Superstition Mountains Elopement

Gina & Nate

4.19.21

Gina and Nate Eloped in the Arizona Desert; tucked up at the base of the Superstition Mountains, there were stunning views in every direction. They chose to elope with their parents and siblings by their sides, and Nate’s best friend as their officiant. A truly intimate desert elopement.

Gina and Nate chose to do a first look! I absolutely LOVE when couples that are Eloping, make their experience all about them. Include the pieces of a traditional wedding day that you want, and exclude the rest! Upon arrival we took Nate to a secluded location with large cholla cacti, and glowing light all around. When Gina arrived, she was already feeling all the feels! Her dad had just told her that this day was the best day of his life, seeing his baby girl say “I Do”! She tearfully stood behind Nate as she prepared to tap him on the shoulder.

With nothing but wilderness surrounding them, and no one in sight, Gina lightly tapped Nate on the shoulder. He turned around and smiled a huge, loving smile at Gina. Gina began to cry, and Nate wrapped her in his arms. They shared sweet kisses, he wiped the tears from her eyes, and they stood, embracing each other, and soaking in this moment.

Gina looked absolutely stunning in her flowy white dress, and her bouquet of pampas grass. It was the perfect boho touch, and added dreamy, warm tones to their day. Nate was dressed in a Navy Suit, giving the perfect amount of pop and contrast to their look.

We walked back to their chosen ceremony site where their family awaited. With the towering Superstitions behind them, the native desert blooming with spring colors, and a soft breeze, they began to exchange their vows. The gorgeous views of God’s beauty all around them, they took out their hand written vow books- Gina spoke about how marrying Nate is the easiest decision she’s ever made, and how she couldn’t wait for the life that they were beginning. That God’s plan is so much bigger than their own. Nate talked about how he knew he was meant to marry Gina as soon as he met her, he vowed to love and support her in all that she does, and to always be there to lift her up, and how he can’t wait to raise a family together.

Every detail of their day was a sweet testament to their love! Monday, April 19th. They chose the number 19; Nate’s Hockey Jersey Number growing up. They met at a Hockey game that Nate was playing at. The jewelry they wore during their Wedding day had meaning to them, too. They wore Caribbean love “hook” bracelets; gifted to them by Nate’s family. The Hook bracelets are a symbol of unity and love. As tradition goes, they wore their bracelets with the open end of the hook pointed up toward their hearts, showing that their love was taken.

The newlyweds were up for a small hike further out into the wilderness! We enjoyed the epic scenery and fully took in every single moment. Nate and Gina were so fun in love! They laughed, they snuggled, and just adored each other as we took their portraits! I truly felt like I was just watching a love story unfold in front of me. That I didn’t have to ask them to do anything..but just document their day as it was happening!

The dreamy sunset glow drenched them in warmth, large saguaros and cholla that are decades old surrounded us. We caught the last few moments of golden hour with Gina and Nate snuggled up, looking at the jaw dropping Superstitions. A true masterpiece to be married in front of. It was really important to Nate and Gina to have a simple elopement that highlighted the true raw beauty before us. I think their Wedding portraits did just that.

As the sun began to set, they danced in the desert, and truly stopped to breathe in the moments of the day. The hiked hand in hand all the way back to where they began the day. Gina was absolutely glowing, and not just from the sun… she’s also carrying their sweetest new addition. Baby boy Waite, soon to join them this July.

A Personal Thank you to Gina and Nate,

I can not even begin to describe how amazing it was to witness your beginning of the rest of forever together! Your day was filled with so much love, and heart felt moments. I absolutely loved everything about your best day ever! Gina, you looked absolutely gorgeous! The way Nate looks at you, it’s heart melting. Nate, you are such a great balance to Gina, your vows about loving and supporting her, and always being there to lift her up were so touching. You two are in the sweetest seasons of life! Newlyweds, and soon to be new parents. I can already tell that baby boy W is joining the family that is perfect for him! I can not wait to see you two in your new roles this summer! I already know you are enjoying life as Newlyweds! I am so thankful you chose me to be part of  your day. I swear I never stopped smiling and laughing! The joy you two exude is catching, and all of us around you can feel it! Cheers to many years of feeling like newlyweds, supporting each other through the sweet seasons of life, and growing your family!

xo

Vendor Team

Photography | Trisha Rose Photography 

Second Shooter | Morgan Weaver Creative

Makeup | Everyday JoJo

Hair | Styles by Crisci

Lashes+Glow | Elev8 Artistry

Vow Books | Sablewood Paper Co

To see more Elopements and Weddings by Trisha, click Here.