Alabama Hills Elopement | Paul + Kristi

It’s crazy to think that I’ve known Kristi for almost 8 years. (Can that be right?!) We met at the University of Florida while working at our local college paper, The Independent Florida Alligator. Kristi is an amazing photographer (and a badass pet portrait illustrator), and I was so incredibly honored that she asked me to photograph her wedding in one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Ben and I first visited Alabama Hills last summer, after receiving a glowing recommendation from Kristi. We were immediately hooked. Once used for movie sets and John Wayne films, it’s a crazy piece of country. (If you’re not a western fan but this vista still looks familiar, you might recognize it from Iron Man or Django Unchained.) Only four hours from LA, it’s a perfect spot for making movies. It now serves as BLM lands, frequently used for camping, hiking and climbing. If you ever visit, I highly recommend visiting the museum in Lone Pine to learn all about its history. And then you should pop in to the Alabama Hills Cafe + Bakery for an incredible breakfast burrito and a cinnamon roll the size of your head.

But enough about ol’ westerns. We’re here to talk about love! P+K were planning to wed in Joshua Tree National Park, but because of COVID, plans for a big wedding had to change. I immediately suggested Alabama Hills, but she beat me to it. Great minds think alike.

Kristi is immunocompromised, so it was extremely important that we were all tested and careful on our way to Alabama Hills. Ben and I road-tripped 1000 miles, camping in Idaho and Nevada along the way. Sadly, Paul’s mom tested positive and was unable to make the trip. Tears were shed over FaceTime, and virtual hugs were shared. Thankfully, she is doing well and recovering day by day.

It’s hard not to have your family and friends with you to celebrate such a big day. But if I’m being really honest, elopements are my favorite. They are so personal and sweet. Nature serves up some serious views as you vow to share your lives together. It’s a magical way to say, “I Do,” and I’m so happy to have been there for this one.

After a night of camping together in the great outdoors, friends and family helped set the scene. They met back in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada to say their vows and celebrate with a reception beneath the stars.

Congratulations, Paul and Kristi! Yours is a wedding I will remember for years to come. Thank you for being true to yourselves and celebrating your love in such a beautiful place. Most importantly, Go Gators! 💛