Joshua Tree Engagement - Brett & Dakota
Sometimes, the stars align in the most unexpected ways. I had the pleasure of capturing Dakota and Brett’s love story during an impromptu engagement shoot at Joshua Tree—a session that, by sheer coincidence, fell perfectly into place while I was in Palm Springs. The timing was serendipitous, and everything about that morning felt like it was meant to be.
The day before our session, I ventured out to scout the perfect location, wanting to ensure that every moment would be just right. As the first light of dawn began to creep over the horizon, I woke up at 3:30 a.m. and met up with Dakota and Brett just as the sun started to rise. There’s something magical about Joshua Tree in those early hours, and despite the chill in the air, we wandered through the stunning landscape, capturing moments that were as breathtaking as they were intimate.
One of the highlights of our session was discovering a large, striking rock formation that provided the perfect backdrop for some of their photos. Dakota and Brett propped themselves up within the formation, and the contrast between their love and the rugged natural beauty around them was simply stunning. The rock’s imposing presence added a sense of timelessness and strength to the images, creating a beautiful visual metaphor for their relationship.
As the sun began its slow ascent, bathing everything in a warm, golden glow, Dakota and Brett changed into their second outfits. We continued to move through the area, the light shifting and playing off the unique Joshua Tree terrain, creating a backdrop that was both surreal and captivating. It was a morning of pure connection and joy, one that beautifully reflected the love and excitement Dakota and Brett have for their upcoming wedding.
We ended the shoot in the best possible way—with a champagne toast, celebrating not just their engagement, but also the incredible journey that lies ahead for them. I feel so lucky that our schedules aligned and that I got to be a part of this special moment in their lives. I cannot wait to capture their wedding next year and see where their love story takes them.
