The beautiful irony of life often unfolds in the most unexpected ways. Here I am, a new mother to our one-month-old baby girl, and only now am I finally sharing the cherished memories of our wedding day! It’s clear this year has flown by, filled with incredible milestones and joyous surprises. But on the bright side, I’m thrilled to bring you a treasure trove of our wedding photos, heartfelt videos, and personal vows from our intimate elopement in the breathtaking White Sands, New Mexico, last February.
It’s truly remarkable to reflect on how much has transpired and transformed in just one year. Every moment, every shared experience, only deepens my love and reinforces my desire to marry this incredible man over and over again. Our journey to the altar wasn’t without its twists and turns, making our story all the more unique and special.
Our Unforgettable White Sands Elopement: A Story of Love, Laughter, and Desert Dreams
Originally, we had planned a much larger, more traditional celebration, but as fate would have it, we ended up canceling our initial wedding plans. Instead, we decided to embrace the magic of an elopement, exchanging vows with just our closest family and friends right here in the states. Re-watching our wedding videos now, it’s abundantly clear that making that pivot was the perfect decision for us. Our elopement evolved into an intimate, beautifully simple day that we wouldn’t trade for anything.
Within this post, you’ll discover a comprehensive wedding photo gallery, meticulously captured by our phenomenal wedding photographers, The Cotton Collective. We also have three distinct videos from our talented videographers at Modern-Atelier: a captivating highlight reel, a hilariously candid behind-the-scenes glimpse, and our full ceremony video, complete with our personal vows. And, of course, I’ve included all the vendor details from our spectacular day for anyone dreaming of their own desert romance.
So, settle in with your favorite warm drink because there’s a wonderful story waiting to be told!
The Decision to Elope: Embracing Intimacy and Adventure
Our journey to elopement was a deliberate choice to prioritize intimacy and genuine connection over grandiosity. We realized that what mattered most was celebrating our love in a way that truly resonated with us, surrounded by those who mean the absolute most. The idea of a secluded, meaningful ceremony in a breathtaking natural setting felt incredibly right, and White Sands quickly emerged as the perfect, ethereal backdrop for our vows.
A Weekend in White Sands: Our Intimate Elopement Unveiled
While the captivating videos certainly narrate our story with far more flair than words alone, allow me to provide a brief yet vivid summary of our unforgettable wedding weekend.
Our nearest and dearest—our parents, siblings, and a handful of cherished friends—converged in picturesque New Mexico on a Friday. Among them was our dear friend, Jeff, who graciously served as our officiant, adding an even deeper layer of personal connection to our ceremony.
Saturday morning was a whirlwind of anticipation, spent getting ready separately. The air buzzed with excitement as Jared eventually picked me up from the hotel for our poignant first look photos. For the weekend, we had rented a fantastic convertible from Turo, which transformed our desert drives into an exhilarating adventure, with the vast, open landscapes blurring past us.
Before heading to the stunning White Sands National Monument for the ceremony, we made a delightful stop at a local frozen custard place—a sweet pause before the main event. In the meantime, my incredible friends, Kayla and Brittni, worked tirelessly to set up the ceremony site. They orchestrated every detail, from arranging the delicate flowers to placing the elegant decor and furniture rentals from Birch & Brass, which we had thoughtfully picked up in Austin on our way. Their dedication truly brought our vision to life against the stark white canvas of the dunes.
Vows on the Dunes: A Ceremony Bathed in Natural Beauty
The afternoon was filled with laughter and a few truly ridiculous family photos – a highlight being my brother sporting Jared’s suit jacket, alongside a rather large and whimsical banner. These moments of candid joy perfectly captured the relaxed and fun spirit of our day. Soon after, the most anticipated moment arrived: we exchanged our heartfelt vows atop the soft, gleaming sand dunes. The setting was nothing short of magical, with the vast expanse of white gypsum surrounding us, reflecting the soft light of the New Mexico sky. It was a profoundly intimate experience, where every word felt magnified by the silence and beauty of our surroundings.
Following our vows, we celebrated with toasts, delicious light bites, and refreshing cocktails. We learned later that alcoholic beverages, balloons, and lanterns are technically not permitted in the park, so let’s just keep that little detail between us! It added a dash of playful rebellion to our otherwise serene celebration.
