Adventure Engagement Session At Horseshoe Bend

This might be the most exciting thing I’ve done for my career. Doing adventure sessions has become a passion of mine ever since I first shot at Stony Man Overlook in Shenandoah National Park. I remember coming home late from that session, and immediately running upstairs to edit. As an artist, it was a feeling I’ll never forget- finally feeling like I’ve found my thing. Adventure sessions on a mountain top with gorgeous views and a couple in love- yeah, I could do that forever. 

Fast forward a few years, and there I am, flying to Phoenix, Arizona to meet Sara & Tony for their adventure engagement session at Horseshoe Bend. If you had told me three years ago that I’d be here right now, I wouldn’t have believed you. So of course, I spent so many hours planning and coordinating this day to ensure we got it just right. It played out a little something like this:

The first part of any adventure is a road trip, obviously! Roman, Rilee & I left Phoenix for Flagstaff to meet Sara & Tony at the sweetest coffee shop, chat about their upcoming wedding in Zion(!!!), and make a game plan for our evening at the Grand Canyon. After a quick coffee and great conversation, we were headed to Horseshoe. It was the most breathtaking sunset adventure session I’d ever experienced.

I was so worried I wasn’t going to be able to do the hike due to the altitude. I couldn’t believe that it was quite literally a five minute stroll from the parking lot. Look, I love a good hiking adventure, but a strenuous uphill climb isn’t always my thing. You can still be adventurous without breaking a sweat! 

Even with the amazing views, the best part of this session was hanging out with Sara & Tony. They are the most down-to-earth, loving, & genuine people. I’m so lucky that it was them I was able to photograph for one of my first big destination sessions. Sara even planned a picnic for after our session in the Horseshoe Bend parking lot, complete with sandwiches, charcuterie, and Pelligrino. It was freezing, completely pitch-black dark, and park services may have kicked us out, but it the best way to end a beautiful evening. The perfect adventure. 

Can’t wait for your Zion wedding, S&T. ❤️