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.

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.

contest [WHY WED THE DESERT, joshua tree wedding photography]

to celebrate the release of my Bottoms-Up Joshua Tree calendar, to thank god for the SCOTUS's smooth moves last week, and to calm the nerves of friends & family afraid i'll never return to california.. i'm proud to announce:

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#WHYWEDTHEDESERT
win free wedding photography for your joshua tree nuptials

if you plan to get married in joshua tree or palm springs between september 2013-december 2014, or want to scrap your current arrangements and meet me there instead, you're eligible.

to enter, either: 

1. leave a comment below. tell me about you and your beloved, and why you two are getting hitched in the desert. 

2. tell your story via instagram. be sure to tag @marbleryephoto and include #whywedthedesert.

the contest will close on august 10, 2013. winner will be announced by august 15th.