Stormy Desert Elopement

A late-Autumn storm was rolling into the Utah desert, the kind of weather where some couples would be inclined to opt for an indoor elopement ceremony. Thankfully, this couple would not be deterred and went on with their intimate elopement that started in Arches National Park and ended with private vows in Dead Horse State Park. Misti and Angel embraced the windy day in the desert, and it was nothing short of magical!

Photos By Haley Nord Photography (click photo for link to their website)

The couple shared, “There was this ultimate feeling of setting out on some grand adventure together. We were excited to be married, and in the grandness of the desert with our decision to elope, it felt as if we were setting out to enter this sacred union and conquer the world together.”

Misti and Angel had originally planned a traditional wedding in their home state of Georgia. But as we all know 2020 was a great year of uncertainty for so many. Planning a wedding during this time was especially tricky; so after many late-night discussions they chose to shift to having an intimate elopement ceremony with just the two of them.

“It turned out to be exactly what we wanted. Part of us always wanted to elope. We were able to blot out distractions and superficial details. We were able to focus on what was the most important thing to us. Marrying each other. In our first cross-country trip together, we set out on the greatest adventure of our lives so far. We found an intimate spirituality in Moab, and we believe that our decision was exactly what needed to happen.” - Misti & Angel

Heading Out West

To make their new plan a reality they connected with Haley Nord Photography. I am speaking from experience when I say she is pivotal in planning a destination elopement and assists her couples so that their vision can be brought to life. That's right, she provides so much more than awe-inspiring photos, she provides an experience. Haley gave the couple my information as a possible referral to officiate, and from the first email that Misti sent, I knew that we would all be working together.

Much like when you meet your soulmate; there are certain people you come across, almost randomly on this journey through life, when you just KNOW there is a connection that already exists and you have finally found each other! ​ After several meetings, the three of us felt like we had been friends forever. I created a ceremony that was both spiritual and traditional for Misti and Angel. Instead of telling you about it, I have decided to share a couple of my favorite moments from their ceremony.

"Misti, Angel... your marriage today is the official joining of your souls that have already been united as one in your hearts. You both expressed that you have always known this. Misti shared that she always had a feeling because she never had a crush like she did on you. Angel said that he knew he wanted to get married early in the relationship, and he thinks that he has always known that you, Misti, are the one."

What is it like to work with JEnn?

“ You made us feel comfortable and excited at the same time. Traveling across the country by ourselves, there were parts that felt intimidating. However, you were so organized and allowed us to feel secure and at ease. You also created a ceremony unique to use, bringing in a sense of spirituality that felt organic and personal to us. After the ceremony was over, in the rush of excitement, you brought us a special drink to toast with. Your kindness and openness to our ideas was such a gift. You made the whole experience personal and exciting, and we would not trade it for the world.” - Misti & Angel

Haley Nord Photography Small, wild weddings in the Great American West

“In the days leading up to their elopement day, we monitored the weather and it became obvious it would be stormy on their day. They never once viewed it as an obstacle, but rather were excited to begin their marriage in a desert storm. I loved that every second of the day, even when rainy and windy, they were incredibly happy to be in nature, marrying each other. I loved the weather. It was stormy, and occasionally we could hear thunder in the distance. It was such a dramatic backdrop to their day and felt like the most beautiful symbol of washing clean and starting anew.” - Haley Nord

“We were fortunate enough to work with Haley Nord Photography for our elopement. We would work with Haley a million times over if we could. She was kind, professional, and crafted photography that was organic and awe-inspiring. She made us feel comfortable as we traveled across the country, creating an itinerary and provided information about anything we needed to know including vendors, travel experiences, lodging, and more. She was our guide throughout the day, and the energy she brought was exactly what we needed as she walked us through the greatest experience on our wedding day.” - Misti & Angel