Some places don’t feel real—this was one of them.

K + C are eloping soon and wanted to do a bridal session somewhere quiet, wild, and beautiful before the big day. We met up an hour outside of Torrey in the desert, and had just enough off-roading to make it an adventure.

It’s one of those hidden spots that doesn’t show up on a map, and honestly? That’s what makes it even better. As we pulled up, the landscape opened up into soft rolling clay, striations of red rock, and hills that looked like they were painted. The kind of place that people compare to Mars, and it’s honestly so true. An otherworldly landscape worthy of K + C and their love.

There was a slight breeze in the air, just enough to catch her dress and give it some movement. The wind wasn’t annoying—it felt kind of perfect. The light started to shift toward golden hour, and everything turned warm and soft. Her dress glowed against the red clay, and his white shirt popped just enough without feeling too formal for the desert.

They explored the space like it was made just for them. No posing for hours, no stiff moments—just walking, laughing, and stopping whenever the light hit right. We got dust on our boots and dirt on her hemline, but that’s part of the magic.

The Henry Mountains sat way off in the background, bluish and hazy in the late afternoon light. It gave the whole place this grounded, wide-open feel. You could stand there and just breathe.

It didn’t feel like a photo shoot. It felt like an adventure they were letting me tag along on. These two are planning an elopement that’s just as intentional and chill, so this bridal session was the perfect start to their story.

If you’re thinking about doing bridals before your elopement, I can’t recommend something like this enough. It’s not about the “perfect” backdrop—it’s about finding a place that feels like you, getting outside the usual, and letting the landscape become part of your memories.

Planning Your Own Adventure Bridals?
I’m based in Southern Utah and always scouting out places like this—off the beaten path, wildly beautiful, and worth the extra drive. Whether you’re eloping or just want photos that feel real and meaningful, let’s make it happen.