Joe and Mia eloped right in the middle of the pandemic. With the bride being a former wedding planner herself, she always knew she wanted to elope, so when the opportunity presented itself they both jumped on the idea of escaping to Big Bend National Park – their favorite place – to say I Do!
The day was beyond perfect, and so uniquely true to the couple. We can’t wait to share their dream elopement captured by the talented Jesse Frazier and the husband & wife team at Hereafter Films! Let’s take a peek…
When Nature Calls
They started the day drinking their favorite coffee from Summer Moon (which the bride brought from Austin, TX) in their tipi, and reading each other letters in jammies!
“We then journeyed over to the park for an epic hike on the Lost Mine trail. We love the outdoors so this was the only way we imagined beginning our wedding day.”
We spy some Santal 33 – one of our favorite scents for your wedding day!
A bridal booties moment from Dolce Vita is perfect for this rustic elopement!
“After our hike, we enjoyed lunch together back at the tipi, then went our separate ways to start getting ready. I face-timed my mom, drank lots of champagne, and shed happy tears while listening to chill jams with my makeup artist Katy Reddell and photographer – it was perfect.”
First Looks
Ugh 😍 we just love first looks…
…Especially because of the sweet reactions!!
“I wanted my attire to match the Big Bend aesthetic – warm hues, with a bit of a bohemian, southwestern flare. Joe’s maroon suit from The Black Tux was the perfect match to my flowy Reformation dress, boots, and Stetson hat.”
Let’s Get Married!!
Eloping in Big Bend National Park was such a treat for this couple! Thinking of your own national park engagement? Here’s how you do it!
The couple shared vows overlooking the Rio Grande River in the State park, on a peak called Fandango Dom Rock (named after a classic movie, and the motivation behind the couple popping some Dom Perignon after saying “I Do”)!
“Our officiant was the icing on the cake. We had never met him before our wedding day – just a few emails back and forth – a risky decision some would say! He pulled up to the peak in his old school van, rockin’ some Birkenstocks, jeans, cowboy hat, and ukelele. He played an original song on his ukelele while I ‘walked down the aisle’. I think he said a total of 10 words, with the majority of our ceremony being our personal vows.“
“After making it official, Jeff (our officiant) played another original song, and we danced as the sun began to set behind the mountains.”
Engulfed by the mountains, overlooking the water, head over heels in love, embracing each other as they start their new life together in their favorite place is absolutely perfect!!
The boho vibes are in full force! We loooove how the bride accessorizes her look with a wide-brimmed hat and statement jewelry!
Before the sun escaped entirely, the couple drove to a second location closer to the water. They popped a custom bottle of champagne (designed by a calligrapher in Austin!), and played their favorite David Grey song “This Years Love” on a little, portable Bose speaker, by the running water.
The bride wore her great-grandmother’s turquoise necklace and her grandmother’s traditional gold, Hawaiian bracelet – which was super special!
“When the sun finally set, I remember saying “NOOOO – I never want this day to end!” It was beyond perfect.” The bride recalls.
Bride Mia advises brides to remember it’s YOUR day! Do things that are important to you as a couple. There is no right or wrong way to execute a wedding – it is and should be whatever makes you content as a couple. SO true!!!
And you definitely won’t want to miss their stunning video by Hereafter Films :)
We extend the biggest congrats to this happy couple! Thank you for showing your big day with us!!!
photography: Jesse Frazier Photo // venue name: Big Bend National Park, Chihuahuan Desert, Texas, USA // florals: The Farmer & I // wedding dress: Reformation // hairpiece: Maufrais // bride's shoes: Dolce Vita // getting ready robes: Etsy Shop - Stripesheep // hair stylist: Katy Reddell // makeup artist: Katy Reddell // groom attire: The Black Tux // videography: Hereafter Films // paper goods: Pens and Needles Co. // calligraphy: Pens and Needles Co.
