Ally & Brandon

Elopement in Southern Illinois Garden of the Gods.


It was an absolutely beautiful fall morning when I met these two in the Shawnee National Forest. They had me hiking in the woods and rocks to photograph them getting married. A first for me! I got there early to scope it out, and holy moly it was a spiritual experience. I understand why they call it "Garden of the Gods", of Southern Illinois that is.


We met in the parking lot and her pups were dressed up too! They were adorable. Her dress is from an amazing bridal boutique in Chicago, Flora and Lane. Ally had a handkerchief embroidered to make her dress. Her bouquet had beautiful personal touches as well. I'm sure you are tired of reading, so let's get to the pictures below!

Couple standing on dramatic rock formation overlooking mountain vista.
Close-up of wedding boots with striped socks on autumn leaves.
Diamond engagement ring and wedding band nestled in dark blue hexagonal ring boxes.
Newlyweds share intimate moment on rocky cliff with expansive valley view.
A wedding couple poses between towering rock formations in a scenic natural setting.
A white wedding dress with floral embroidery detail and a happy brown dog sitting beside it.
A couple in wedding attire stands on rocky terrain with their two dogs.
A black dog on a leash wearing a harness stands on a rocky trail.
A romantic wedding portrait against a dramatic rocky cliff backdrop.
A couple in wedding attire embracing on a rocky mountain overlook.
A romantic silhouette of a couple embracing at sunset on a mountain overlook.
A flowing white wedding dress with embroidery details photographed among rocky formations.
A scenic mountain vista view from a rocky overlook in autumn.
A wedding ceremony takes place on a scenic rocky overlook with expansive valley views below.
An intimate wedding ceremony conducted atop a natural stone formation overlooking a vast landscape.
A dramatic wedding photo captured between rocky cliffs with autumn foliage in the background.
A romantic embrace between newlyweds against rugged rock formations at sunset.
A tender moment between a couple in wedding attire with dramatic rock formations in the background.
A couple stands on a rocky outcrop with rolling mountains visible in the distance.
A distant view of newlyweds standing atop layered rock formations against a mountain backdrop.
A couple shares a moment on a dramatic cliff edge with mountains stretching into the horizon.
Wedding photography captured from afar showing a couple on rugged rock formations at dusk.
Two figures in wedding attire stand silhouetted against the sky on a rocky mountain ledge.
A couple stands atop a scenic rocky outcrop overlooking rolling hills during golden hour.
Newlyweds embrace on a rocky overlook at sunset with mountain views in the background.