This Lovely Moroccan-Inspired Duo Takes the (Little) Saharan Desert by Storm

From boudoir to weddings, we are all about capturing authentic love-filled experiences, so when I met up with some photographers in The Little Sahara Recreation Area for some artistic styled shoots, I was excited to spark some new creativity and challenge myself with sand dunes, open sky and these gorgeous models.

Just under a 2 hour drive from SLC international, this park emerges seemingly from nowhere, and on a spring day in the middle of the week, we had the place to ourselves! With three campgrounds to choose from, this 60,000 acre stretch of land has many beautiful vistas to choose from, and Lindsey, the stylist behind this incredible Moroccan shoot, embraced the desert perspective for a drool-worthy shoot.

Content Director: @caramia

Wardrobe Stylist/Creative Direction: @lindseytruedunlap

Models: @caseymacula & @elvinamin

@caramiacreatives

We are constantly trying to find the right balance of encouraging incredible experiences and keeping our wild lands healthy and safe. Read more here on Leave No Trace principles for Social Media Guidance.

An Incredibly Gorgeous Surprise Couple's Shoot Along the Oregon Coast near Iconic Haystack Rock at Sunset on Cannon Beach

Wind-swept hair tangled underneath our beanies, and cold air accompanied the crash of waves against the shore. Foam danced across the sand, and pockets of people strolled down the beach. Rachel squealed beside me, grasping her camera as she shouted her joy at being on Cannon Beach, the second stop on our Oregon Coast roadtrip. 

Photographing at Cannon Beach had been an artistic milestone ever since she’d seen the iconic Haystack Rock lit by a glorious sunset. It took a bit of meandering along the shore, scoping out potential couples before we found the sweetest pair walking towards the rock. After a brief introduction and some finger crossing, the couple hesitantly agreed to have their portraits taken. 

In moments, the couple was laughing, all prior discomfort melted away as Rachel prompted them to kiss and snuggle. 

We are constantly trying to find the right balance of encouraging incredible experiences and keeping our wild lands healthy and safe. Read more here on Leave No Trace principles for Social Media Guidance.

A Stunning Golden Goddess Sunset Shoot at Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park

Located a few short miles inside Canyonlands National Park is a very popular and picturesque location known as Mesa Arch. Even on a weekday, you’ll find people peering through the arch that seems to perfectly frame the La Sal Mountain range.

A short walk from the road, this spot brings many people looking for a quick nature fix, but if you can sunbathe on the rock and wait out the crowds, the golden glow of sunset will grace the arch with her presence, affording a silent moment to bask in love, for your partner, yourself and the beautiful canyon below.

We are constantly trying to find the right balance of encouraging incredible experiences and keeping our wild lands healthy and safe. Read more here on Leave No Trace principles for Social Media Guidance.

Stop! Before you Book that Hotel, you Need to See our Top 14 Asheville, NC Airbnbs For After the Elopement that will Make your Heart Soar

We adventurers come in all different shapes and sizes, and we often daydream in varying shades of “dirtbag.”

Whether you’re the wooded back-country type or the whimsical mountain bald elopement type, Asheville has a wide array of awesome Airbnbs to fit any adventure elopement mood. 

Check out our favorite Airbnbs around Asheville that range from budget friendly to ethereal splurge. Whether you’re looking for a place to stay before the elopement or for the wedding night itself, there is something for everyone. Star-gazing from a cabin overlooking the mountains? Check. A glamping tree house to fulfill all of the tree nymph dreams you didn’t know you had? Double check. There’s a little something for every adventurer, so check it out and let us know what you think!

If you're in the mood for glamping:

1. Luxury Glamping Dome #1 - $$$
   

This little dome will leave you speechless as you stargaze from the hot tub before returning to your king-size comfort foam bed with a belly full of s’mores.

2. The Roost- A tiny home in the Blue Ridge Mountains - $

Inspired by the Iroquois longhouse and Ryan’s off-the-grid childhood, The Roost is an arched tiny home, framed with birch saplings. High atop a ridge, enjoy year-round views of the mountains from the porch. Hike up the ridge or cozy up by the wood stove with a book. Grill out, start a campfire or listen to the sounds of Bee Tree Creek in the hammock.

3. Paradise Pagoda in the Pines - $

Primitive & totally off-grid, this bamboo pagoda comes with a map of local wildflowers and a library full of good reads for your down time. Need we say more?

If you're feeling extra fancy:

4. Asheville's luxury treehouse - $$$$

Imagine being held in the arms of hundred year old trees surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. Outdoor shower, reading nooks, 360 degrees of forest view… we’re drooling.

More Treehouses & Other Aerial Perches:

5. Raven Rock Treehouse - $$

If you want a walk on the wild side this is your spot. Perched on the apex of the Eastern Continental Divide, Raven Rock Treehouse is nestled in the trees in a 40 acre wilderness wild life preserve. Making our reservation right now!

6. Sanctuary, Treehouse of Serenity - $$$

Take in the rustic, fairy tale vibe of this custom-made treehouse in the midst of towering white oaks. Recline in a rocking chair and watch the sunset over the mountains, or try your hand at some stargazing from the comfort of the deluxe double bed.

7. Raven Rock Cabin - $$

Open air deck for… you guessed it, stargazing! Or just chill out and take in the views of this rustic valley that time forgot. Hunker down snug in this solid timber framed, insulated cabin and enjoy the. wild mountain elements in front of the fire.

8. Peaceful Woodland Forest Chalet - $$

Rejuvenate in this incredibly peaceful retreat imbued by a melodious orchestra of birds and insects in the Pisgah National Forest (home to more songbirds than anywhere else on Earth). Relax on the swing with your human and a warm cuppa or an ice-cold local beer.

9. Happy Place Treehouse Apartment - $$

Enjoy mountain views as you sit in front of the fireplace with your honey and a cup of hot cocoa. Mmmm…

Keep it Classic in a Cabin:

10. Magical Sky Cottage - $

Imagine waking up to the sounds of birdsong and a babbling brook? You don’t have to imagine here at this lovely little Magical Sky Cottage! Hear the forest sounds as you gaze into your human’s eyes… too much? Ok we’ll leave it up to your imagination after all ;)

11. The Starling: A Small A-Frame in the Blue Ridge - $

Feel the mountain breeze in this air inspired A-Frame. Atop the ridge, enjoy year-round views of the mountains from the back porch. Hike up Rhododendron Ridge Trail or cozy up by the wood stove with your honey. Start a campfire or listen to the sounds of Bee Tree Creek as you snuggle up two-fold in the hammock! (PS. check out that single dollar sign! This one is the biggest steal on the list!)

Oh, so you fancy, huh?

12. The Nook - Obsessively Handmade - $$

Staying at the Nook you’ll have an experience unheard of in the modern era -- almost everything you touch or interact with was woven, shaped or whittled by hand. Like your love, this place is a story in itself. Don’t miss out on this ultra-gem handcrafted by AVL locals.

If you wanna hang out on a farm:

13. Gashes Fluss Haus - $$

Our personal favorite on this list, the Gashes Fluss Farm Haus is over 100 years old but feels like a stonewashed dream. You’ll love the antique modern feel as you pretend to be two German farmers in love. Or not? No matter, just look at this place! It’s incredible!

14. Hilltop Cabin at Raven Ridge - $

Doesn’t this picture just say it all? Un-plug from the complexities of modern life while enjoying proximity to major sights, starry night skies and a sunrise over lovely orchards and gardens. Viva la rustic romance!