On the campus where they first met. In front of their closest family members. Hayley and Justin became husband and wife. The elopement was intimate, full of love, and plenty of laughter. It was a totally different day than what they had originally envisioned (thanks Covid-19), but it was special and perfect nonetheless.

Hayley opted to do a first look with her dad, and it was so touching! From following Hayley on social media the past year, I’ve gotten a pretty good sense of her dad. He is full of life, and loves to make jokes. But when he saw his daughter all dressed up as a bride, he was at a loss for words. The emotions overwhelmed him, and you could see the pure love pouring from him.

The elopement ceremony was officiated by Hayley’s dad, and he did a beautiful job! Since the couple is planning on having a big wedding ceremony next year with their personal vows, they agreed to say just a few words. Or so Justin thought. He said his bit (which was touching), and then it was Hayley’s turn. She said how she knew they would be together forever from the very beginning, and how much she adores Justin. Her love for Justin is so expansive, it was too hard to fit into just a few words. Justin made sure to give her a hard time about that later haha.

A quick cheers, cupcake tasting, and chatting with family, and then it was time to capture the couple up in the mountains. We went up to Silver Lake in Big Cottonwood Canyon, and it was breathtaking! As the sun was just lowering behind the mountains, we had Hayley & Justin’s big smiles in the foreground, and it was a picture perfect setting. The love these two have for each other is written all over their faces – joyful smiles, laughter, and seriously passionate kisses.

I am so dang happy for you two, Hayley & Justin! Your “minimony” was absolutely perfect, and I can’t wait to capture the big day next year! Good luck with residency, and enjoy the California weather!!