A Palm Tree Elopement with a Splash | Romantic Portraits & Poolside Playfulness

Towering palms, a flowing lace gown, and a colorful poolside finish brought two distinctly different moods to this elopement-inspired shoot. The portraits moved from soft, romantic moments beneath the trees to bright pink details and splashing in the pool—a combination that made this gallery especially fun to photograph.

Romantic Portraits Beneath the Palms

The palm grove created a beautiful setting for the first portion of the shoot. Layers of textured trunks and sweeping fronds surrounded Hope and Andrew, giving the photographs depth while keeping the focus on their connection.

The gown from Reclamation Design Company, rented through Little Mountain Studio, brought beautiful texture and movement to the portraits. Its flowing silhouette felt at home among the palms, with delicate lace adding detail to both the close photographs and wider compositions.

Soft florals by Pinyon Pine Floral Design complemented the setting, bringing pale tones and fresh greenery into the photographs. Together with the hair and makeup, the styling felt romantic and cohesive without competing with the landscape.

I loved working with the light filtering through the grove. It gave the portraits a soft, atmospheric quality, especially alongside the movement of the dress and the quiet moments between Hope and Andrew.

A Colorful Change of Pace

The poolside portion introduced a completely different energy. Bright pink styling, a white telephone booth, and a pink-and-white pool float brought a playful, retro feel to the photographs.

The telephone booth from Trendy Shoppppe became a wonderful setting for portraits, with its white frame making the pink details stand out. I also used the opening of the pool float to frame some of the photographs, creating a different perspective and bringing more of that color into the composition.

Then came the water. The pool photographs added movement, splashes, and a relaxed finish to the gallery. Alongside the colorful images, black-and-white photographs brought attention back to expression, connection, and the texture of the water.

Two Settings, More of the Story

One of my favorite things about photographing couples is exploring how a change in setting can reveal another side of their connection. The palm portraits felt soft and romantic; the poolside photographs were vibrant and playful. Together, they created a gallery with variety while still feeling connected.

For couples gathering inspiration for an elopement or post-wedding session, this is a beautiful possibility to consider. Your photographs can include the elegance of your wedding attire, time in a remarkable landscape, and something a little more adventurous afterward.

As a destination wedding and elopement photographer, I love helping create space for that kind of experience—thoughtfully photographed, with room for movement, personality, and a little spontaneity.

Creative Team

Palm Tree Portraits

Photography: Bethany Joy Photography
Concept & design: @mariahdunajphotography
Models: @hopevm & @andrewbooth
Makeup artist: @desertbeauty_cera
Hair: @ashleesmith.bridal
Florals: @pinyonpinefloraldesign
Dress rental: @littlemountainstudio
Dress designer: @reclamationdesigncompany

Poolside Shoot

Photography: Bethany Joy Photography
Concept & design: @mariahdunajphotography
Models: @hopevm & @_andrewbooth
Makeup artist: @desertbeauty_cera
Hair: @ashleesmith.bridal
Phone booth & rentals: @trendy_shoppppe