Jenn & Alex in Joshua Tree // A Sunrise Engagement Session

When Jenn & Alex found out I was already in the desert (for one of my favorite Joshua Tree weddings of all time), they jumped at the chance to meet me the next morning for a sunrise drive through Joshua Tree National Park. Jenn wore a beautiful floral dress that moved with the wind and popped against the browns and greens and pinks and golds of the desert, and Alex looked sharp as all hell.

We drove into the park in the darkness, and moved south east along the road, stopping wherever our hearts (and casual pre-shoot scouting) suggested. It was a beautiful way to get to know them better - to be in awe, the three of us together, of the California sun rising in the desert sky.

Tabitha & Gavin // A Palm Springs Engagement Session

Another day, another gorgeous, whimsical couple romping around the desert.

Gavin and Tabitha (and her gorgeous unicorn hair) were celebrating their first anniversary at The Parker Palm Springs on the very same weekend I was heading home from Jenn & Alex's Joshua Tree engagement session. We made a plan to meet for a drink a couple hours before sunset and steal away for some photos on the grounds at the Parker (mildly not allowed). 

Then we hopped in my car and I drove them out to my favorite spot in town - just a little off the beaten path - where we watched the sun set over a wind farm and they kicked dirt and made out until it started getting dark.

PS: Tabitha is the brilliant creative behind Winston & Main, an event design company in Los Angeles. 

winners [WHY WED THE DESERT]

#WHYWEDTHEDESERT

Note to self: never hold a contest like this ever, ever again. I broke my own heart, not being able to shoot each couple that entered - their stories are great, their smiles are bright and all I want to do is celebrate their love and shoot their beautiful desert wedding.

But alas, I had to choose a winner (ok, I chose two).

I am proud to be shooting Kait's friends nuptials next month, because damn it do I love a girl who bucks traditional gender roles and does the proposing herself.

I am also thrilled to shoot Patricia & Dave's wedding, because damn it can that girl write. I absolutely loved her story, and the way she showed us what their love is like. 

Congratulations to both couples, and thank you again to everyone who entered. I loved reading your stories.