Why I Love the Desert || Southern Utah Elopement

I love the desert. I grew up running through Utah's west desert, trying to catch lizards with my hands, unaware of sage brush poking out of my hair, covered in dirt from head to toe. I never learned to love Utah's deserts in spite of the open spaces, emptiness, and blazing sun- I loved them because of this. Give me brush and dirt roads. Wide skies and the drawl of the neighbor. Wild Indian Paintbrush and arrowheads and coyote skulls and all of the treasures the West holds. I want all of it.

And I want love. The kind that's dripping with history and passion. The kind that's been forged through hard times and good times and all of the times that come in between. Give me two lovers exchanging vows under the cover of red rock and the kind of thunderstorms you only see in Utah & Arizona's springtime.

This was one of those days that had a little bit of everything I love, rolled into one. Thank you Junebug Weddings for giving this story a home.

"The first time ever I saw your face, I thought the sun rose in your eyes.
And the moon and stars were the gifts you gave,
To the dark and the endless sky, my love.
And the first time ever I kissed your mouth,
I felt the earth move through my hands."