Selina and Zach both grew up in Tucson, Arizona, but didn’t meet until they were adults. They were introduced by two mutual friends who brought them to a country bar. But this first meeting didn’t go so well. You see, while they were dancing, Selina attempted to do a flip and Zach wasn’t able to catch her. A face plant on the dance floor sure isn’t a great first impression. But somehow, they were able to rebuild some trust and started dating!

They both have a huge love for taking road trips and exploring the outdoors. While on a road trip through Arizona and Utah (with stops in Zion National Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and Sedona), they were staying in a little cabin on the Creek in Sedona. One night, they decided to lay out on the deck and stargaze together. Little did Selina know, but Zach had a surprise for her. Under the stars that night, he proposed. Selina and Zach quickly knew that they wanted to return to Sedona for their elopement.

Their original plan was to elope by themselves, but their families ended up joining them for part of the day! They started the morning getting ready in a gorgeous house right on the creek in Sedona surrounded by their families. But once it was time to hike to their first look, they said goodbye to their families and started their wedding journey with just the two of them.

Their first look was only a short hike and Zach waited for Selina at the top. They were both so nervous to finally see each other! Selina crossed the red rock (and dirt) landscape, dragging the train of her dress as she went. Upon reaching the top of the hill, she caught her first glimpse of Zach. She hopped from rock to rock to get to him and they immediately wrapped their arms around each other, Zach gave Selina a little twirl, and most of the nerves melted away!

After a quick stop back at the house for pizza, they departed on their sunset Jeep ride. Their ceremony site was located up a long, dusty, bumpy, dirt road. It weaved along the edge of a wide valley and then up to an incredible lookout. We hiked down to the edge of a rocky cliff and admired the expansive red rock views. And as the sun started to sink lower toward the horizon, Selina and Zach promised to spend the rest of their lives together. And after their first kiss, they celebrated with craft beers.

Slowly, the sky changed from orange to the most beautiful red and we knew it was time for their first dance as a married couple. And while their first-ever dance in the country bar was a flop (pun intended), this one made up for it. They clung tightly to each other and danced while they watched the sunset. After another bumpy Jeep ride back to Sedona, they met their families at a craft brewery to celebrate, and eat some delicious food.

This elopement took place on Hohokam, Pueblo, Hopitutskwa, Yavapaiv, and Western Apache Land.

Photographs

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