Back in March of 2021 I had the opportunity to cross something off my bucket list–photographing a couple at the Bonneville Salt Flats out in Utah. I, of course, had to go!! Not only was this shoot hosted by one of my faves, Taylor Olivares, but it was my first time really traveling since the world started to open back up. Oh, and I guess seeing my big sister for the first time since October would be pretty neat too 😉
Due to my GPS taking me to all of the wrong locations, I got to the shoot about half an hour late, but it’s fine because LOOK AT THIS MAGIC. Lacy’s first look was a fluffy, nontraditional sea foam green dress by Millia London styled with a chic ponytail. You can’t tell by looking at the photos, but the high was only around 50 degrees with extremely strong wind, probably about 40mph that sustained through the entirety of the session. IT WAS SO COLD!!! Lucy and her man Harrison braved it with no real issues. The bottle of Patron they sipped from helped too! They flirted and snuggled and became human versions of margaritas while sitting in the salt that stretched as far as the eye could see.
While the couple changed outfits into look two (and thawed out), other attendees and I did our best to help secure the floral installation so we could move into the second part of the session. The wind did NOT make that easy! The table scape decor tried to fly away, so Taylor made the executive decision to pack it back up. Rolling with just the models worked out anyways!
When Lucy walked back out in her white Carol Hannah gown, I gasped. The gusts carried the train in a dance that had me oohing and awing while we rushed to shoot before the sun dipped below the mountains. Previously it had been pretty overcast with little pockets of sunshine coming out here and there… but then at sunset… was the most magical, gorgeous, fantastic sunset I have ever witnessed in my 28 years on this earth. Pink and orange streams cut through the purple and blue clouds that remained, softly kissing the salt, caressing the mountains, before ultimately disappearing into pitch black.
After the session I hurried back to Katy’s car and some heat while trying to playback what I had just witnessed. I got the money shots that I had always dreamed of. I watched the most insane sunset ever. It was one of the most gratifying trips of my life. Thawing out myself, I gushed to my sister about how amazed I was… and how hungry. We had about a 2.5 hour drive back to her place in Lehi so we listened to all sorts of music on the way home where we were greeted with Mexican food upon arrival. I inhaled my tacos and ran upstairs to import a few sneak peeks, which felt like an eternity! I wish I could’ve blogged this sooner… but here we are. I hope y’all enjoy this as much as I do 🙂 I’m very, very proud of these images.
Taylor, your shoots just get better and better. It’s always an honor to work alongside you and your talented team of vendors.
Katy, you’re the best chauffeur in the state. I love spending time with you and I love that you came with me to this! Thank you for showing me great coffee, pastries, music, and one of the coolest places I’ve ever been. I can’t wait to see you in October and December!!!
PART 1:
PART 2:
Yes, you absolutely *should* elope at the Salt Flats. And then take me with you 😉
Vendor Dream Team:
Traveling Weddings with Taylor
Rachel Rose Weddings & Events
EventStems Floral
Green Dress: Millia London
White Dress: Carol Hannah
Lucy & Harrison