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

Classic Car Elopement at Sure Thing Chapel in Downtown Las Vegas

Aiesha & Josh came from the UK to elope here in downtown Vegas at one of my favorite chapels in town - Sure Thing! It ended up being one of the hottest days of the summer (115º is no joke 🥵) but we were able to shoot outside the chapel for a bit before heading to take photos at Atomic Liquors. They were so kind to let us hang out inside and cool off while getting some really moody, vibey photos, and we appreciated it so much!

Aiesha was such a gorgeous bride - she was literally glowing and she and Josh are both so sweet. Absolutely loved working with them!

The vintage car was included in their elopement package at Sure Thing (pretty sure theirs was the “Drive Thru” option). It made for the PERFECT spot for photos - even in the harsh midday sun, it was super pretty and so much fun.

Thanks again, Atomic. Y’all are the real MVPs of the day!

Everything in this little area is really close and easily accessible on foot, so if you want awesome elopement photos like these with your babe - reach out and we’ll start planning! Aiesha and Josh trusted our game plan and it made it so easy and chill. We had such a blast - hope they’ll come back and see me for anniversaries (along with their beautiful baby girl)!

Special thanks to all the amazing vendors/designers involved:
Chapel: Sure Thing
Bride’s dress: Savin London
Bride’s shoes: Dune
Hair & Makeup: Andie P. Artistry
Groom’s blazer: Farhi
Groom’s shirt: Ralph Lauren
Rings: Diamond Heaven & Goldsmiths

xo

LGBTQ+ Elvis Wedding at Little White Chapel Las Vegas

Shawna & CJ reached out to me back in the fall before their elopement on 11.11.22 (which, as you might guess, was a HUGE day for Vegas weddings). I got to spend the morning with them, and it was just the most fun ever. I felt like I was hanging out with old friends - there were lots of happy tears, constant laughter, and just all-around ABSOLUTE JOY. Days like this one are why I became a photographer 🥲

We met just before their morning ceremony at the Little White Chapel in downtown Las Vegas, which is one of the most iconic spots for Vegas elopements. It’s kitschy, classic Vegas with a drive thru wedding window, a pink Cadillac, and (maybe most importantly?): Elvis. Shawna & CJ wanted the full experience, so they were married by Elvis in his pink Cadillac with a serenade to bookend the ceremony. It was SO FUN! Elvis even walked CJ to the car and sang “Viva Las Vegas” for their first dance afterward.

After our time at the chapel, we headed downtown for photos around all of the murals/street art around Fremont Street. They’re always changing, so there’s never a guarantee of what we’ll get, but it’s always colorful and awesome.

Are these two not the most beautiful couple you’ve ever seen? They are totally crazy about each other, and they are just as sweet as they are gorgeous. I loved every second of working with them.

For reference, Shawna & CJ booked my 2-hour Vegas Elopement Package, and we had plenty of time to fit in all of these spots. Ceremonies at Little White Chapel always vary, but I’d estimate that theirs took about 20 minutes (including Elvis’ songs). If you’re interested in booking your wedding at Little White Chapel, I can help advise which ceremony & time of day is best for you and your partner. Reach out to get started!