Organic and Intimate Desert Wedding in the Great Sand Dunes

There are so many gorgeous textures above and beyond the sand in today’s intimate desert wedding shoot from Connie Whitlock Photography! She and fellow stylish photographer Katie Grant took inspiration from the raw and organic setting of the Great Sand Dunes National Park to put together this stunning shoot that’s perfect for an intimate wedding or a stunning elopement. Watercolors, natural linen, raw gemstones, wood grain – they all add to the organic detailing that makes this shoot unforgettable!

The breathtaking sprawl of the Great Sand Dunes Natural Park in Colorado would have been striking enough, but this team doesn’t rest on stunning landscape alone. To complement the vast stretches of sand, Connie and Katie used natural textures to realize their vision for the styled shoot. For the bride they selected a deceptively simple gown by Houghton NYC from local bridal salon, The Dress Theory. The shift dress floated beautifully in the wind that ruffled the dunes, while a subtle floral pattern added romantic texture. The bride’s tousled hair and luminous makeup perfectly suited the natural beauty of the surroundings. Her charming groom, the model’s actual sweetheart, rocked an on-trend man bun and semi-casual style suited to an intimate but stylish elopement.

For the decor, Flora by Nora utilized jewel tones to pop against the stretches of sand and to play off the actual gemstones used in the shoot. An amethyst hued bouquet and bold garnet centerpiece hinted at the chunks of raw crystal that adorned the table, the dessert display, and even the bride’s bouquet. Hammered copper vessels, carved wooden chargers, and bone china graced the table set on the dunes, adding rich color and texture to the barren landscape. A cake adorned with amethyst and gold watercolor swatches called back to the stunning invitation suite, while vintage champagne flutes seemed as though they were filled with the golden light gracing the dunes.

PHOTO CREDITS –

Photography by Connie Whitlock Photography | Styling and Design by Connie Whitlock and Katie Grant Photography | Floral Design by Flora by Nora | Wedding Dress by Houghton NYC from The Dress Theory | Bridal Hair and Makeup by Sara Bearss | Stationery Design and Calligraphy by Graceline Art | Wedding Cake by Megan Joy Cakes | Ribbons by Silk & Willow | Modeled by Madi Spialek & Paden Sandell