Yesterday’s blog post was all about the beginning of Emily and Jon’s love story – how they met, and how Jon proposed (combined with tons of adorable images from their engagement session! Click here to check out!). Today, this blog is all about the end of their season of being fiancés, the beginning of being husband and wife and the start of their one, unified family for the intimate desert elopement in Arizona.
Jon and Emily chose to elope in Arizona instead of having a big, local wedding in Portland because they wanted their wedding to be focused on three things: their love, their children, and Jesus. Emily said “I am an admitted control freak and I wanted to be able to enjoy my wedding day instead of being obsessed about trivial things that did not matter. I pulled it off! Our family couldn’t believe how stress free and laid back I was the whole day. It was everything we dreamed of.”
Their day began slowly, surrounded by their children, parents and some of their siblings. Emily helped her soon to be daughter-in-law get ready, while Jon helped his soon to be son-in-law put is tie on. They gave gifts to each of the kids, sharing such sweet moments with them before the day officially began. Emily and Jon then exchanged gifts as well – one of Emily’s being a book full of all of their first texts with each other so that they could relive all of those first love notes sent back and forth.
They officially eloped in a location that 100% fit their vision: a remote desert setting, yet easy enough for their family to get to. They wanted it intimate and romantic and the Superstitions in Apache Junction ended up being everything that they dreamed of. They shared tear-filled family vows during their ceremony, making it super special and emotional for the four of them. Emily and Jon also chose to do a foot washing, to show their service to each other at their wedding in front of their family.
Following their ceremony, I snuck away with Emily and Jon to take epic images in the desert of the two of them. We then went to The Henry, so that they could take a few moments alone with each other before we headed back to our house to celebrate with the family. They cheered to gin and tonics, the drinks they each had ordered on their first date with one another.
Their day was tailored to be exactly how they wanted it – no stress, no distractions, in an epic location and with the freedom to sneak away for a few hours. Jon and Emily’s elopement was nothing shy of incredible – I’m still so grateful to have been a part of it.
Cheers!
Allison
Want to book your elopement or wedding with me? Click here to read all about my pricing and collections!
Photography: Allison Slater Photography @allisonslater
Gown: Grace Loves Lace (Mai Style) @grace_loves_lace
Florals: Farmgirl Flowers @farmgirlflowers
Tux: Nordstrom @nordstrom and Zara @zara
Rentals: I Do Rentals AZ @idorentalsaz
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So pretty! Love her dress and love how emotional he got when they saw each other!
Oh my gosh! I just love his red jacket and all their precious little details! So much gorgeous desert-ness going on out here!
You totally captured their love, and the warmth of the desert in these! So beauitful.
gosh i love her style – couples that stomp to the beat of their own drums are the best!
Oh my goodness, these are everything! Love love love the details!
Those getting ready shots are everything!! I love that they did personal vows right after the first look! Such a great idea to make a wedding feel even more intimate.
Love the detail shots and that little white chapel. They have such a cool vibe going on – congrats to the couple!
These are stunning! I love her blue jean jacket so much! You did an amazing job capturing their love and all of the emotions throughout the day!
Okay her dress and his suit are amazing! Youre always killing it at lost dutchman!
Gorgeous dress and lovely connection captured!