Sari & Luke’s Stunning Castle Valley Wedding

SWELL & STONE / ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER / UTAH & BEYOND

Sari, Luke, and I planned their stunning desert wedding in Moab, Utah from afar. I used to live in my truck for many years and the desert southwest is, and always will be, one of my favorite places on earth. They were coming from Washington and just knew the desert was the perfect place for them.

Several friends and family members were able to join them and what resulted was an incredibly beautiful, memorable, and joyful wedding day full of love and amazing views. We began the day at their Airbnb which was also their amazing reception location. There were so many perfect little details that told the story of who these two are together.

Let’s start at the beginning. “What made Luke fall in love with Sari, “She’s the complete package. She has a heart of gold—that encompasses everything. She makes me laugh, she is incredibly caring, the way she treats my son, Everett, how physically attracted I am to her, she sees me, she understands me, the way she loves me. I’m still falling in love with her every single day. “

What made Sari fall in love with Luke, “His thoughtfulness and small, sweet, daily gestures and little surprises meant the world to me as we were falling in love (and still do). His tender heart and strong exterior. His drive, passion, and ambition made me know we’d never become stagnant as a couple or individuals. The way he has always been my biggest supporter and never judges me, for anything. Him in daddy mode. He makes me laugh and feel like the most special and beautiful woman alive.”

After getting ready, everyone headed out to a remote location in the desert. We decided to do family formals there, so we could spend more time at a beautiful location. It was on the Colorado River with views of desert towers in the background, everything they hoped for in the backdrop to their big day. After portraits, we began the ceremony, which was officiated by a good friend. It was an emotional ceremony and there were more than a few tears shed. After wrapping up the ceremony, we headed to a different spot for sunset couple’s portraits while the rest of the crew headed back to set up for the reception.

You know it’s good when the videographer, who also happened to be Luke’s brother was exclaiming out loud the entire time. He was so blown away by the views, which was awesome to witness, and if Luke and Sari weren’t always stoked enough, which they were, it fully ignited the fire. After an incredible sunset, moonrise, and blue hour we headed back to the Airbnb for their reception. They had the backyard set up so beautifully, and it made for the perfect atmosphere of celebration. Toasts were made, games played, first dances danced, and we all watched the stars come out in complete awe. It was the perfect ending to a totally perfect day.

Luke and Sari on why they decided to have a small outdoor wedding, “A small wedding is more personal and our style—it’s intimate, sacred, and spiritual. We both have a deep appreciation and love for the outdoors and try to be outside as often as possible. Our lifestyle is very outdoor-oriented. We chose Moab because we both feel at peace in the desert and love to climb.”