Some weekends are just chef's kiss perfection 🍽️, and Brandy & Joe's Big Bend adventure elopement? This one had it all—steak dinners 🍔, epic hikes 🏃‍♀️, and a tiny human stealing the show 🤍. If you’re into laid-back adventures with a side of stunning views 🌌, this might just be the sign you need to pack your bags 🏡 and elope in the desert 🌿. So, let’s dive in.


Friday: Grilled Steaks & Granddaughter Giggles

We all hit the road, winding our way down to the vast desert expanse of Terlingua Ranch 🌴. The Airbnb was the kind of cozy retreat that makes you want to throw your phone into the nearest cactus 🤬 and just breathe. That night? We fired up the grill 🔥 and cooked steaks 🍔 (because nothing says adventure prep like a good steak). The real MVP of the evening? Brandy & Joe's 3-year-old granddaughter, who kept us all entertained with her endless energy 💃 and tiny comedian vibes 🧒🏻. Her little giggles and antics had us all in stitches 😂, and she brought a warmth to the evening that made it even more special 🌟.

The night ended with belly laughs, full stomachs, and a solid game plan for the adventures ahead. We went to bed dreaming of canyons, epic views, and maybe a little sore hiking tomorrow (totally worth it, though).



Saturday Morning: Ghost Town Grub & Gearing Up

We woke up with the desert sunrise, coffee in hand, and adventure on the brain. First stop? Terlingua Ghost Town for a quiet outdoor breakfast. If you're picturing rustic charm and the kind of breakfast that hits the spot, you’re absolutely correct. 10/10 would recommend.

With fuel in our bellies and gas in the tank, we made our way to Big Bend National Park. And when I say the vibes were immaculate, I mean it.

A couple gazing at the towering canyon walls surrounding them near a river.

Santa Elena Canyon: Hiking, Views, and Tiny Rock Adventures

Once we rolled into the park, it was time to head off-road—Santa Elena Canyon, here we come! 🚗 Standing at the riverbank, looking up at those towering canyon walls? Unreal 🧨. Cue the start of the adventure couples session. Brandy & Joe—hand in hand 👫, loving life, and looking like absolute badasses in the wild desert backdrop 🌿.

We hit the trail, and their granddaughter stole the show again—crushing the hike like a pro 💥. (Seriously, she deserves a medal 🏅 or at least a juice box 🍹.) We took photo breaks because, well, when you’re surrounded by views this good 🌍, you just have to.

At the end of the trail, the river greeted us like a cool oasis. While the adults sat down for a breather, their granddaughter played in the water, throwing river rocks like she owned the place. It was peaceful, beautiful, and the kind of moment you don’t forget. & not to leave out the fun howls of the granddaughter, that echoed through the entire canyon.

Two people admiring the majestic cliffs of a desert canyon by the water.
A romantic couple moment beneath towering desert canyon walls.
A family stands together on a sandy path between massive canyon walls.
A playful couple poses in a dramatic canyon with towering rock walls and a river running through it.
A couple embraces while standing near a canyon wall with water in the background.
A family walks together on a desert hiking trail with mountains in the background.
A couple shares an intimate moment by a river canyon in sepia tones.

Sotol Vista Overlook: Desert Magic & Love That Hits You in the Feels

With the canyon behind us, we hopped back in the car and made our way to the Sotol Vista Overlook. Y'all, this spot is pure magic—rolling hills, endless desert mountains, and golden light that makes you feel like you’re standing in a postcard. This is where we captured Brandy & Joe’s love at its finest—candid, joyful, and the kind of love that squeezes your heart in the best way. We even added some fun "awkward photoshoot" vibes for some added pizazz.

