Madie + Matthew live for hiking and the outdoors with their sweet pup, so it made perfect sense to shoot at one of their favorite desert locations for their engagement photos–White Sands National Monument. This is one of our favorite areas to shoot in because it’s such a dreamy, light-filled landscape! The sand here is actually composed of gypsum crystals, which makes it feel extra magical. They’re actually the largest of their kind on the whole planet. The rolling miles and miles of dunes provide ample space to explore and shoot without another person in sight. You can also sled down the dunes, which sounds AMAZING. Next time, we’re bringing sleds for sure. We shot during golden hour (which is when the light starts to get beautifully soft and golden about an hour before the sun sets), and we won’t blame you one bit if you get an irresistible feeling of wanderlust from the glowing dunes! (We are already planning another trip back.) Madie + Matthew said they had a magical experience in White Sands a few years ago when they camped there during a full moon. The landscape turns a pale white in the moonlight, and it’s bright enough with the light bouncing off the sand that you want to bring a sleeping mask if you actually want to catch a good night’s sleep. Madie + Matthew also recommended taking a hike at night under the full moon–you’ll feel like you’re exploring another planet. We loved shooting in such a surreal landscape with these two and highly recommend picking an engagement photo location that feels like a special place or sounds like an exciting adventure. If you’re enjoying the location we shoot at, you will love your photos that much more. Need recommendations? We’re always here to help out! After booking, we guide you through picking a location that’s perfect for you–just like how the White Sands National Monument was PERFECT for Madie + Matthew.

P.S. Check out Madie + Matthew’s backyard wedding featured on Rocky Mountain Bride here.