Arches National Park Elopement in the Snow | Jesse & Jake

I’ve been friends with Jesse and Jake for years, growing up on the same island and sharing similar loves and lifestyles over the years. When I moved west, I lost the chance to enjoy their company as often, and when Jesse wrote me months ago and told me Jake had popped the question after 10 years together, I couldn’t have felt more joy. She told me they were going to pull the trigger at the courthouse, doing it their way (hell yes), and then spend a month exploring the west. They asked if I would meet them in Moab and capture a few moments in this new chapter to celebrate their commitment and share with the world that they were hitched!

I was a late bloomer to the beauty of the desert, only finding its magic in my 20’s, and one of the things I love the most about where we are rooted is the access it provides me to these magnificent landscapes. We left behind 10 feet of snow and journeyed south, surprised that the snow followed us and it was dumping the morning of our shoot! If you’ve never seen the desert dance with a blanket of white, I highly recommend making that a priority.

We spent the day with these two dear friends, and my heart feels so full. Not only for two absolutely wonderful humans but to have friends with such rich life values and commitments to the good stuff.

We captured the desert in a form we don’t often see, but one that is just as magical.

Pro tip: If you haven’t visited Moab in the off-season, be prepared for a much quieter and slowed-down version of this unique little place. You can snag some epic Airbnb’s at much more affordable rates (see our favorite here), and bring an eclectic mix of options for adventures. We dabble with ski-touring, biking, and climbing– and then let the weather decide for us. This trip, walks and hikes became our go-to. For eats, we love Eklectica for breakfast. As a die-hard thai lover, Arches Thai was right near where we stay and has a huge menu of options. Try Moab Brewery for good brews and atmosphere. Moab Made is the coolest little shop full of local artisan’s work, and our forever go-to stop is the local gear shop, Gearhead’s. If you’re considering getting hitched in Arches National Park, check this out for more info.