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This Moab elopement was one for the books my friends, so settle in and I’ll tell you all about the magic that was Maryna and Paul’s special day. The beauty of this summer day was unreal, from the beginning of the day to when the sun went down. Every second was visually spectacular, and as always, I was so humbled to be there to capture love behind the lens. So photographing their joy and love in one of the most beautiful places I know was an honor.
Before I fill you in on all the enchanting details, I would like to share with you a little bit of their love story that led them to Moab.
Maryna and Paul met in an art gallery in New York City.
I don’t know about you, but to me this sounded like a “meet cute” from a romantic comedy. After meeting them I can without a doubt say that this story fits them so well, they are as classy as an art gallery. So you need proof? Then just look at the pictures below!
Therefore, with such a cute story for how they met, Paul had to top it with the proposal! So he did, he knew Maryna’s favorite street in New York City is Staple Street, which has a famous private skybridge that connects two buildings. So Paul found a secret way of getting inside the cast iron bridge. Then, after coming back down to reality he surprised Maryna with the proposal! (Naturally, he thought of everything, there were even balloons). That’s when, Maryna, in shock and very surprised, said yes!
Because Maryna and Paul are travelers and explorers at heart, their Moab elopement day wouldn’t have felt true to them if it wasn’t adventurous.
Because they have done it all, from walking the ocean floor in the Virgin Islands to seeing pandas in China! So when they got engaged it was a no brainer. They knew they wanted something intimate to truly celebrate their love story but it had to include adventure. That’s when Moab came into play.
Moab is secluded with amazing scenery all around, so perfect for an elopement.
Moab is a truly picture perfect view of arches, slot canyons, and sharp cliffs. This was the exact backdrop they wanted to exchange their vows and become husband and wife, so thats what they did.
Their wedding day started so early in the morning with a beautiful sunrise ceremony in Arches National Park at the Double Arch. While the first sun rays of the day bathed the scenery in golden light Maryna and Paul exchanged their wedding vows to each other, just the two of them. As a result, I had the honor of doing a simple reading of their “I do’s” as they exchanged rings, and pronounced them husband and wife in Moab, Utah. Then, we found hikers to sign their wedding license right where they got married, and off we went.
We found the other iconic arches as well and froze those moments in time for them.
The day continued on full of loving looks the couple shared, while simultaneously being in awe of our surroundings.
Then, after their ceremony we trekked through the Moab terrain, they were such troopers! Maryna braved the elements and wore her stilettos the entire day, I was so impressed!
Then, they got on a helicopter to see the outskirts of the Canyonlands National Park in the early afternoon to continue their Moab elopement.
The dramatic desert landscape carved by the Colorado River added to the romantic feel of the day. This part of the world has a unique ability to make you feel so small but in the best way.
It was breathtaking to say the least, it’s no wonder I never tire of the beauty in this corner of the world. It has so much to give. This moment was very adventurous so I loved how focused they remained on each other. It can be easy to get lost in the scenery but they truly soaked in every second of their day.
The bride looked so beautifully classy in her true NYC fashion, everything from the dress to the flowers. It was so perfectly them.
Because they opted for an adventure elopement, Maryna wanted to include the traditional “something old, new, borrowed and blue.” So, she had some old white sneakers, their new wedding rings, a borrowed bracelet from a special friend and two blue things, a shark stuffed animal and a blue balloon.
One of my favorite things about getting to meet so many wonderful couples and documenting their love story is finding out the details that are so uniquely them.
For instance, Maryna and Paul have a beautiful tradition of taking pictures of their hands holding each other, and they wanted to make sure to have a picture of this. They also had details they included in their day that were very much “just them”.
By this point we had spent all morning and afternoon celebrating everything that was Maryna and Paul’s beautiful love story. So, we took a break for food, rest, and unwinding.
Then, we met up for sunset at Dead Horse Point State Park. It was a beautiful backdrop for some of the most romantic pictures of the day. Maryna’s tulle skirt flowing in the wind, the sky a faint blue with golden light washing down on the two of them, it was more beautiful than can be imagined. Then we broke out the champagne to celebrate getting through the day and some artfully delicious donuts as dessert before parting ways after the sun went down.
Flowers – Farm Yard Moab
Hair + Makeup – Janelleingram
Donuts – Dough bird
Helicopter – Pinnacle Helicopter
Did you love Maryna and Paul’s Moab elopement so now you want to see more adventure inspiration? Then, check out more Forever to the Moon elopements on the blog!
