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

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!