Sunrise Gilcrease Orchard Elopement in Las Vegas, Nevada

This chic sunrise citrus infused styled elopement is the stuff that wedding dreams are made of. When I was planning this event I wanted something that was fresh, bold, inclusive, and showed a totally different side of Vegas. Yes, all this lush greenery is in Las Vegas. Of course, when people think of Las Vegas they think of bright neon lights, Elvis, and Red Rocks – but there is SO much more when you look a little deeper. You can have YOUR dream wedding in Vegas. If you’re looking for truly rockstar vendors that can help make that happen – keep reading.

Contrasting with the standard idea of what a Las Vegas wedding looks like, in the northwestern part of the Las Vegas Valley there is this beautiful and functional orchard, Gilcrease. It’s the only orchard in Southern Nevada which makes it that much more unique. As a Las Vegas Wedding Photographer I feel it is my duty to make sure my potential couples know that their Vegas wedding or elopement can be romantic and elegant. And how much more elegant do you need than a beautiful orchard at sunrise? Outdoor weddings are often times the most ethereal of weddings and events. The ability to feel the breeze and enjoy an al fresco brunch after saying your nuptials is a truly unique experience contrasted to a dark and stuffy reception hall.

In the midst of the Coronavirus Pandemic, the wedding industry has been hurt more than most industries with no end in sight – especially in Vegas whom heavily relies on tourism. And that’s one of the reasons why I felt this event was so important to put together and bring a vision to life. All the vendors who participated in this shoot essentially missed out on 2020 Spring Weddings (And Spring entirely!) so I wanted to pay tribute to the Spring Wedding Season, which is normally a very popular time to get married in Las Vegas. We still love what we do and miss our jobs dearly and I thought it was important to take pause and reflect on things that we love; things that are bright and romantic when the world can appear to be dark and unending.

I wanted to put together a collaborative effort from the best Las Vegas wedding vendors that showcased a few things, first – COLOR. This entire session is imbued with love for oranges, yellows, golds, and fresh greens. Every detail was immaculately planned from the irregular amber plates down to the opening lining of the cake which is rimmed in delicate coppery silver. And yes – those are real oranges and grapefruits in the exposed part of the buttercream confetti cake.

grapefruit and orange wedding cake inspiration

The beautiful brides wore some classic and elegant heels. Ally opted for a neutral beige to complement her gorgeous dress, and Hunter added some serious glam to her non-traditional wedding jumpsuit with some strikingly black heels.

We can’t talk about this beautiful styled elopement without talking about the floral arrangements. When I picked up the flowers from Ann with AC Florals my jaw basically hit the floor. I had given her a vague description of my vision and maybe 2 Pinterest pictures for some loose inspiration and the magic she came up with is simply ridiculous. From peach toned dahlias to delicate yellow roses it’s perfectly contrasted by varied greenery and is the epitome of a bright and fresh spring wedding.

Ally and Hunter both had very specific clothes in mind; Ally in a handmade gown by the super talented Tara from Forevers After who is a fellow photographer and just started dabbling in clothing design. And can we say — she’s DANG good at it! Hunter wore a striking white pantsuit – No Doubt by Lulus and it suited her perfectly.

The lighting is always best at sunrise or sunset but as a quick tip – if you are getting married in the summer in Vegas you should NOT do a sunset session. Sunsets are actually the hottest time of the day and don’t make for a good time. Sunrises in the summer, however, are perfect. It’s on average 80-85 degrees at sunrise and as these photos attest to – can be JUST as pretty as sunsets. That being said, every couple I’ve recommended to do a sunrise session with me if they’re eloping in the summertime – has not regretted it one bit.

I am often told that by doing a sunrise session they have the entire day to spend together as a married couple. Instead of the traditional whirlwind of a day where you get married near sunset and party into the late evening – you could literally do anything you want if you have a sunrise ceremony. A whole day! To do anything you want. It might seem obvious but my couples that I’ve told that to has straight up said – wow, you’re right.

Some common things to do after sunrise weddings is to go to your favorite restaurant, take a peaceful walk with your new husband/wife, go on a hike to watch your first sunset as a married couple. Endless possibilities – it’s your life. Life it the way YOU want to, not the way someone else tells you to. It’s your wedding day! After all – in 50 years who will remember your own wedding better than yourself? Will your aunt Kathy’s opinion really matter to you then? Most likely not. So make it you.