This styled shoot had everything I look for in my potential clients — two people deciding hell yeah we love each other, let’s get married in our favorite place ever. And if ya didn’t already know, Joshua Tree is one of my favorite places EVER.

Why plan a big wedding when you can have one inside a stunning airbnb?? Of course not all airbnb’s allow events to take place on their property (make sure you check if you can have an event at an airbnb before booking!!!!) but Lana and Mo were able to find this gem of a home tucked away in the hills of the Bay Area in Northern California.

Abbie + Hayley celebrated their love and commitment in Big Sur California. It was windy, and cold, but the two of them embraced their environment and really soaked in every second of their big day.

Taft Point Elopement Yosemite National Park – Kayla Esparza Photography

“…When Miriam first reached out to me, she was SURE I was going to be her wedding photographer. SO sure, in fact, she messaged me BEFORE she was engaged!!! AHAHA, she definitely said yes to the photographer before seeing the ring. But having been with Kholt for many years, she knew it was coming soon, and wanted to make sure her perfect intimate elopement was planned with plenty of time TO PLAN! hehe…”

…I stayed the night at Dean and Sierra’s the day before they’re shoot, and we sat around their fire, outside their brand new house, eating smores and reflecting on all the time they had spent together as a couple. The next day we ventured up to Mt Rainier (one of their fav spots) and captured their time as fiancés.

…Let me tell you, you could see it plain as day on their faces just how happy they were to be there. We ended the night dancing in the rain, and it was all worth the 6+ hour drive to and from this beautiful place so close to home.

…And when I finally met up with them in Big Sur to capture their engagement session, it felt as though I had been catching up with long lost friends. I’m not kiddinggggg hahah we all got along SO well together. I was so excited running all over these beautiful green and yellow hill sides once we just pulled over on some random road.

…God was truly the center of this special day in the PNW, and Hannah and Ryan made sure of that. I cried during their vows, because you could truly see just how much these two have been praying for each other, and waiting for each other.

…They light up every room they walk into, and strive to put a smile on everyones face. During their reception, they made sure to greet and hug EVERY guest that walked through the buffett as they handed out plates.