A romantic couple embraces against a backdrop of desert mountains during golden hour.
A couple shares a tender moment on a desert hillside with mountains in the distance.
A couple dances together on a desert mountain trail during a photo shoot.
A couple spins and dances together in a desert landscape with mountains behind them.
A couple shares an intimate moment against a backdrop of rolling desert hills.
A couple poses together on a desert hillside with mountains in the background.
A romantic couple shares an intimate moment against a desert mountain backdrop during golden hour.
A couple sharing a passionate kiss in the desert with mountains in the background.
A couple poses playfully together in a desert landscape with mountains behind them.
A person stands alone on a rocky desert hill overlooking mountains in the distance.
An intimate close-up portrait of a couple sharing a tender moment in warm desert lighting.
A couple embraces while standing on a desert hilltop with mountains in the background.
A silhouetted couple embraces on a desert hill with yucca plants in the foreground.
A couple looks out over a desert mountain landscape while holding hands at sunset.
A tender moment between a couple in front of a desert mountain landscape at sunset.
A couple stands on a desert ridge overlooking distant mountains in muted lighting.
A couple sharing an intimate moment against a desert mountain backdrop at sunset.
A tender moment between parent and child on a desert mountaintop.

Back at the Airbnb: Elopement Magic on 100 Acres of Desert

After soaking in all the epic views, we headed back to the Airbnb, which, did I mention, sits on 100+ acres of mountain goodness? Yeah, it’s pretty rad.

We set up a stunning triangle arch 🛠️, adorned with florals that felt like they were plucked straight from the desert itself 🌿, and prepared for the main event. Brandy looked breathtaking in her bridal look 👰‍♀️, and Joe's awe-struck gaze said it all 🥺. Their connection, and the dramatic backdrop 🌄 created a moment that felt both timeless and raw in its beauty 🥳.

We wrapped up the evening with an intimate toast and a sunset that gave us cotton candy skies for days. And when blue hour hit, the shadowed mountains created some of the most heart-stopping, jaw-dropping photos I’ve ever captured. Seriously, y'all—these two were meant to be.

A romantic wedding photo of newlyweds embracing in golden sunlight with flowing veil.
Elegant desert wedding portrait with couple embracing under flowing white veil at sunset.
Newlyweds walking hand in hand with desert mountains and sunset in background.
Wedding ceremony under triangular arch with flowing veil in desert landscape.
Intimate wedding moment under triangular arch decorated with dried flowers at sunset.
Romantic wedding portrait with floral arch and golden sunset light in desert setting.
Intimate wedding portrait with couple embracing under floral arch at sunset.
Emotional wedding moment captured between couple under floral arch with desert backdrop.
A romantic wedding photo of a couple embracing outdoors at sunset with white floral decorations.
A wedding couple shares an intimate moment under a wooden arch decorated with white flowers.
A black and white wedding portrait capturing a joyful family moment.
A heartwarming family wedding photo with a young child in a burgundy dress.
A desert wedding scene with a wooden triangle arch and floral decorations at sunset.
A wedding party walking along a desert trail at sunset.
A wedding couple and child walking up a desert hillside at dusk.
An intimate wedding portrait with a bouquet of pink and white flowers in the desert.
Close-up of wedding rings and hands on white lace dress fabric.
Wedding couple toasting with champagne glasses against a desert sunset background.
Newlyweds share an intimate moment at a desert wedding table with candles and floral arrangements at sunset.
A romantic sunset wedding photo captures a couple embracing against a desert mountain landscape.

Starlight Theatre Dinner: Ending the Weekend Right

To wrap up the most epic elopement weekend, we drove back to Terlingua Ghost Town and grabbed dinner at the iconic Starlight Theatre. Good food, great company, and the perfect end to a weekend that checked every box.



This Elopement Was Simple, Personal, and Pure Magic

Brandy & Joe’s Big Bend adventure was everything an elopement should be—fun 🎮, relaxed 🚶‍♀️, and completely true to who they are 🤍. It wasn’t about frills or fuss. It was about love, laughter, and making memories in one of the most beautiful places on Earth 🌿. Bonus points for their granddaughter, who absolutely stole our hearts 💓.

If this is the kind of elopement you’ve been dreaming of—simple, adventurous, and so you—then guess what? I’m your girl 🌟. Let’s plan your perfect adventure and create some epic memories together 📸.

I’m ready to be your elopement & travel bestie—are you? Reach out, and let’s make it happen! 📧