Even before the pandemic, something about a big traditional wedding didn’t feel right to Danni + Lucas. They changed their wedding plans three times before they decided to drive from Louisiana and opt for a super stylish elopement in Utah instead! It was there, at the utterly gorgeous Amangiri Resort, where the day unfolded into something D + L believe was always meant to be:
As with many other 2020 couples, this wasn’t our first plan. Our original wedding day was a much bigger event in New Orleans. But even then, I questioned if it was the wedding I wanted. When I talked to my mom and my friends they all said the same thing: “It sounds like you already know what you want to do.” My parents eloped to Hawaii 30 years ago just the two of them and my mom always said she never regretted it, not for a second. I trust her opinion so much, so I knew eloping wouldn’t be a mistake. Also, Lucas’ father passed away in June this year. Before he passed he was also always telling us to just “go do the thing already.” Knowing our closest family encouraged us really helped us believe it was the right move.
To document the day, Sydney Noelle showed up camera in hand. And if these dreamy photos don’t make you want to plan an elopement in Utah, we just don’t know what will!
Getting Ready Together
Danni donned one of our favorite Sleeper feather-trimmed pajama sets and sipped on wine as she and Lucas got ready together! And this all happened post-couples massage. Can you think of a better way to begin your wedding day?
All tied up!
Danni’s Stylish Elopement Look
Excuse us while we freak out a little over Danni in that Danielle Frankel dress!
The bouquet from By Bloomers just adds to the whimsy of it all!
The drama!! Obsessed.
Vows in the Canyon
Amangiri sits on 600 acres and features the most gorgeous canyons + views. D + L found the perfect alcove to share their promises.
Wow! Can I say the entire day? I remember eating lunch with Lucas the day-of after our getting a couples massage and I said, “If we’d had the original wedding, we wouldn’t have even seen each other yet.” I think that’s when it kicked in for me that spending our entire wedding day together meant it would be a day I’d never forget.
Another memorable moment was reading our personal vows to each other. We listened to the wind slip through the canyons and whistle quietly while we promised ourselves to each other forever. A type of peace I’ll never forget. We also had our first dance (XO by John Mayer) as we watched the sunset over Lake Powell.
Finally, after we got married we had a private dinner at a lounge overlooking the desert. We FaceTimed all of our closest family and just laughed — we were so happy to be married.
Just so beautiful!
Newlyweds at Sunset
D + L love to travel and explore new locations. And for similar couples leaving the big wedding behind (by choice or not), hopping in the car to elope somewhere new with plenty of expanse might just be the perfect elixir.
Amangiri didn’t disappoint. It was peaceful and rejuvenating at the same time. It allowed us to be present with each other and focus on the insane beauty around us.
People…when you plan an elopement in Utah, this is what you get. Basically, it’s heaven on earth. In fact, Utah (and it’s national parks) made our list of the coolest + most unique places in the world to get married.
What a BEAUTY! And what an incredible shot by Sydney Noelle!
Although I know it’s cliché and probably said 1,000 times, my advice is to think about what’s important to you and your person. Our most memorable moments — the wind through the canyons, the lunch together, and the sunset dance — would’ve never happened for us on the “typical” day that we initially planned. But now, those are the memories I would never want to give up. Focus on your priorities as a couple.
I’d also say just to take it in and be grateful. Taking in the little moments and being present in your surroundings really helps you remember how much to be thankful for on that day.
Peep those Gucci kicks!
Afterward, the couple headed back to Amangiri where the staff set up a beautiful private dinner on the patio before they cut their wedding cake. A truly perfect day. Congrats to Danni + Lucas!
photography: Sydney Noelle // venue name: Amangiri, Canyon Point, Utah, USA // florals: By Bloomers // wedding dress: Danielle Frankel // bride’s shoes: Gucci // getting ready robes: Sleeper // videography: Fleaux Media // bride: Danni // groom : Lucas