and the couple’s identity as mountain people. 

Recalling her choice, Skye said, "We met on a glacier climb, went through many alpine climbing courses together, and our relationship is centered around the mountains, climbing, and backpacking. The right fit our relationship so perfectly with the mountains, climbing, and backpacking. The ring fit our relationship so perfectly with the mountains and pine trees surrounding the diamond. It is so special to me and a design I knew was the ring for me when we first started talking about getting engaged." The ring she picked is called the "Alpine Committed Ring."

The day before their wedding, the climb to Liberty Bell was engaging. Skye and Garrett had done this route together many times in the past. However, this occasion felt different. Two friends climbed with them and did the heavy lifting, hauling up gear, camera equipment, and of course their wedding outfits. Garrett and Skye simply had to get themselves to the top. This allowed them to be close and to think about their shared past, as well as their shared future. Climbing a mountain for the purpose of getting married at the summit is so unique. It’s so Skye and Garrett.

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For this couple, pursuing adventure in the mountains is a way of expressing love for one another. As they moved up this route, flowing in the mountains, they each felt full –a satisfying feeling. They beamed at each other. Conditions, including weather, were perfect. All they had to do was focus on the moves, and on each other’s well being. This is all symbolic of their journey in the mountains together over the years, and of their wonderful relationship.

Skye and Garrett reached the summit quickly. They changed into wedding attire so that they could capture photographs of the momentous occasion. Following photos, they changed, and tried to rest. They spent the night on the peak, wrapped in each other’s arms, too excited to sleep.

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At sunrise, their friend and officiant commenced the ceremony. Garrett slipped Skye’s beautiful ring on her finger, and they shared one of the sweetest moments of life. They were married! Now time to get down, and pursue the next experience. 

Since this beautiful day, Skye and Garrett have continued pursuing adventures in the mountains. You can follow their story on their Instagram to see where they’ll go next: 

@theadventurearnolds and @skyestoury

Written by Tyler Marshall

All photos taken by Adventure & Vow