Sonoma Coast, California

Joshua Tree, California

Amber + Beau. Soulmates.

There’s no better way to have celebrated their elopement than the way these two did. A relaxed morning at their airbnb in the middle of the desert, a ceremony in the boulders nearby, and a mini road trip to watch sunset from the sand dunes. Amber wore a stunning beaded dress with the softest, most flowy veil (that transitioned into a cape) and made for magic in the breeze at the sand dunes. Their dog paid witness to their ceremony. Their families came along to support.

Thomas + Kassie’s elopement was an intentionally spent day in mid-April. We started the morning exploring the beach and hanging out by their tent eating pastries from Big Sur Bakery. Their tent was a canvas room strung up between trees and set deep into a redwood forest that’s part of Ventana Big Sur’s resort. Ethereal clouds hung overhead and filtered soft light to the forest floor below. Their time spent getting ready felt like something out of an enchanted storybook. Big Sur evokes that, especially on foggy days like this one.

We walked out amongst the Joshua Trees, and they said their vows in the shade of peculiar formations of boulders in mid-afternoon. We spent the rest of the evening drinking cheap beer together, hiking up to some of the tallest views in the park, getting whipped by the desert winds and marveling at Southern California’s notoriously golden light at sunset.

Majo + Chris had an adventurous elopement in the California desert at Joshua Tree National Park at sunset. She had a handmade dress that flowed beautifully in the wind, and they said private vows surrounded by boulders, Joshua trees, and cactus.

We hiked a mile or so into the forest to a perfectly framed opening in the trail with giant redwood trees all around. Kelly + Jacy shared vows, each so intimately written and intentionally spoken that we were all in tears by the end. It’s difficult to not get emotional in a landscape like that one, with giant redwoods towering far above your head and the sweet smell of eucalyptus in the air.

We met Christie & Corey for drinks at a little cafe outside of Joshua Tree National Park before their engagement session. We made our way into the park with mostly clear skies and good temperatures. As we hiked around the boulders, the clouds darkened in some spots while the sun still shone on the horizon. We continued our hike, admiring the spring bloom in Joshua Tree (which is a spectacle to see), taking photos and making jokes as we made our way through the desert landscape. At one point I turned around away from the sun and saw one of the most saturated and clear rainbows I’ve ever seen. We all started shrieking audibly at how cool it was. Christie & Corey danced in the middle of the desert, holding hands and running and laughing, while Nate and I climbed up boulders taking photos.

Yosemite at dawn is a magical experience. It’s quiet. The parking lots are empty. The light breeze and chill in the air reminds you that despite its popularity, Yosemite is still a wild place.

For Liz & Jim’s elopement, we hiked around to the backside of Cap Rock and met the family beneath the Joshua Trees for their ceremony. Their officiant, Garrett, had everyone in tears, which was spurred even further by the thoughtful vows Liz & Jim spoke to each other. They exchanged rings, kissed, then both wiped happy tears as they walked back down the trail/makeshift aisle. We spent the rest of the evening watching the sun go down from a hike near the top of the Mojave Desert.