We even attempted to release sky lanterns, each bearing a wedding wish for our future. However, it quickly became apparent that the learning curve for these particular lanterns, especially the cheapest ones from Amazon, is surprisingly steep! We had a good laugh trying to get them airborne, a memorable, if not entirely successful, endeavor. I also brought sledding discs for everyone to enjoy sliding down the dunes, but in the excitement, we misplaced the wax needed to make them slick. Take it from us: don’t make the same mistake!
A Quirky Tradition is Born: Dinner at Johnny Carino’s
As the sun began its descent, painting the dunes in hues of gold and pink, we departed for… wait for it… a very casual dinner at Johnny Carino’s. Yes, you read that correctly! It turns out, dining options immediately outside of White Sands are rather limited. What started as a practical necessity has now charmingly evolved into our running anniversary tradition: to seek out a Johnny Carino’s for our celebratory date night. It’s a wonderfully quirky reminder of our unconventional, yet perfectly us, wedding day.
Capturing Everlasting Memories: The Magic of Our Photographers and Videographers
I am absolutely enamored with the stunning photos and vivid videos that our incredible photographers and videographers captured. They not only preserved every beautiful moment but also skillfully wove together the narrative of our special day, making the entire weekend feel seamless and profoundly special. Their artistry allows us to relive these cherished memories again and again.
You can click on any of the photos below to embark on a visual journey through our full photo gallery. It’s packed with candid bloopers, heartwarming family pictures, and countless other unforgettable moments from throughout our incredible day!
Beyond the Day: Cherished Memories and Future Adventures
Our elopement in White Sands was truly a perfect day, and I’m endlessly grateful that we can continuously relive those precious moments through our stunning photos and dynamic videos. The behind-the-scenes video, in particular, will forever be a source of hearty laughter and warm nostalgia.
For those curious about our post-nuptial adventures, you can also explore the captivating details of our honeymoon in French Polynesia and the breathtaking beauty of Bora Bora. These subsequent journeys were the perfect extension of our intimate wedding celebration, marking the beginning of our new life together.
Considering an Elopement? Our Top Tips for Your Desert Dream Wedding
If our story has inspired you to consider an intimate elopement, especially in a unique location like White Sands, here are a few insights we gathered:
- Embrace the Unconventional: Don’t be afraid to break from tradition. Your wedding day should reflect your unique love story and personal preferences.
- Prioritize Intimacy: An elopement allows you to truly focus on each other and the profound commitment you’re making, free from the pressures of a large event.
- Choose Your Location Wisely: A spectacular backdrop like White Sands adds an unparalleled sense of magic and adventure to your ceremony. Research local regulations for permits and restrictions.
- Invest in Quality Vendors: Our photographers and videographers were instrumental in capturing the essence of our day. Their work allows us to relive every moment, which is priceless for an elopement.
- Prepare for the Unexpected (and Embrace it!): From lost sledding wax to secret cocktails, some of the most memorable moments are often the unplanned ones. Flexibility is key.
- Consider Logistics: Think about travel, accommodation, and dining options for yourselves and any guests. Sometimes, the most charming traditions emerge from necessity!
Our Amazing Wedding Vendors & Creative Team
Bringing our White Sands elopement vision to life wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible talent and dedication of our chosen vendors. Each played a crucial role in making our day absolutely perfect:
- Ceremony & Reception Venue: White Sands National Monument
- Day-Of Coordinators: Kayla Haykin and Brittni Mehlhoff of Paper & Stitch
- Wedding Skirt, Earrings, and Tabletop Glassware: BHLDN
- Shoes: Kate Spade
- Groom’s Attire: Asos
- Groom’s Shoes: Vans
- Engagement Ring: Mociun
- Bridal Wedding Band: Iconery
- Groom Wedding Band: Etsy
- Flowers: Purchased from Flower Muse, arranged by Brittni Mehlhoff of Paper & Stitch
- Invitations: Minted
- Laser-Cut Place cards, Signage: California Lustre
- Rentals: Birch & Brass
- Car Rental: Turo
- Videography: Modern Atelier
- Photography: The Cotton Collective