When Kaitlin first reached out to me, she said, “We want an intimate wedding in the desert.” They didn’t know exactly where, but they knew that was what they wanted. They both live in Florida, so they hoped that I could help with logistics and planning as well — especially in the midst of COVID. We managed to make it all happen exactly as planned, despite everything, and it turned out just the way they wanted.
Kaitlin and Cody are a fun and charismatic pair! From their initial inquiry right up to their day, I would constantly laugh or smile after we spoke. Their personalities and positivity are infectious. Above all, I could tell they were mad for each other. In fact, shortly after they met in college, Kaitlin got into PA school, and Cody dropped everything to follow her.
The location they chose, Red Rock Canyon, is incredibly beautiful. Once I shared details of the park with Kaitlin + Cody, they knew it was where they wanted right away. They were very intentional with their plans. They wanted close family and friends to be there, and they wanted it somewhere with an amazing view. That’s exactly what they got!
On the day of their wedding, Kaitlin was jittery and Cody was anxious. But once they saw each other for the first time at the ceremony, with an overlook of Red Rock Canyon in view, everyone could see all of their nerves faded away. It was such an emotional ceremony. Kaitlin, Cody, their officiant, and most of their guests were in tears or glossy-eyed at one point or another. Even I had to collect myself!
Cody’s dear friend officiated their wedding, Kaitlin wore her great-grandmother’s earrings, Cody wore his great-grandfather’s wedding band, and they had almost everyone dear to them present on their day. While some couples summit a mountain or hike through the jungle for their elopement, I loved the simplicity of their intimate wedding because it was exactly what they wanted and was exactly who they are. That’s how a wedding day should be — large or small.
Planner: Elopement Las Vegas
Florals: Amy Wong Events
Makeup: Beauty by Luvi
Hair: Britts_Braids
Featured On: JUNEBUG WEDDINGS
Hey, I’m Gabriela!
I’m an elopement and intimate wedding photographer based in Las Vegas and beyond. While Las Vegas is my hometown, I also co-create incredible elopement experiences for my couples in Washington state, Oregon, Glacier National Park, Hawaii, Yosemite National Park, and Big Sur.
I assist couples with bringing their wedding day visions to life!
My couples and I both enjoy the outdoors, experiences more than things, and have a real connection to one another and the relationships around us.