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Life is funny, because it’s all about timing. There are people that come into our lives at different points and watch us grow and change. This elopement was extra special because of this! I have known Rachel and John for years. They watched me find and pursue my passion in life (elopement photography) while I worked at my food scientist job. So when they reached out to me about their Bryce Canyon elopement, I just knew it was going to be a special day and it did not disappoint one bit. I am always honored to be a part of a couples day but when it’s someone I already know, love and cherish, it’s more than I can put into words. Enough about me though. Let’s talk about this beautiful day!
So, we started this Bryce Canyon Elopement day with a casual hiking adventure on the Fairylands trail for sunrise.
Who doesn’t want to start their day somewhere called the Fairylands Trail? That on its own sounds so unbelievably dreamy! The views on the trail did not disappoint because they are just as dreamy as the name! The Fairylands Trail took us through stone canyons of pink, white, and tan. The morning sun painted the sky such a beautiful shades of golden and light blue and then gifted us with a clear view of the outstanding scenery with a touch of warmth. (Only a touch because it was still pretty chilly!) It was so fun! Especially since Rachel and John are pretty avid hikers and have a love for exploring the national parks so they didn’t struggle to keep up with the trail at all!
Then, after an early morning of exploring, we headed back to the cabin to relax and get ready.
Rachel and John are very private people, they keep things so close to their heart, which I love! Only a few people knew that they had planned this elopement because they wanted to surprise their loved ones at their planned intimate wedding with beautiful photos from their trip to Utah where they said their vows to each other and enjoyed doing the things they love together. (Hiking and exploring national parks together!)
It was so sweet to watch John help Rachel get ready. Witnessing the joy and love radiating off of them was so special.
Then we were ready, Bryce Canyon Elopement, here we come.
We then started our hike up to a super exclusive Forever to the Moon secret spot amongst the Ponderosa Pine Trees for the Ceremony. And what a moving ceremony it was! We were dwarfed by the giant trees surrounding us and astounded because of their beauty. Then, Rachel and John said vows to each other and soaked in every moment under the Utah sun. They truly made it feel as beautiful as the scenery looked and the gravity of the moment was not lost on them.
Then came one of the best parts, the picnic!
They got a charcuterie box to share and they brought personalized coke bottles to commemorate the occasion.
There were so many personal touches, and you know me, I love personal “details” included in elopements! They had the coke bottles, custom mugs with their saying “adventure awaits” written on them (made by a family member), sunglasses to match their outfits, handmaid invitations, jewelry from relatives, and hydrangeas in the bouquet to remind her of grandma.
Then, after documenting the sweet moment and filling up on the picnic, we moved on to the Queen’s Garden trail for a post ceremony hike.
The views were spectacular, and the company was even better.
We trekked through the canyons while the sky started to change colors in preparation for the sunset. I have never kept my love for this corner of the earth a secret, and I’m reminded why every time I visit it with one of my couples. It’s so awe inspiring to feel so small because of your surroundings. I’m so glad I get to show so many couples these beautiful spots.
When the sky changed to a pale blue with a touch of soft pink we moved on to the rim for beers and more pictures. The sky was the perfect accent for the pink hoodoos and to the greenery the trees provided.
The romance of the moment filled the air and from behind my lens I became more and more inspired with every click of the camera.
We took the very important polaroid shots, laughed, drank and took more pictures and as the sun gave way to the star filled sky, I took a couple last photos and we said our goodbyes.
First, the florals. – Rose and Thyme
Then, the hair. – Jordan’s Boutique
Last but not least, Charcuterie box. – Aged and Cured
So my friends, this was the story of Rachel and John’s elopement in the Bryce Canyon. Want some more inspiration? Then, Check out more on the blog!
