Formal Desert Engagement Photos at Golden Hour - Katie and Lior - Desert Wedding Photographer

“She said yes (obviously!) and when she reached out to me to shoot their engagement photos I could NOT have been more thrilled and honored. Lior and Katie love adventuring to the desert of Joshua Tree, a getaway just two hours east of Los Angeles with tons of antique shops, unique handcrafted goods like the Crochet museum, and western style saloons. Since the two will be getting married in San Miguel, CA, a town in San Luis Obispo County about ten miles north of Paso Robles, taking engagement photos in Joshua Tree meant incorporating place that means so much to them into this next chapter as a married couple.

The desert around us was incredibly windy, really highlighting Katie’s dress and giving their shoot this super romantic vibe. As the sun set over the desert the two threw their heads back in laughter, wrapped up in each others’ arms, and made Joshua Tree look wild and free in the way only two people madly in love really ever could..”

Playful + Fun Palm Springs Engagement photos - Marissa + Alex | Palm Springs Destination Wedding Photographer

Palm Springs is the perfect place for playful, fun engagement photos! For Marissa and Alex - a couple known to their friends for their silly, carefree personalities and larger-than-life laughs - Palm Springs was an awesome place for an engagement shoot. It was insanely windy but luckily, Marissa and Alex were unfazed by it, and it honestly made for THE MOST romantic golden hour photos! With the sun setting behind them, windmills churning away in the distance, these two laughed, ran, danced, twirled, and kissed (and there were even a few piggyback rides!) til the last bit of light left. It was an epic adventure with two hilarious, amazing, wholehearted people and I LOVE how the photos really show their personalities.

Wedding in the Woods - Dog-Friendly California Redwoods Elopement - Morgan + Tyler

After over a decade together, Morgan and Tyler decided to get married in a place they both absolutely love: beneath the ancient coastal Redwood trees of California. On our first call, Morgan told me that she dreamt of marrying Tyler in a forest location, but never thought bringing the dogs would be possible - until she came across one of my blog posts and realized it IS, in fact, possible!!! One might even say… pawsible. It was quite a journey, as the couple traveled all the way from Arizona to the Bay Area in order to make this forest wedding dream a reality! Dedicated dog parents, their day couldn’t be complete without their rescue pups, Duke, Prinn, and Frasier (a.k.a. Beans) by their side. Morgan and Tyler are both pharmacists by day but spend their spare time fostering dogs – my heart! Together, joined by just two of their friends, Morgan and Tyler exchanged heartfelt wedding vows as the sun peeked between the trees on a beautiful day in northern California.

Elopements, PortfolioMorgan PirkleApril 5, 2022dogs, Elopement, redwoods, california, northern california, adventure, forest, san francisco, bay areaComment

Point Reyes windswept + romantic Engagement | adventurous elopement photographer | Morgan + Tyler

Situated in Marin County just a bit north of San Francisco, Point Reyes National Seashore here has breathtaking views. It’s no wonder this spot makes a perfect backdrop for romantic engagement photos! The wind turned way UP and the sun came out just right - cue major romance magic!

Read on for information about planning a shoot or visiting Point Reyes, and to see some of my favorite photos from this epic adventurous engagement shoot!

Engagements, PortfolioMorgan PirkleJanuary 12, 2022adventure, california, northern california, san franciscoComment

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Wedding - Santa Cruz, CA - Ashley + Devon

Ashley and Devon got married beneath ancient coastal redwood trees on their one-year anniversary in Henry Cowell State Park in Santa Cruz, California. Immediately after talking with Ashley, I knew she and Devon had something SO special and rare. It was such a beautiful day full of happy tears, and big, big laughs. See some of favorite photos from Ashley + Devon’s wedding day and learn more about the Redwoods in this post!

Elopements, PortfolioMorgan PirkleAugust 6, 2021elopement, northern california, california, redwoods, san francisco, santa cruzComment

Sunrise Desert Engagement Session - Joshua Tree, California - Sarah + Stavros

When Sarah first told me she wanted engagement photos taken in Joshua Tree in July, my first thought was: “wow, that’s going to be a sweaty session.” In the summertime Joshua Tree regularly hits 100+ degree temps without a second thought! Luckily when I suggested we shoot at sunrise instead, Sarah + Stavros were totally up for it. We watched the sun come up between massive ancient boulders and cacti for a shoot unlike anything else!

Engagements, PortfolioMorgan PirkleAugust 2, 2021joshua tree, desert, engagement, californiaComment

Fall Bohemian Desert Wedding in Joshua Tree - Yucca Valley, CA - Emily + Chris

Fall is a perfect time to get married in Joshua Tree. That’s just what Emily + Chris did! After ten years of dating, these two got married in a small, perfect wedding ceremony with their parents, siblings, and very close friends. Joshua Tree is one of their favorite places for weekend adventures from their home base of Los Angeles, and made the perfect backdrop for their wedding. With a few bohemian-inspired touches, it was absolutely gorgeous! The day was full of thoughtful touches and so much fun.

Elopements, Weddings, PortfolioMorgan PirkleJune 21, 2021joshua tree, elopement, california, desert, fall, bohemianComment

5 Things You Need to Know About Eloping in the Redwoods:

5 Tips for Eloping in the Redwoods! These tips are great for anyone planning a small wedding or elopement in the Redwoods state parks, or in the Redwoods in San Francisco, California. There are also super cute pictures of a dog wearing a flower crown, if that’s what you’re here for!