For many couples, the idea of ditching a large wedding for an intimate elopement somewhere off the beaten path is all too tempting.

Running off into the desert sunset to declare their love sans guest list was exactly what Sarah Starsky and Eric Bull had in mind—at first. But like many to-be-weds, the pair ultimately decided that being surrounded by their closest friends and family was what mattered. Thanks to a supportive team of wedding professionals, the pair didn’t have to give up the intimate “I do’s.” Instead, they got the best of both worlds with a private elopement-style vow exchange in Apache Junction followed by a traditional larger wedding.

A few weeks before their golf course affair, Sarah and Eric suited up for what was initially an adventure shoot with Chris Smith of Sufo Films. “They got this idea to do a private vow exchange before their wedding day, just for them, and the dress she wore was what she wanted to wear if she eloped,” Smith said. “It was simply perfect.” Sarah paired her dream gown (before multiple outfit changes) with soft glam and a peachy bouquet by Garden Gate Flowers.

Originally eyeing Sedona as a backdrop for the session, the crew changed course to the Valley at Superstition Mountains in response to an unusually chilly Arizona spring day. Not only did they gain 20 degrees, but the last-minute location swap also positioned them in a fully bloomed field near the mountains. Beautifully photographed by Kelly Birch Photography, Sarah and Eric read their hand-written vows (the same vows that would later be shared at their wedding) and took a spin in a luxe white Porsche.

For many couples, the idea of ditching a large wedding for an intimate elopement somewhere off the beaten path is all too tempting.

Running off into the desert sunset to declare their love sans guest list was exactly what Sarah Starsky and Eric Bull had in mind—at first. But like many to-be-weds, the pair ultimately decided that being surrounded by their closest friends and family was what mattered. Thanks to a supportive team of wedding professionals, the pair didn’t have to give up the intimate “I do’s.” Instead, they got the best of both worlds with a private elopement-style vow exchange in Apache Junction followed by a traditional larger wedding.

A few weeks before their golf course affair, Sarah and Eric suited up for what was initially an adventure shoot with Chris Smith of Sufo Films. “They got this idea to do a private vow exchange before their wedding day, just for them, and the dress she wore was what she wanted to wear if she eloped,” Smith said. “It was simply perfect.” Sarah paired her dream gown (before multiple outfit changes) with soft glam and a peachy bouquet by Garden Gate Flowers.

Originally eyeing Sedona as a backdrop for the session, the crew changed course to the Valley at Superstition Mountains in response to an unusually chilly Arizona spring day. Not only did they gain 20 degrees, but the last-minute location swap also positioned them in a fully bloomed field near the mountains. Beautifully photographed by Kelly Birch Photography, Sarah and Eric read their hand-written vows (the same vows that would later be shared at their wedding) and took a spin in a luxe white Porsche.