Sam and Russ planned the coolest elopement day ever. From the moment we started talking about their day, I knew it was going to be fun. Red Rocks at golden hour is a favorite of mine. But add in the mix of Fremont street afterward? Yes please!
After saying their vows at Graceland Chapel, they wanted photos that felt like them. That meant a mix of desert views and the neon buzz of downtown. We had planned out the day beforehand, and I was excited to meet up with them after they were officially newlyweds (!!)
So we met up at Red Rocks at golden hour, and the second they stepped out of the car, I knew the evening would be a blast.
Tattoos. Sneakers. Sunglasses. Good vibes. I knew we were going to take some really cool photos together.
Sam wore the cutest off-the-shoulder white mini dress with pearl-heart details. She paired with white high-tops and a perfect short veil. Russ kept it relaxed in a black embroidered button-up, white pants, and a brown hat.
The backdrop was unreal. The red cliffs glowed under the soft sun. The whole place looked like it was a quiet hideaway, just to celebrate their day. We wandered through the dirt trails, took our time, and soaked in that warm light as it dropped behind the mountains.
Red Rocks at golden hour is a spot that never misses.
But these two made it even better on this day. We mixed in some 35mm film shots, which gave everything a nostalgic, almost dreamy feel. Sam and Russ laughed the whole time. You could tell they were still riding that post-elopement high. As a Las Vegas wedding photographer, I will never get tired of capturing these emotions.
Once the desert gave us everything we needed, we headed to Fremont Street to switch things up.
The neon signs came alive as the sky got darker. They wandered hand-in-hand through the crosswalks, surrounded by color and movement. We stopped outside Downtown Tattoo, where they had an appointment set for the next day. We grabbed some photos under the glowing signs and wild vintage storefront too, just enjoying the vibe. The tiled floors, the walls stacked floor-to-ceiling with flash sheets, the buzzing lights, the whole space felt like the perfect backdrop for these two.
From there, we made our way to Evel Pie for their “very fancy” elopement dinner. Streetlights, crowds, stickers covering every doorway, and a lot of personality. They fit right into the downtown energy. And I shot a bit of super 8 on Fremont to wrap up the night, because it felt like the perfect ending.
Sam and Russ built a day that was true to them. Zero pressure. Zero rules.
Just a celebration of their style and their story. And honestly, it was such a fun day. Sign me up for Red Rocks at golden hour and a classic Fremont street ending any. day.
