We are Scott & Kristine, husband and wife alternative wedding photographers behind Blue Elephant Photography. We are based in Oklahoma with our furry boy Fuji. We’re big fans of love, travel, and adventures which takes us to Colorado, New Mexico, Arkansas, Texas, Washington and across the world. We are passionate about documenting genuine and uninhibited love between two people because telling their story matters.
We wandered around the red mountains of Gloss Mountain State Park for the engagement session of Jon + Katy. In the past we’ve encountered giant red-headed centipedes and were wary of the “beware of rattlesnake” signs. This time, no rattlesnakes {thank goodness!} and no giant centipedes, but there were two huge tarantulas {I guess they always come pretty big!}, and in the end a refreshing pitter patter of rain. So it ended up pretty muddy! But no one cared and we came out in one piece. Love should be celebrated, rain or shine, rattlesnake or tarantula, lol. Jon & Katy wanted to go somewhere different and have an adventure but also wanted to be able to dress up a bit. We decided that a Gloss Mountain engagement would be fun. We could go exploring without too much of a hike. It’s actually hard to believe that’s it’s in Oklahoma. It looks like a giant chunk of land was mysteriously dug out of New Mexico or Arizona and dropped in the northwestern corner of Oklahoma. Looming mesas jut out from the desert surroundings. Shards of shiny quartz litter the red sandy earth giving it its name, Gloss Mountain.
Jon & Katy were such troopers! We wandered around the base of the mountain praying for no rattlesnakes and finding ground that wasn’t too soft to stand on. For them, it was an opportunity to get away from it all and just be together. Once they hiked all the way to the top, we all took a moment to enjoy the view and were just thankful that we were all safe and the day ended beautiful. They even danced in the rain! I felt like we were totally somewhere else. The weather, the landscape, the mood transported us to our own little world. There were times when I could mentally hear Hoppípolla by Sigur Rós playing in the background as I was shooting. It’s one of my favourite Icelandic bands. So just to give the whole effect click the play button below before viewing their session. It’s worth it.
Congrats Jon and Katy! It might have been rainy but really it was a beautiful day with an awesome duo. It was a total blast! What adventures have you dreamed up for the rest of this year? Whether they are big or small adventures, have fun and stay wild at heart! I can’t wait to spend another glorious day with you two at your wedding at the Springs in Tulsa. Friends, thank you all for stopping by and make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram! ♥
