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

Joshua Tree Sunset Anniversary Session

Aubrey and I met Allison & Blake several years ago when we did their engagement session in/around Asheville NC, and it wound up being a kind of pivotal session for my career. I knew that I loved bringing people to my favorite places and immersing them in the magic of the forest, the smell of the trees, and the feel of the mountain air. But it wasn’t until I took Allison & Blake all around the Blue Ridge Parkway that I realized that’s what I want to do for ALL of my couples. Something clicked with me that day, and it was one of the first times I had the feeling that I could do sessions like theirs forever.

We shot their gorgeous wedding in Atlanta the following year, and we’ve stayed in touch on social media since then. When I announced we were relocating to Las Vegas, Allison reached out to see if I’d be up for an anniversary session in Joshua Tree during their vacation, and I’m not sure I’ve ever said yes so quickly!

I love these two - they are a couple of the easiest people to photograph and just to be with, in general. Not to mention, Joshua Tree is an absolute must-have, bucket-list location. You just can’t even fathom how amazing it is until you see it. The light: unreal. The landscape: otherworldly. The night sky?! ridiculous. We were able to hang out a little while past dark for some night shots, which was so rad (and also took a lot of patience - thanks again, y’all)! I will gladly do anniversary sessions for them every single year that they want them.

Planning a Joshua Tree elopement or engagement session? I can help! Joshua Tree requires a photography permit, and I take care of securing all of that for my couples. I also help with planning, finding great vendors, and making sure that everyone knows and adheres to Leave No Trace ethics while we’re out. Reach out to plan your session!