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Sometimes, traditional weddings come with the expectation that certain things need to happen throughout the day for it to really count.
What I love most about elopements–especially adventure elopements–is there’s no pressure to do anything that doesn’t fit what you want.
But more importantly, there’s the freedom to do anything and everything you want
Mandy and Michael took that truth and made it their own.
They embarked on a beautiful Utah elopement in Moab, punctuated by arches, iconic desert landscapes, and a mission to things their way.
These two are from Germany, and they first started planning their elopement with me during the pandemic. Like most of the elopements and weddings that were planned during that time, it was a guessing game of what could happen, where it could happen, and when it could happen.
There was some uncertainty as the pandemic ebbed and flowed, but finally, they made their way to the States for a once-in-a-lifetime elopement adventure.
I always try to make sure my couples know that their elopement days can be exactly what they want them to be–slow and relaxed or a wild adventure that’s non-stop excitement. Mandy and Michael didn’t necessarily need this reminder.
They came into our time together knowing what they were after–an iconic, American adventure filled to the brim with Moab beauty and intentional moments.
This meant an epic, day-long jaunt through jaw-dropping parts of Moab, intentional moments they could soak in, and the start of a lifelong adventure they’d never forget.
Their day began at Under Canvas in their glamping tents. The two chose to rent out two billowing white tents so they could get ready separately and intentionally. Mandy’s hair and makeup artist arrived at her tent, toting a generator for a little extra electricity (sometimes you have to get creative in remote places–that’s part of the adventure).
They each took their time getting ready, soaking in those moments, and allowing themselves to really embrace what was happening. This is something I always encourage couples to think about when planning their days.
Yes, the exciting stuff–the vows, the ceremony, the exploring–are all big parts of the day. But so are the small moments where you’re giving yourself time to absorb what’s happening. I always try to remind my clients that their day is about the moments they create and can remember forever. Taking an hour or two to slowly get ready for the day gives you time to breathe and helps you set that intention from the start.
Mandy and Michael finished getting ready in their tents around mid-morning. These two were all about embracing the intentional and meaningful moments of their day, so they chose to share their first look before their elopement adventure began.
Outside of their tents, they saw each other for the first time in their wedding attire. They embraced, letting the moment unfold before them before they embarked on a full day packed with adventure, exploration, and the beginning of a brand new life together.
The rest of their magical day was one beautiful moment after another. We piled in the cars to head out to Dead Horse State Park for a beautiful catered lunch–yep, you can have gourmet food catered in the remote beauty of Utah.
Like I said, elopements truly have no limits. After lunch, they headed out to an iconic overlook–and there, a sweetheart table set up by their wedding day coordinator awaited them.
There, in the stark and wild beauty of Utah, Mandy and Michael ate their first bites of wedding cake, popped champagne in celebration, and soaked in the views all around them.
They’d already experienced so much magic on their day, but it had truly only just begun. We whisked away to their chosen elopement ceremony spot beneath an ancient arch. What I loved about Mandy and Michael’s entire elopement was their commitment to doing things the way they wanted–and their ceremony was no exception.
They read vows to each other, had a sand-blending ceremony, and even shared a moment of silence. It was a ceremony filled with intentional moments and rituals that were important to them–and they had no problem embracing that whole-heartedly.
The rest of their day was peppered with adventure, exploration, more desert scenery, and even a first dance by the firelight and s’mores back at Under Canvas.
Mandy and Michael’s day was what I wish for every couple–a full expression of what matters to them. They wanted a long, meaningful ceremony–so they did it. They wanted a full day packed with multiple locations and stunning scenery–so they chose it. They wanted to pepper the day with opportunities to slow down, embrace important moments, and enjoy every second of their wedding–and they did that.
If you’re looking for a sign that the adventure elopement of your dreams can happen no matter what, consider Mandy and Michael’s wedding it.
