After Noah + Taylor’s golden hour sunset elopement in Yucca Valley (near Joshua Tree National Park), we stuck around as the moon was peaking out and the sun dipped behind the desert mountains.

Their boho and moody elopement was the perfect match for their personalities, with some goofy and silly laughter in between dumb jokes too. These two are so fun to be around, not to mention GORGEOUS! I mean, look at them!!!

They just moved to Oceanside from Illinois and I couldn’t be more excited to capture their love! They’ve known each other since she was 12 years old… isn’t that crazy?!?! Now they’re expanding his parent’s donut business and creating a franchise right here in Carlsbad! The grand opening for their cute and modern donut shop is this weekend! What a perfect time for an elopement in the desert and a grand opening!

There are so many more photos that we took from their elopement photo session before the sun went down, so stick around to see more posted! Follow my Insta for updates!

Wedding Planning Tip:

THIS is why I love blue hour almost as much as I love golden hour!

Folks, remember to set some time aside on your wedding day for golden hour (sunset), and blue hour (twilight as soon as the sun dips). Even just 10 mins can give you absolute DREAM photos you’ll get to have forever!
Cuz yea, lighting does matter

How we got “the shot”:

We achieved this look by waiting until blue hour to light up their faces just slightly, by using my video light as a hair light/backlight them, and an orange diffuser to warm it up. I underexposed it by 3 stops to get a moody, silhouetted look, even though the sky was still quite bright at the time!

SEE MY TIK TOK FOR HOW WE GOT THIS: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJarLh8W/

Marvelous Vendors:

venue + styling / @roamersretreats @highdesertparadise  

couple / @taylornicolehayden @noahhayden

florals + stylist / @reedandrye

dress / @reevbridal

makeup / @katiehaynesmakeup

backdrop / @peachyandfolk

name tags / @wildhouseink

linen / @latavolalinen

napkins / @bbjlinen

Which is your favorite? Golden hour photos or blue hour (what these are)? Comment below!