This styled Red Rock Canyon Elopement and the people involved with this shoot mean so much to me. Human connection is the underlying theme of my work. Meeting new people and becoming a part of their story is what keeps this creative fire burning for me.
But I’m guilty of hiding behind my camera. I wanted to make a video to show my purpose is more than just “clicking a button.” In June, I wrestled my fear of being on camera and reached out to Andrew Abajian to bring my vision to life.
We planned together for months and eventually settled on the Las Vegas in December. I tracked down a beautiful bohemian gown by Rue de Seine, courtesy of the Dress Theory. Wild Orchid Florist made us a unique desert bouquet.
All that was missing was a couple to model for us. I waited less than a month before our shoot date to find someone (oops)! Kiara was the first one to respond to a model call shared on Facebook.
A real, but extended, Vegas Elopement
David and Kiara really eloped in Joshua Tree a week before our film date and were already planning to honeymoon in Palm Springs. I didn’t want to impose work on newlyweds on their frickin’ HONEYMOON, but Kiara insisted they would rather do something creative together. Honestly, everything works out the way it’s supposed to because I couldn’t have asked for a better couple to photograph. They were high on post-nuptial feels already.
And there’s more of a backstory with these two. I’m lucky to call these amazing humans my friends…and we can all thank Flickr for that. Six years ago, Kiara and David inspired me to start my own 365 day self-portrait project on Flickr. It was a challenge, but I wouldn’t be the photographer I am today if I didn’t get through the project. Their love story is one for the books- you can read all about it on David’s blog here. Seriously, if you’ve ever doubted if true love is really out there, go read it right now.
Red Rock Canyon Elopement
Andrew and I invited them to stay with us at our cozy Airbnb. We stayed up late the night before to catch up on life, then woke up at the crack of dawn to start hair and make up.
Just after sunrise, we made our way to Red Rock Canyon. We spent the morning exploring the nooks and crannies of the canyon until the light became too harsh.
El Dorado Dry Lake Bed: Boulder
We took a midday siesta to drink David’s delicious coffee, record my voiceover, and eat pizza.
To make this styled Red Rock Canyon elopement even more epic, we added another backdrop for sunset. El Dorado dry lake bed in Boulder is definitely a must for any couples thinking about eloping in Vegas!
This is a day I’ll never forget and I can’t thank this talented team of people enough. I hope one I can photograph a real Red Rock Canyon elopement someday! You know where to find me. 😉
If you haven’t already, make sure to go watch the final film on my about page. Enjoy!
The Vendor Team
Hair & Make up: Mariah, Mobile Beauty Team Las Vegas // Bridal Shop: The Dress Theory, San Diego // Dress Designer: Raven Gown, Rue de Seine: 2017 Love Spell Collection // Florals: Wild Orchid Florist // Videography: Andrew Abajian
