Escape to the Sandy Slopes

Here’s a mini Magazine Monday for you with a deeper dive into one of our stationery Pick Your Perfect features. Inspired by the Sahara Desert, Meg Layman Photography’s annual photography retreat was more than just enthralling; it was like we all took a trip together across the globe for a golden hour sand dunes elopement. Only it was just a few states away!

We all know that there are more than a few desert scapes around Utah and our surrounding states (check out Little Sahara), but no one knows better than Meg Layman, and her eye for capturing that other-worldly look that comes with glistening, sandy romance makes us swoon like a camel with no water stores. The Imperial Sand Dunes in California are the perfect place to bring this sand dunes elopement to life.

Colors and Textures of the Desert

Along with Bixby + Pine planning and design, this Moroccan-inspired dream of a sand dunes elopement perfectly captures the colors and textures that make the desert so magical. Between the gauzy draping, whimsical table scape, and the rustic floral from Parcells Flower Co., it looks like a moment right out of a romantic adventure movie. We’re just waiting for the treasure to be revealed at the best moment.

The stationery from 26 Pressed is the real treasure here. The deep, rich reds, oranges, and maroons, on a bed of sun-heated sand, paired with clay beads and bowls, are the details that make this desert oasis dream come to life.

If you’re wondering, yes, this stationery was featured in our 2026 magazine stationery collection!

All Who Wander

Our bride and groom Aysia and Brice took wandering through the desert to a whole new level. Speaking of wandering—the gown from BESPOKE Bride donned by our beautiful desert queen is called All Who Wander… The perfect encapsulation of this wind-blown love affair among the ocean of sand.

And the makeup from Just Lago? Downright perfect. The combination of natural beauty meets sunshine-filled glamor in the most romantic way.

But that’s not the only eye-catching accessory: the Gigi Pip hat from BESPOKE Bride is the best way to top it all off, literally. Between that, the sand arcing through the air, and the loving way these two embrace each other in the warm air and gentle summer wind, this sand dunes elopement is proof that no matter where you are, your I do can be just as magical and warm as your love story.