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I'm Kalena! A Kansas City based destination wedding & elopement photographer. I capture candid and emotional photos for adventurous, laid-back couples.
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ELOPEMENTS
Aug 17, 2023
Kalena Mitchell
Imagine standing on the edge of the magnificent Grand Canyon, with the sun rising and painting the sky with vibrant colors. In this moment, you feel a rush of emotions overwhelming you – joy, awe, and love. This is the beauty and magic of an adventure elopement that’s only just begun and will last the next two days.
An adventure elopement is not just about capturing beautiful photographs; it’s about experiencing a true connection to nature and each other. It’s about embarking on a journey together, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Last year, I had the privilege of photographing a two-day adventure elopement at the Grand Canyon and Merry Go Round Rock in Sedona, Arizona. The couple I worked with was seeking something beyond the traditional wedding scene. They craved an intimate and personal experience that would truly reflect their love story.
The Grand Canyon, with its vastness and grandeur, provided the perfect backdrop for this special occasion. We met at sunrise to document their first shoot at Moran Point. As Patrice and Daniel explored the cliffs and looked out over the canyon, everything felt so peaceful and there was an excitement in the air of what the next 48 hours would bring. My goal was to capture these genuine and raw moments, freezing them in time as a testament to their love.
After their sunrise photo shoot at the South Rim, we met up with Desert Sage Picnic for their intimate, late-morning picnic. The set up was absolutely beautiful and such a fun activity for Patrice and Daniel to do together. We had a great time taking photos and relaxing.
The final stop on this first day was Apache Stables where they had booked a horseback riding tour. I really loved how this couple chose to do so many fun activities during their elopement and I’m honored to have been there to capture it all on camera.
The next day, I met up with the P & D at Amara Resort & Spa in Sedona, Arizona. They were just about done with hair and makeup and getting dressed in their wedding attire. Their officiant conducted the ceremony right at the resort in front of the red rocks. It was so beautiful and even though it started raining, we didn’t let that put a damper on the day.
Moving on to Merry Go Round Rock in Sedona, we found ourselves surrounded by stunning red rock formations. It felt like a different world, where time stood still. Patrice and Daniel hiked along winding trails and embraced the adventure, pausing every now and then to soak in the breathtaking views. The drive here is definitely an adventure but it is definitely worth it for these incredible views. We took photos here till sunset and celebrated by popping a champagne bottle. I highly recommend doing this during your elopement!
For me, it was a privilege to witness and capture the pure emotion these couples shared. Love is a powerful force that can transcend time, and my photographs aimed to capture that essence.
As a photographer, my approach is to let the natural beauty and emotions shine through. I want my couples to look back on their photos years later and feel the same emotions they did on their special day. By focusing on authentic moments, I believe I can create images that will stand the test of time.
Adventure elopements are not about elaborate setups or staged scenes. They are about exploring the world together, hand in hand, and saying “I do” in the midst of awe-inspiring landscapes. The Grand Canyon and Merry Go Round Rock in Sedona provided the perfect stage for this love story to unfold.
If you’re considering an adventure elopement, I encourage you to embrace the untraditional. Let nature be your witness, and allow your love story to shine through.
Scroll to the bottom to view the full gallery of this Grand Canyon & Sedona Adventure Elopement.