Based in:
Jessica and Adam already knew they were in love with Southern Utah. They’d visited several times before and caught themselves continually dreaming about the next time they’d get back to the sandstone arches, the dramatic desert landscapes, and the rock formations that made time seem to stand still.
So when they decided to get married after being together for nearly 13 years, they instantly knew that southern Utah–Moab specifically–was the perfect place for them.
What struck me as so amazing about Jessica and Adam is that from the start, they trusted me completely. They’d explored the southwest before, but they were coming all the way over from Australia–their willingness to trust me to find the perfect locations for them and help them capture their love as authentically as possible meant so much to me.
What mattered most to the two of them was having a just-them day that centered on exactly what they cared about. And what they cared about was seeing and doing as much as possible, and that was precisely the plan for their Moab adventure wedding.
Jessica and Adam did something immediately that some couples need a little encouragement to do at first–they planned the day exactly how they wanted, no matter what anyone said. They knew what was most important to them, they knew how they wanted to feel, and they knew what they wanted to remember about that day. And that was so important to them and so meaningful to them, they ultimately decided to chase that feeling–that 100%, over-the-moon, never coming down feeling–they weren’t going to have a ceremony on the day of their elopement.
They both wanted to say private vows, share their thoughts and feelings, and make sure they were expressing their love and gratitude for each other. But they knew that if they included that in these moments, that emotion might carry over into a feeling they weren’t sure they wanted on their elopement day.
And you know what? It was actually perfect.
Usually, I am the first person to go off on a tangent about elopement ceremonies–about how intimate and special, and incredible they can be. I’ll talk anyone’s ear off about how an elopement ceremony can look totally different than what you think it is–that it can include anything that matters to a couple.
But Jessica and Adam’s decision to forgo vows and a ceremony made me really stop and think. Elopements are entirely about doing what you want on your wedding day–and they were so committed and willing and ready to do just that. They wanted a day of fun and adventure, and they knew the feeling they were chasing–and because of that, they did exactly what they wanted.
To me, they are the true spirit of eloping.
They spent the day adventuring around the jaw-dropping places in Utah they loved–spots they’d dreamed of seeing together. The day was packed with hiking, exploring, and scurrying around to see and experience as many places as possible, something that made them infinitely happy to do together.
They popped champagne and ate cake in one of the most beautiful places in Utah.
They overlooked Arches, peered out over towering viewpoints, and felt the depth and vastness of overlooks carved out by ancient canyons. It was a day full of excitement for both of them and, most importantly, one saturated with love and intention.
They’d come such a far way to have the day that they wanted. Being able to elope in Utah–a place that meant so much to them and made them feel alive and happy–was the number one factor on their list, and they made sure to make that happen. And the day itself–so focused on them, on the intentions of joy and bliss and love–was everything they’d imagined for it.
They didn’t need guests or fancy details. They knew they didn’t even need vows. They just needed the desert and each other–that was enough for them.
