Is there a better way to wake up then doing so watching the sunrise in a jaw-dropping place?! I don’t think so! The Alabama Hills are just outside of Lone Pine, CA in the Eastern Sierras and especially when covered in snow, they are STUNNING. Random note – One of the reasons I love camping so much is waking up to the sunrise from my tent. It’s freezing cold (usually) and I’m sleep deprived but the views make it all worth it. You actually can camp out on the land right at the base of the hills as it is BLM land and it’s on my bucket list to take my van down there soon!
Something that I love so much about elopements is intentionality. Choosing to be out in nature, with your person (and maybe some other folks), and doing whatever feels right in your heart. For Michaela and Adam this meant saying their vows to each other at Mobius Arch with their dog Barley exploring around them, watching the alpenglow hit the Alabama Hills, and then traveling a little further north to Mammoth Lakes to do their first dance at Convict Lake. Their original wedding plans got cancelled due to covid and technically their Plan B didn’t pan out either but I’d say this turned out pretty beautiful regardless.
Michaela and I “met” each other through Instagram and our dogs Instagram accounts! Her cute little pup, Barley, has yet to meet mine in person but someday we have to make it happen. The dog Instagram community is full of amazing dog loving pet parents who I have come to know and love, even if I haven’t met them in person. What a world we live in to have virtual friendships!
I know typically I’m shooting in Oregon + Washington but there are endless opportunities for beautiful elopements in California as well and I do travel for a handful of weddings and elopements per year. California has stunning coastline, deserts, beaches, and mountains. If you want some inspiration or any ideas reach out and let’s plan something epic!
Photos shot by my associate: JBH Photos. Edited and coordinated by me.
Kelsey Straus is a PNW Elopement +
Intimate Wedding Photographer
based in Portland, Oregon