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Key Summary Glance: James Sissom and Ashley Schmieder Wedding at Everest Base Camp (2017)
Category | Details |
Couple’s Names | James Sissom and Ashley Schmieder |
Nationality | American (California) |
Wedding Date | March 16, 2017 |
Location | Everest Base Camp, Nepal (17,000 feet above sea level) |
Trek Duration | 8 days of trekking with a total of 3 weeks in Nepal |
Photographer | Charleton Churchill |
Challenges Faced | Asthma, altitude sickness, freezing cold, short timeframe |
Wedding Outfits | Bride: White gown, Groom: Black tuxedo |
Temperature on Wedding Day | Between -5°F to 5°F |
Key Message | Love and adventure can create extraordinary experiences |
Trek Provider Recommendation | Trek Me Nepal – Custom Everest Base Camp packages and expert guidance |
Imagine saying “I do” with Mount Everest standing tall behind you. That is what James Sissom and Ashley Schmieder from California decided to do. Instead of flowers and music in a big wedding hall, they chose cold winds, snow-covered mountains, and the open skies of the Himalayas. Their wedding happened at Everest Base Camp, which sits at an altitude of 17,000 feet above sea level.
Their story is not just a wedding tale. It is a story about love, bravery, and the amazing journey they took together. It is also a reminder that you can choose to celebrate life in a way that is meaningful to you. For couples who dream big, Trek Me Nepal offers carefully designed Tailored Everest Base Camp packages that turn those dreams into reality.
James, 35, and Ashley, 32, are from Northern California. They are not your typical bride and groom. From the beginning, they loved the outdoors. In fact, their very first date was a camping and hiking trip in Yosemite National Park.
“A traditional wedding didn’t feel right for us,” they told the media. They wanted something unique and adventurous. That is when the idea of getting married at Everest Base Camp came to life.
Ashley had always been fascinated by Mount Everest. She read the book Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer and dreamed of reaching the base camp one day. When she shared her dream with James, he supported it completely.
Together, they chose Mount Everest as their wedding destination. They saw it as a symbol of strength, commitment, and passion, just like their relationship. It was the perfect place for them to say their vows.
Planning a wedding at the base of the world’s tallest mountain is not easy. It takes a lot of time, effort, and courage. James and Ashley spent almost a year getting ready.
They needed to plan their travel, choose the right trekking company, and buy special gear for the cold weather. One of the most important steps was hiring a skilled photographer. They chose Charleton Churchill, a photographer known for adventure weddings. He had already been to Nepal and had even survived the 2015 earthquake there.
Ashley contacted him through Instagram. Soon, the three became a team. All of them were outdoor lovers who believed in living life fully.
Training for the Everest trek was serious business. The couple spent months building their strength. They did a lot of hiking, running, weight training, and practicing with heavy backpacks. They needed to be ready for the high altitude and the freezing cold.
They also invested in high-quality gear. Their packing list included:
- Thermal clothes and jackets
- Insulated gloves and hats
- Mountaineering boots
- Sleeping bags made for below-freezing temperatures
- Special food and hydration kits
Every item was chosen carefully. They had to be warm, safe, and ready for all situations on the trail.
After their training was done, James and Ashley flew from California to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. From there, they caught a small plane to Lukla Airport, one of the most dangerous airports in the world. It is known for its short runway and mountain winds.
This is where most treks to Everest Base Camp begin. For anyone planning a trip like this, Trek Me Nepal offers complete EBC packages that include these flights, accommodation, permits, and expert guides. The goal is to let travelers enjoy the journey without stress.
The trek to Everest Base Camp took about eight days. James and Ashley were joined by their photographer, Everest porters, guides, and cooks. The route led them through the beautiful Khumbu region, crossing rivers, forests, and mountain villages.
But the journey was not easy. The air grew thinner with each step, and the temperatures dropped every night. The couple faced altitude sickness, tiredness, and freezing cold. At one point, James suffered from asthma and found it hard to breathe. The night before the wedding, he described the feeling as “like having a plastic bag over my face.”
Thankfully, their team gave him oxygen and he recovered just in time.
On March 16, 2017, James and Ashley got married at Everest Base Camp. The sky was clear, the mountains were white with snow, and the temperature was around 5 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ashley wore a stunning white wedding gown that she had carried all the way up. James wore a sharp black tuxedo. It was a beautiful sight. They stood in front of the highest peak in the world and promised to love each other forever.
Their wedding was short and sweet. They had just 90 minutes to eat, get dressed, take photos, and board a helicopter back down. But in that short time, they created a memory that would last a lifetime.
Photographer Charleton Churchill faced many challenges during the shoot. His fingers would go numb as soon as he removed his gloves to take pictures. The cold made it hard to use his equipment. But he was determined to capture every moment.
The photos turned out to be breathtaking. The couple stood surrounded by giant snowy peaks. Their smiles and the raw beauty of Everest made the photos magical. These images went viral online and inspired many other couples to dream big.
This wedding is not just a story about two people. It is a story about courage, love, and living without limits. James and Ashley chose a path that was difficult, cold, and dangerous. But they believed in their dream and made it come true.
Their story teaches us that:
- You don’t have to follow the usual path
- Adventure can bring people closer
- Love is even more beautiful when tested by challenges
Their wedding has encouraged many other couples to consider destination weddings in Nepal or even take the Everest Base Camp trek together.
For those who feel inspired by this story, Trek Me Nepal offers specially crafted Everest Base Camp packages. We work with individuals, couples, and groups to help them create unique and meaningful experiences in the Himalayas.
Our EBC packages include:
- Skilled, licensed & Experienced Trekking Guides
- Comfortable teahouse accommodations
- Help with altitude acclimatization
- Permits and domestic flights
- Options for custom journeys, including weddings, engagements, and anniversaries
- Sustainable tourism practices through our "One Guest One Tree" Initiative
Our goal is to make your journey as smooth and safe as possible. We take care of the details so that you can focus on your adventure.
James and Ashley’s wedding at Everest Base Camp is a story that touches the heart. It shows us how love, adventure, and determination can come together to create something truly unforgettable. They climbed to one of the highest places on Earth to celebrate their bond, and in doing so, they inspired the world.
Whether you dream of a wedding in the Himalayas, a solo trek to challenge yourself, or a romantic getaway surrounded by nature, Trek Me Nepal is here to guide you.
Let your story begin where the sky meets the mountains. 😀
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