Joshua Tree National Park

Feb 22

The desert was calling and the Joshua trees and saguaro cacti answered! Shooting and exploring around Joshua Tree National Park is truly a playground for photographers. As golden hour breaks across the sand and the sun sneaks between the cacti, I can’t press the shutter button fast enough. Turns out, it’s pretty darn easy to take incredible photos with constant inspiration shining directly into my lens.

We chose the city of Twentynine Palms, home of Joshua Tree National Park headquarters, as our home base for easy access to the west entrance. Confused by the lack of palm trees like I was? Turns out, the city’s name was first used by gold miners because of the 29 Washingtonia filifera palm trees surrounding the Oasis. We chose a Best Western to rest our heads, and although there was unsurprisingly no infinity pool and cabana service, we were all for the take-away breakfast to get us on the road to photo-paradise sooner. After all, the early bird beats the heat!

In our time outside of the park, we enjoyed exploring a few local spots. Most notable was the best dirty chai tea latte of my life at the Joshua Tree Coffee Company, conveniently located across from the west entrance of the park. A line snaked around the building housing an adorable gift shop that was worth the wait, but I’d encourage you to visit during the week to avoid the lines! In true pandemic fashion, there were no public bathrooms available… cue the port-a-potties! (Hey, I never said travel is glamorous!)

We started our shoot at sunset to capture that creamy evening glow. As the sun ducked under the horizon, we watched the stars dot the sky until we were under a blanket of stars. Bri & Ryan are the wonderful couple featured, and their love story tugs at my travel-loving heart strings. I truly believe there is nothing that can bond you more than exploring new places, solving inevitable travel challenges and getting to know each other as you explore this beautiful world.

Here’s their story:

Bri and Ryan met through mutual friends when they were 22 in 2014, and it wasn’t until a year later in 2015 that they locked eyes (through a mirror) in a moment that felt like “love at first sight.” Their first trip together as a couple was to Joshua Tree for Valentine’s Day in 2016. Two short months later, they went on their first international trip to Southeast Asia, where they fell in love with Bali and realized they couldn’t live without each other. After just 6 months of dating, they decided to get matching counterpart Yin - Yang tattoos on their life-changing trip to Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Since then, they’ve traveled to countless places adventuring all over the globe to Yellowstone, Yosemite, Denver, Washington, Greece, France, Spain, and the list goes on. Five years later (now going on 6), they officially became one as Mr. and Mrs. Maggio. Their marriage story is one of a kind because they decided to do things their way. Although Ryan has not officially popped the question, they got their marriage license on December 9th, 2020, had an intimate ceremony with just their parents on February 2nd, 2021, and will be having a tiny backyard wedding in April so that their siblings can join in on the celebration. They are soon off to their next adventure in Fairbanks, Alaska – surprise trip planned entirely by Ryan.

Is it just me or does Ryan look at Bri like she is the sun, moon + stars? Grab a tissue, I won’t judge.

Also featured is the lovely Marci of Marcella Laine in Seattle. She's currently on the road capturing destination sessions, and our schedules aligned! As photographers, we’re always growing and refining our craft, and one of my favorite activities is learning from fellow professionals. She’s genuine, kind and so talented. Bonus - we snapped some amazing shots of each other!