Esther + Neal | White Sands elopement

Esther and Neal didn’t have a traditional ceremony at White Sands — no big crowd, no floral arches, no officiant in sight. They made it official at the courthouse, kept things simple and low-key, then met me out in the dunes to celebrate in their own way. And honestly? That felt perfect for them.

Desert Magic, Without the Fuss

White Sands doesn’t need much — the place speaks for itself. Endless dunes, soft golden light, that stillness that makes everything feel a little more meaningful. Esther and Neal just showed up with their love, their laughter, and their energy, and the landscape did the rest.

No pressure, no posing — just movement, connection, and letting the wind have its way. The way Neal looked at Esther when her hair blew across her face? That’s the kind of stuff I live to photograph.

Golden Hour Glow + Barefoot Vibes

We timed it just right to catch that warm, glowy magic hour where everything turns soft and cinematic. They kicked off their shoes, wandered the dunes, and let the day unfold without any kind of rigid plan. There’s something kind of rebellious about keeping it this simple — no rules, just realness.

And it’s wild how freeing it is out there. No distractions. No noise. Just two people, the sky, and miles of untouched white.

Why White Sands Works

• It’s a blank canvas — whatever energy you bring shows up tenfold.

• The light? Insane. Clean, glowing, dreamy.

• You don’t need a lot to make it feel special. The simplicity becomes the story.

A Note for Future Elopers

If you’re dreaming about skipping the big production and doing something more intimate — courthouse, desert, wherever — I fully support it. Your day doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. Esther and Neal made it theirs, and it was beautiful in every way that matters.

⸻