How do I even sum up these two? Not only are Taylor and Emily crazy in love with each other, but their last name sounds like the name of a mountain, and they had the sweetest people surrounding them on their wedding day. 

Taylor told me, “Four years ago, we both started our internship at Disney World in Orlando. We were assigned to be roommates (oh yes, and they were roommates) and immediately hit it off. Six months later, we were dating and have been attached at the hip ever since! After our cat Salem adjusted to the two mom life, Emily graduated from college, and we decided we wanted to live together again, we settled in to our life together and moved back to Orlando to work for Disney.

“Almost three years later, we took a road trip to see the Grand Canyon. We drove up to Yavapai Point and took a short hike up to a beautiful spot to watch the sunset over the canyon. Both of us had the same idea about how our excursion would end and by the time the sun had set, we both had shiny new engagement rings on our fingers! We had absolutely no idea what the other was planning and we ended up having a perfect double proposal complete with happy tears and FaceTime calls home asking how our families managed to keep the secret.”

The day started at the sunny Bellagio, where even though they were getting ready in the same room, they hadn’t seen each other at all since getting their hair and makeup done. Their friends and family were wonderful in helping us coordinate to get them both dressed in their stunning hotel room before heading out to the desert separately to do their first look reveal in their first outfit. Yes, I said first outfit. Just wait.

Remember when I said their new joint last name sounded like the name of a mountain? Well, these two had also thought that, and it became an inside joke rather quickly. So to commemorate the day and the new joint last name, they got each other wedding presents that BOTH ended up being pinecone themed. If that doesn’t say how connected these two are, I don’t know what could.

Days like these take a lot of coordination from the couple and family, but it also takes a lot of TRUST. Like, I walked Emily to the first look spot, then walked Taylor with her eyes closed so she wouldn’t see Emily until it was time. They stood back to back, holding hands until we said GO, and then their reactions were just priceless.

We spent time in the desert letting them read letters to each other and photographing the friends and family members who traveled all the way to see them tie the knot. After the sun set behind the mountains, Taylor, Emily, videographer Cydne, and I piled into my car to head to the Little White Chapel.  The brides changed in the backseat to their second outfits so that they would be ready to go by the time we arrived. They met with Elvis, who had some very sweet things to say to them, and then it was time for the ceremony!

The tears that flowed from everyone in the room as these two said their “I do’s” were abundant, and Elvis got everyone up and dancing to Viva Las Vegas. We jetted off with the newlywed brides and headed to downtown Vegas near Fremont Street for some joyful “just married” photos while their friends and family set up their reception nearby!

The thing I love most about elopements is when couples feel empowered to do what THEY want to do, not what anyone else wants them to do. For Taylor and Emily, this meant they had a Taco Bell reception at the RV park where Emily’s parents had parked for the week. We celebrated the wedding by cutting a cake that the family had surprised them with before digging into some quesaritos! This elopement was one for the books, and it was so unique, that it was actually published on Equally Wed!

If you’re loving these vibes and ready to plan your own unique elopement, hit that button below and let’s do this!

Photography: Amber Garrett Photography
Videography: Cydne Robinson Films
Chapel: A Little White Chapel
Hair and Makeup: The Dream Team NV
Florals: The Groovy Flamingo