Shelby+Graham
Three day desert elopement exploring Arches National Park, Dead horse state park, and Zion National Park
Moab, Utah | Springdale, Utah
Dead Horse State Park elopement
Wandering through thousands of years of sand stone
To start Shelby and Grahams wedding day, we started exploring the other worldly rock formations of Arches national Park. Shelby wanted a relaxed couples session to help her and Graham feel comfortable in front of the camera. I thought this was such a good idea, and it really set the tone for the rest of our experience capturing them! We almost peed our pants we were laughing so hard as we ran around climbing up red sandstone, cracking jokes along the way.
Discovering Moab
Moab, a vibrant desert town surrounded by towering red rock formations, serves as the gateway to adventure in southeastern Utah. Shelby really wanted a photo by the iconic Moab mural located right inside the downtown area. After taking a quick detour to capture this cute photo, we look a lunch break and met up for some getting ready photos.
Exchanging vows in Dead Horse state park
Dead Horse state park was the perfect location to exchange vows in private. It’s away from the usual crowds of Arches National park, but has the most jaw dropping scenery
After these two got ready at their quaint AirBNB, my husband and I drove Graham and Shelby separately to Dead Horse State Park to exchange a first look and vows. When deciding where these two should tie the knot, Shelby wanted somewhere far away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Moab. So she quickly decided on Dead Horse, drawn to its purple and red cliff sides, and privacy.
Graham teared up as he saw Shelby in her gown for the first time. After saying “I do” S+G opted to say their vows in private. So we stood super far away to let them have their moment. I strapped on my Zoom lens and was able to capture all the emotion while still giving them their privacy. It was the most beautiful ending to the perfect day watching the sunset over the canyons as these two promised to be together forever.
Celebrating their first day as husband and wife
To end Shelby and Grahams time in Moab, we met up for a sunrise photoshoot and explored Castle Valley. A hidden Gem that few people know about in Moab.
To celebrate Shelby and Grahams first day married, I asked if they wanted to go to one of my FAVORITE spots in Moab. Its a place that is off the beaten path, and makes you feel like you’re in an old school cowboy movie. They were instantly down, and I sent them the pin. It’s very important we met at this specific trail head due to the high concentration of cryptobiotic soil in the area. This soil is what keeps desert plant life alive. If you step on it, it can be destroyed. So I made sure we met in a spot that has a trail avoiding all of this special soil.
We admired as the sun made it’s way over the red peaks and mesas. It was the best way to spend their first day as husband and wife,
Roaming Zion National Park
Finishing their wedding celebration in the most jaw dropping overlook in Zion National Park.
To finish their wedding celebration, Shelby wanted to go one of the most popular lookouts in Zion: The Canyon Overlook trail. This trail is an easy one mile hike through caves and sandstone. It offers one of the best views of Zion’s soaring red rock canyons. I showed them some of my favorite outlooks that were farther away from the crowds. These two couldn’t stop smiling and admiring the views around them. It was the most epic way to end their Utah wedding adventure.
Photographer: Maree Miraglia Photography
Videographer: Garrett Mardesich
Wedding dress: Bridal Traditions
Florals: Filomena Florals
Officiant: Red Rock Wedding Officiant