Winters in the east can be cold, cloudy, and sometimes just downright depressing. But when you travel to the west coast, winters can be warm, sunny, and a total BLAST! Not too long ago, I got to fly across the country for an intimate Las Vegas Elopement wedding. I started the morning at the bride’s house photographing all her beautiful details and a couple portraits of her getting into her dress. Then we were headed out for bride and groom portraits. Ashlee and Brian decided that they wanted their first look and all their wedding portraits on the sand dunes before the ceremony, so my assistant and I went off-roading to find the perfect spot. After cautiously weaving between dirt bikes and ATV’s, we found a secluded spot so that we could remain undisturbed for their quiet moment. I loved the desert and the contrast it brings to wedding portraits. Rough sand and rocks against white lace and beautiful florals. The bride and groom had their first look on the sand dunes, where we also stayed for a dreamy portrait session before heading back into the suburbs for a quiet ceremony with close friends and family. The ceremony ended right as the sun went down and the rest of the evening was spent dancing and eating cake.
One of the sweetest moments of the day were when the bride and groom were having their sparkler exit. You see, both Ashlee and Brian had children from previous relationships which was a big reason that they decided to opt for a small Las Vegas elopement wedding. After they had run through the sparklers and were getting into their getaway car, their children ran up to give them the biggest hugs goodbye. Loved seeing the love and support of their children while everyone started this new chapter as a blended family.
Photos shot on my Pentax 645N Film camera and scanned by Photovision Lab
Check out another small intimate wedding I photographed at a restaurant in downtown Winston Salem!