Big Bend National Park Elopement | Elopement Videographer | Elopement Photographer | Eliana & Josh

BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK ELOPEMENT

ELOPING IN BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK

If there is one thing we've learned from our multiple trips to West Texas, it's that the desert gives & takes away. No matter how prepared you are, how much time you've spent planning, nature is always right there to give a big ol' eff you.

Did you know it rains in the desert? Yup. It's called monsoon season and we didn't know we'd be shooting right in the middle of it. Luckily, the skies cleared up and the sun shone on us for one glorious day in Big Bend with Eliana & Josh.

SUNRISE ELOPEMENT

The plan was a sunrise elopement at the Sotol Vista overlook. But waking up the day before to nothing but rain & gray skies, both us and Eliana & Josh had to reevaluate. Thankfully, everyone was flexible and Josh & Eliana trusted our judgement with the light. I mean, no one was totally stoked to wake up at 5 AM anyways...

Day of: perfect sunrise. I stared out the window at 7:30 AM to a gorgeous glowing sun rising over the mountains and cursed the Weather App for lying to me. But all was well - we headed to Josh & Eliana's rental at Rafaki Ridge in Terlingua, and captured them having a quite moment of reflection and anticipation on the patio as the desert basked in a warm glow. The space was so beautifully lit from all the windows, allowing for mostly natural light shooting. We counted our blessings that we weren't having to capture them getting ready in the dark as originally planned.

Once we got to Burro Springs in Big Bend National Park for the ceremony, there wasn't a damn cloud in the sky. The area was colorful with green foliage from the well watered terrain & previous days of yearly rain. Josh's brother spoke of the elements:

“Since ancient times, people have communed with nature to learn more about themselves. Since it is within nature that we all do abide, we ask for Josh & Eliana the blessings of natures elements: air, fire, water & earth. We do this so that they may fully come to understand the lessons each element has to offer. The attributes of which are examples of those aspects they mirror not only within divinity, but within ourselves as well.”

When all was said and done, instead of cutting the cake, Eliana & Josh cheersed their breakfast burritos & headed into Marfa to celebrate with friends & family ready to spend the weekend together.

Eloping is all about adaptability & flexibility, not just for the couple but for the videographer & photographer as well. You won't always have the perfect light, but you can take the opportunity to work with what you got, and usually be pleasantly surprised with the results.

If you’re a big fan of Big Bend & are looking for someone to document your desert elopement or intimate wedding celebration, we’re your photo & video team! Reach out today so we can start planning your adventure.

Shout out to Mountain Laurel Floral for the gorgeous dried bouquet.

Shot on Digital, 35mm Film & Polaroid.