Sunset Elopement at Hidden Valley in Joshua Tree National Park

Y’all, this is a reeeeally good one.

Ken & Ellen reached out to me when they started planning their Joshua Tree elopement, and I was immediately so stoked to find that they were up for whatever I wanted to do for the best photos! I LOVE when my couples trust the process (and my artistic vision) to make an incredible experience for them, so I ran with it and scouted out the perfect spot for an intimate desert elopement at the Hidden Valley Picnic Area in Joshua Tree National Park. It’s my favorite spot for big views, boulders, spectacular sunsets, and great stargazing.

We started the day at their hotel in Palm Springs, Talavera. It’s the coolest little historic property with 11 individual suites, and it was the perfect spot for detail photos, hair & makeup, and a first look with Ken & Ellen in the courtyard. Palm Springs is so rad, and we had a gorgeous drive from there to Joshua Tree just before sunset.

The love these two have for each other is so big and so good. The kind of love that makes every little in between moment on a wedding day that much more special.

Once we arrived at the park, we headed to the Hidden Valley Picnic Area, where Ashleigh and I had scouted out a killer ceremony spot the night before. Bathed in ridiculous, glowy desert light, Ellen and Ken exchanged vows and rings in the sweetest ceremony (officiated by Ellen’s bff since childhood).

Obsessed with the way the light in Joshua Tree gets all pink at sunset. It’s a dream. And just LOOK AT ELLEN, are you kidding me?!

After sunset/blue hour and a champagne toast in the parking lot, we bundled up and got set up for some stargazing shots. It takes a good chunk of time to set up star shots and adjust for lighting, and Ellen & Ken were so sweet and patient while we got everything going. Side note - I brought some blankets along to make sure everyone was comfy, but the real star of the show was my beloved Poler Napsack (or my Sloncho, as I affectionately call it). Ellen was able to stay cozy in it between shots, and it slipped right over her dress. It’s one of my favorite camping purchases in years. Not sponsored, just enthusiastic 😂

So so so grateful to Ellen & Ken for trusting Ashleigh and me with their wedding day - it was so much fun and a huge honor to work with them and make these photos together!

Vendor Team:
Hotel - Talavera Palm Springs
Ceremony - Hidden Valley Picnic Area (Permit Required!), Joshua Tree National Park
Rings - Angara Jewlery (his), Khan Diamonds, Boston, MA (hers)
Suit - Bonobos 
Dress - Tulle Bridal, Andover MA 
Florals - Hermano Flower Shop, Palm Springs 

xoxo
Lauren

Sunset Engagement Session at El Matador State Beach in Malibu

If these two look familiar, it’s because they should! Donovan is my brother-in-law, and he is going to marry this gorgeous babe (Stephanie) in a few months! They got engaged during the holidays last year, and we decided to do their engagement photos while on our family vacation in Malibu this summer. I’m so glad we did - those California sunsets are unmatched, and we had such a great time. We won’t be photographing the wedding (because we’re IN the wedding - Aubrey, Elsie, and I all get to be a part of it and we are so honored🥹), so I’m really stoked we were able to do these!

I absolutely cannot wait to stand by these two in March as they make it official in Arizona. It already feels like Stephanie (aka “Aunt Stephy”) is part of our family, but I’m so excited to share a last name!

xoxo
Lauren

Valley of Fire Sunset Elopement Session

I don’t know if y’all are fully aware, but I definitely have a thing for Valley of Fire. I fell head over heels for it the first time we visited and hiked the Fire Wave Trail, and it played a huge part in inspiring us to move to Vegas last year. I came, I saw, and then I couldn’t imagine NOT taking my clients there to share the views and the absolutely ridiculous desert light.

I’ve gotten to shoot there with couples several times now, and each time has been gorgeous. So when Caroline & Sam reached out to me to plan a session after their elopement in town at Little White Chapel, I was so stoked to help them. I didn’t photograph the ceremony itself, but instead we opted to plan for two hours out around the park at sunset with a classic Cadillac they rented. It was PERFECTION, and I could’ve kept shooting all night (if it were allowed… which it definitely isn’t 😅).

These two came to me from Charleston, South Carolina, and I’m so honored they contacted me to make sure they had epic photos from their wedding day. It was incredible. They’re incredible! I want to keep shooting at Valley of Fire every chance I get, so if you’re also planning a Valley of Fire elopement, make sure to reach out! I’m well-versed in the permit process (I’m an annual photography permit holder, and yes - a permit is definitely required to shoot at Valley of Fire), and I know all the ins and outs of the approved photo spots. So I’m obviously your gal 😘 You too can have badass photos like these!

xoxo
Lauren