Dead Horse Point is a gorgeous Utah Icon. With stunning views, towering buttes, and warm red rocks, it is the perfect location for a Desert Elopement. Joy and Jack wandered from the Red Cliffs Lodge in Castle Valley down the winding Colorado River through Canyonlands and finally over to Dead Horse Point to celebrate their love in a grounding and awe-inspiring place. It's one of our favorite destinations in the Utah Desert to share with couples, and this adventure elopement makes it easy to see why.
You keep me safe, I'll keep you wilde
"Joy, I love your smile, big bubbly energetic personality and being your friend and lover. "
"Jack, you make her feel safe. I know I can count on you always, to be there for her. "
- From The Wedding Ceremony By Jenn of Wilde Heart Weddings
Joy & Jack started their day at the Red Cliffs Lodge where they enjoyed a quiet morning, eating breakfast and getting ready separately. By noon, we took off to Ida Gulch for the first look! The love and adoration Jack has for Joy could not be disguised when he first saw her in white.
After taking a few portraits and exploring the gulch, we led Joy and Jack to Canyonlands National Park to adventure around Shafer Trail Viewpoint taking in the beautiful views and enjoying each other's company on their big day.
Just before sunset, we set out to the perfect ceremony location. We arrived at the cliffside of Dead Horse Point just as the sun set behind the red rocks in the West. Overlooking the expansive desert below, we took a moment to embrace the beautiful day and bask in nature, feeling at peace and grounded. Holding hands, Joy & Jack said their vows.
"Jack, no matter what life brings, I take you as my friend and love, beside me and apart from me, in laughter and tears, and in conflict and peace. I ask that you be no other than yourself, as I love what I know of you and trust what I do not. I cherish you, for being all that you are, all that you are not, and all that you can be. Know that I am here for you, and that your pain will be mine, and your joy mine as well."
"Joy, from the moment I first saw you, I knew you were the one with whom I wanted to share my life. Your beauty, heart, and mind inspire me to be the best person I can be. I promise to love you for eternity, respecting you, honoring you, being faithful to you, and sharing my life with you. This is my solemn vow."
- Joy & Jack's Vows
"Love has brought us here today to this beautiful place - to witness and celebrate the beginning of a whole new adventure and chapter of life for the two of you as you continue your journey in marriage."
Reaching out to one another, may you find strength.
Standing side by side, may you find a partnership.
The Sun Has Set On THis wedding day
But we weren't quite ready to be done yet!
Under the Harvest Moon, they popped some champagne being newlyweds, noting that they felt like kids again! The desert has a way of making you feel alive, grounded, and present; so there is nothing quite like declaring your love in this sacred place. The long winding road through life has brought Joy and Jack back to themselves, their true love, and this moment, so beautiful and pure.
The Professionals That Made This Day Epic!
Coordination, Set-up & Officiant
JennBrook of Wilde Heart Weddings
Florals
Wild Escape Florals - IG @wild_escape_florals
Florals Hair & Makeup
Aubri - IG @thatbeautybxtch
Garrett & Jenn Wilde are an adventurous husband and wife team that specializes in all things weddings. Jenn is a full-time wedding officiant and coordinator, who sometimes dabbles in photos as long as the camera is on auto. Garrett is the real talent w it comes to imagery and enjoys astrophotography and landscape photography as a hobby, but really loves taking the time to connect with couples and capture their love story in imagery.
They are based in Utah but travel for work and adventures throughout the western states with their two Labradoodles, Marlee & Baylee. Their elopement photography is best described as candid, in-the-moment photography, with an emphasis on alternative, non-traditional couples, & elopements.