Josh and Kyla wanted their big day to be an intimate affair. To them, that meant eloping in the Las Vegas desert with only themselves, an officiant, a photographer and a hair and makeup artist. “The choice to fly to Vegas was less about having a destination wedding and more about escaping, with just the two of us to a beautiful location!” says the happy couple.

This wasn’t the stereotypical Elvis Presley Vegas wedding that you might be imagining. The couple said their vows in Lee Canyon where there’s miles of simplistic, desert landscape and beautiful Joshua Trees that surround the area. Just the two of them and Mother Nature made for the most surreal pictures that the couple will forever cherish.

Josh and Kyla made the big decision and by the end of the next week they were on their way to Las Vegas, ready to say “I do” with just each other for company. “Because we chose to elope, we forwent the complexity of finding your perfect venue and were able to marry each other in our ideal, scenic location!” says the couple. 

The couple says that choosing to elope eliminated all of the stress that comes along with planning a wedding. “Instagram and Google led me to my amazing photographer who I would say made our day!” says the bride. “Her shots were beautiful and she captured every moment we could have dreamt of.”

Besides the 112 degree weather and a car with no air conditioning, the day went just as planned. A retro car, cowboy boots and donuts were the perfect addition to their big day. 

But Josh and Kyla say that 75% of their friends and family were not happy about the decision to elope. “I guess it’s be expected when you call to tell them you’ve decided to ditch the big wedding and say your vows to one another in the intimacy of almost just each others’ company,” say the newlyweds.

“I would imagine it would have been just as beautiful with our friends and family in attendance, with a great venue and views for days [in Utah],” says the couple. “But, there is something to be said about eloping in the desert and being able to spend your special day paying undivided attention to one another.”

The couple’s best advice for other soon-to-be married couples: “Do you! We spend so much time caring for the satisfaction of our friends and families when, at the end of the day, this moment in your life is about two people alone. Make it special, intimate and what is right for you!”

Vendors: Photographer: River West, Florist: Flora Pop, Hair and Makeup: Paper Bag Beauty, Groom’s Clothing Designer: Urban Sartorial