Romantic Just-Us Elopement in Joshua Tree
I gotta admit… as a non-desert person, the desert is quickly winning me over with its insane sunsets. There is also something so profoundly peaceful about the desert — that wide open space, the way the sun hits the ground and lights up the landscape… the quietness of it all.
When Sophie & Kai reached out about an all-day just-us elopement in Joshua Tree, a place they had never been before, to say I was excited is an understatement. Maybe because it was the prospect of sharing the magic of the desert with two people for the first time, or maybe because it was my first all-day just-us elopement that I would get to photograph… I will say though, every time a couple approaches me already having recognized the value of an all-day elopement, my heart does a little happy dance. :’)
An Intentional morning before Getting Ready
Sophie & Kai’s elopement started off with a slow morning. Kai went out to grab breakfast at a local breakfast place, while Sophie made coffee and FaceTimed with her mom excitedly. I used this time to grab photos of their wedding details, in between candids of Sophie chatting with her mom (which was so sweet to witness!). Kai returned with breakfast and flowers for Sophie 🥲 and the two sat down to share a delicious meal before getting started on their day.
I love moments like this because they can be so sweet and intimate, especially from the perspective of a third party (me!), even though they might feel very ordinary to you in the moment. Trust me, these are the moments you’ll look back on fondly in years to come - the small moments that often go unnoticed in the bustle of life, but that are the building blocks of your relationship.
A Sweet First Look & writing vows together
After breakfast, S+K split up into separate rooms to begin getting ready. S did her own hair & makeup (always impressive to me!), while K prepared their post-ceremony picnic and ironed out his suit (which coincidentally matched the color scheme of their adorable airbnb!). After they were both dressed, I helped them coordinate their first look outside their airbnb, which was SUCH a sweet moment! The biggest difference I’ve noticed about a first look shared between partners on a just-us day vs a day with guests is how much more present couples tend to be. There are no distractions, no subconscious awareness that there are other people waiting for you or possibly watching you from the sidelines. It allows you time to slow down and truly take each other in and the significance of that moment… and the day laid out ahead of you. (file that under ‘pros of a just-us elopement’!)
After their first look, they decided to write their vows together. So they snuggled up on a day-bed in the airbnb and did just that. These were some of my favorite photos from their day, because it was so simple yet so meaningful to witness. Being in the same room and feeling the warmth of their body against you as you write and reflect on the promises you’re about to make to that person fills this moment with so much significance.
After 3 hours of getting ready (including breakfast, first look and writing their vows together), we headed into the park for their ceremony. Against a cluster of boulders for their backdrop, S+K exchanged emotional vows and rings, and ended with a unity sand ceremony. It was incredibly beautiful, made even more so by their sweet officiant Celene :)
>>Read more about getting ready ideas here!
An Intimate Ceremony in Joshua Tree, A Quick Hike, & The Most Stunning Sunset
After their ceremony, we went off to explore a trail in Joshua Tree National Park, but not before a quick bite that Kai quickly assembled on the back of their car. ;) We hiked the short trail to Arch & Heart Rock, and took in the beautiful Joshua Tree landscape. As we concluded our hike, the sun was starting to dip towards the horizon, casting a magical golden glow on the landscape. It was absolutely stunning.
Thank you Sophie & Kai for exploring Joshua Tree with me and having me on your intimate elopement day; I am beyond honored to bear witness to your love. :’)
