Preface
This trip to photograph a Bryce Canyon Elopement was one huge adventure. It was a much needed break for me and Andy. After four miscarriages, we needed time to breathe before beginning our fertility treatment and this was the perfect escape. When Andy and I met, we made all sorts of plans to travel together. First Iceland, then Montana, and now beautiful Utah. When the pandemic hit at the beginning of 2020 we were scared to death this trip wouldn’t happen. But the universe came together in our favor and we made it!
The Experience
When we planned this Bryce Canyon Elopement give away back in 2019 with our videographer friends Chris and Julie, we had no idea the journey would lead us to four new friendships and such amazing memories. As soon as Andy and I arrived to the airbnb Colleen (bride), Austin (groom), and their friends (now our friends) Madison and Trevor greeted us with open arms. It was like hanging out with people we’d known forever.
The next few days Andy and I ventured to Zion National Park and Horseshoe Bend on our own. But every night we’d come back and have dinner with the others. Madison is by far one of the best southern cooks I’ve ever met. She’d make the simplest meals, but they tasted like my childhood home. Though Austin did make some mean scrambled eggs, Madison took the cake for best chef.
Chris and Julie arrived towards the end of the week, just in time for scouting the night before elopement day. Bryce Canyon had a gorgeous sunset, ironically, at a location called Sunrise Point. We knew that’s where the ceremony should take place. It did not disappoint.
The day was chill. We ate breakfast together and hung out. Hair and makeup went smoothly. Julie and I got some killer shots of the details outside in the direct sunlight. It was a fantastic morning. Colleen and Austin did a sweet and intimate first look in a field next to the airbnb. We all shed a few tears as they read letters from Austin’s mom.
Julie and I rode in the backseat, snacks in tow, with Colleen and Austin as we headed to Bryce Canyon.
The crowd wasn’t as bad as I was expecting it to be, but one thing about being an elopement photographer in national parks, you have to have patience. A lot of patience. We spent a great deal of time waiting for people to walk by so we could get our shots in. But that wasn’t the case for the actual ceremony.
The Ceremony
The spot we chose was right in the middle of the trail, but when other people realized what was going on, I think they decided just to sit and watch the action rather than squeeze by. At their first kiss as man and wife, there was cheering and clapping from the overlook above us.
My favorite part wasn’t until later. No, not when we stopped for more snacks. It was the surprise video that was waiting for the couple at the bnb. I’m not sure whose idea it was, but Colleen and Austin’s friends and family created a video of everyone giving them their best wishes and kind words. We ALL cried. It was an incredibly humbling moment to witness.
The entire trip was one we will never forget. We love Colleen and Austin so much and we are so grateful for our friendship. And the best part? Our daughters will be born right around the same time!
Tessa
If you’d like to book us for your adventure elopement, click here.click here.
Photographers: Cedar + Stone Adventure Photography // Videographers: Films by Julie and Chris // Hair & Makeup: Savannah Morris // Dress: Palm Bridal
To watch Colleen and Austin’s elopement video CLICK HEREEE.
