Desert Gypsy Elopement at the Painted Hills | Lindsay Newton Photography | Painted Hills Oregon
Desert Gypsy Elopement at the Painted Hills
I was gifted some really amazing authentic 70's clothes by a friend a couple of months ago. One of the items was this amazing boho dress with gorgeous lace bell sleeves. I have these friends that are just truly the most gorgeous couple-you know, the kind of couple where you can visibly see the love radiating off of them each and every time they look at each other, and I instantly new that this dress was made for Rae. I remember that she was out backpacking when I messaged her and asked her what size she was. I know, probably the most random question you could ever think of! And I was standing there with my fingers crossed, hoping and praying she would say the magic number. Watching those three little dots as she typed was so nerve wracking! And then the answer came, and it was a match and I knew right then that this shoot was going to be a dream come true.
I am always beyond amazed by how amazingly talented the creatives are in this industry. Working with some of the kindest, most talented people and watching them make my vision come to life is just so damn inspiring. I told Brenna (Brenna Burnett Florals) what I was looking for, and for an added challenge we were camping the night before so that we could really take advantage of Central Oregon, which meant that the bouquet needed to last for basically two days. Brenna told me to not keep it in the car whatsoever...unless the air-conditioner was on. So we took that bouquet with on our coffee stroll, and in to Chipotle when we picked up lunch. Ha! The funny looks were so worth it-that bouquet held up so beautifully and was beyond gorgeous! I met Kristlyn (Kristlyn Jean Hair) through Instagram and we hit it off right off the bat! I loved chatting with her and she was so welcoming and listened beautifully! And boy, is she ever talented! It was 91 degrees that day and we had hair and make-up done at 11am, but didn't start shooting until 7pm! Whoa! It looked just as amazing as when it was first applied.
Rae and TJ have the perfect adventure mobile! Their rooftop tent even has a memory foam mattress! What?!!! I knew that we had to incorporate their rig and their dogs in the photos. Huckleberry and Everest are both rescues and its amazing that they look so similar because they are not related at all. Everest is just the sweetest lover around and truly gives hugs-it was adorable. Huck (short for Huckleberry) is one of those dogs that really "looks" at you, you know? Like he is totally having deep thoughts, not just the typical "I love you" thoughts...he is analyzing you. So I was so pleasantly surprised when he sought me out to sit by me and put his paw on my leg. It was pretty much the equivalent of him accepting me into his pack-at least that is how I took it and I was pretty stoked.
Capturing Rae and TJ seven years after marriage humbled me. There is something about a seasoned couple that shines in the way that they look at each other, work together, get annoyed with each other...it's a comfort level that only comes with time and it's really magical to witness. Their love story started as a friendship and that was so evident and beautiful.
I will forever be grateful for everyone that played a role in making this shoot come to life! My Desert Gypsy dreams came true!
