When Madeline & Logan first reached out to me about a bridal shoot at Dead Horse Point in Moab, I knew we were going to create some magic. They wanted to include a private first look moment to kick things off, and it was so special to capture Logan’s reaction to seeing Madeline for the first time. Especially without the pressure of a timeline on a wedding day!
There’s something magical about taking a breath before the whirlwind of your wedding day begins. That’s exactly what bridals (or a first look session ahead of the wedding) are all about. Not only do they give you stunning portraits in an epic location, but they also help take so much pressure off your actual wedding day.
For these two lovebirds, we headed out to Moab’s incredible red rock cliffs at Dead Horse Point, and honestly? It was kinda jaw-dropping.
Madeline wore a long-sleeved lace gown with the most intricate detailing and a flowing veil that caught every breeze on the edge of the cliffs. Adding to the drama! We are here for it!
She carried a bouquet of creamy roses and soft greenery, tied with blush ribbons that danced in the desert wind. Logan kept it timeless and sharp in a classic black suit and tie, being the anchor point in the photos to let his bride (and their special location!) shine.
If you peek closely at the next image, you can see Madeline’s veil decided to fly away mid-session! The wind picked it up and we watched it soar away over the 2500ft cliff! While we were sad to lose the veil, ti made for a funny story from our session!
We hiked out to the edge of the canyon where the epic views punctuated this moment in their lives so perfectly.
There’s something so big about this time in life. It’s not just the stress of wedding planning and the pressure of putting together your dream wedding. It’s the commitment to a future you believe in. The partner you love.
And maybe it’s the Destination wedding photographer in me, but I am so drawn to these locations. The ones like Dead Horse Point, that really highlight how big and grand this season of life feels. The sweeping skies and rust & purple canyon. The river running below. It all culminates to celebrate this beautiful moment together.
And taking a separate day for bridals and your first look, means you get to slow down and enjoy these moments anymore.
It’s putting a slow motion moment into the blur of wedding planning.
It’s worth the time to get all dressed up, have your hair and make up done, and share in this quiet moment together. No timeline to rush you, no vendor to need you, no family to catch up with! It also, in turn, makes your wedding day more relaxed – because you know these moments have all already been captured. You’ll be able to focus on your loved ones, and enjoying the celebration you have so carefully planned.
And if your heart beats a little faster at the idea of standing on a cliff edge at sunset, dress sweeping in the wind, and your love holding you close… well, that’s exactly what bridal sessions are for. A chance to start your marriage with adventure, with intention, and with photos that feel as romantic as your love story.
