Real Weddings: Doreese & Clay

It’s a tale as enchanting as the landscapes they adore, Doreese, Director of Communications at a nonprofit and alumna of the University of Missouri-Columbia, and Clay, a skilled farrier with a degree from the University of Arkansas, had an origin story that began in Southern California. Their relationship, rooted in shared adventures and cherished moments, reached new heights every Thanksgiving as they found themselves cozied up by a fireplace overlooking the Merced River in Yosemite National Park, an annual tradition they began. The other half of the Thanksgiving holiday each year involved hiking the park’s trails, immersing themselves in its awe-inspiring beauty. For Doreese and Clay, Yosemite became more than a picturesque escape; it became the symbol of their shared journey. When the time came to celebrate their union, the couple knew there was no better place than the heart of Yosemite. Entrusting their special day to an adventure photographer, they sought to capture the scale and splendor of the park while standing amidst its grandeur. The resulting photos beautifully reflected not only the natural wonder that surrounded them but also the deep love Doreese and Clay share. Having exchanged vows in October 2021, the couple now resides in Olympia, WA, where their elopement became a cherished moment shared with three special witnesses, sealing their love story among the towering pines and cascading waterfalls of Yosemite.