To see part 2 of this awesome elopement, click here.
Hunter & Kim's wedding plans got changed around so. many. times due to the ever shifting nature of covid-19 event restrictions. They had to reimagine their celebration probably more than any other couple we worked with this year. But although it was frustrating and a long process, Kim and Hunter still came ready to bring their best possible vision to life, so excited to *finally* be married to each other.
Since we'd shot their snowy engagement session at Hurricane Ridge, Kim and I would often chat about possible location ideas for their wedding. They knew they wanted to have a private, elopement day, where they could focus on each other and go to a beautiful place, followed by a larger ceremony and reception with more friends. So although the actual details, dates, locations, and guest count was ever changing, they did actually end up staying pretty true to their original vision.
When I posted about this quiet desert sand dune hike in a gorgeous corner of central Washington, Kim immediately messaged me and was like THIS IS IT! This is where we want to elope. They actually planned a trip out to this spot & hiked the whole trail beforehand, just to see it in person before committing, and although they looked at other locations throughout their planning process, this was the one they kept returning to. I was so thrilled that someone else found this gorgeous place to be as enchanting and magical as I did (in case you're new here, I'm pretty darn obsessed with the central Washington desert) and wanted to say their vows amidst the towering cliffs, sagebrush, open skies, and sand dunes.
It was a VERY windy day, which made for some challenges, but incredible photos and a lot of laughs. We all got tons of sand in our cameras, shoes, hair, pockets, etc. that we were all cleaning out for weeks! The ladies at La Vision Events created a jaw-dropping ceremony set up, with gorgeous pampas grass with coral and terra cotta tones that completely complemented the desert landscape. Kim was the vision of boho vintage Americana with her Madi Lane dress specifically tailored to be more manageable and lightweight in the outdoors, and it flowed beautifully in the wind. She also had just the coolest bridal hat adorned with more florals from La Vision. Hunter rocked an all black suit, and for the most part, no shoes, because after a while trodding through sand, you figure out pretty quick that it's easiest to go barefoot!
Kim and Hunter had their first look out on the sand dunes before exchanging their private vows to each other. After we took some more portraits and ran around on the dunes, we slowly started our hike back to the cars, stopping frequently to admire the golden hour light over the landscape. Once we arrived back at the trailhead, Kim & Hunter grabbed a few of their favorite beers & their trusty Treklight Gear blanket and enjoyed a newlywed toast out on the empty desert road as the day slipped into twilight.
To see day 2 of this epic elopement, which has a ton more incredible design, styling, and just general tiny-wedding goals, click here!
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