Discover Mahsa and Breanna’s breathtaking Palo Duro Canyon fall elopement, a heartfelt celebration of love, adventure, and intentionality. Captured by Brit Nicole, their intimate destination wedding showcases the beauty of the “Grand Canyon of Texas” and the joy of embracing a smaller, meaningful celebration. Perfect inspiration for your Texas adventure elopement!

Mahsa and Breanna’s love story began in the heart of Texas, with a modern twist of fate. Though they lived in different cities—Mahsa in Austin and Breanna in San Antonio—they were drawn together by destiny (and Hinge, the app designed to be deleted). Mahsa’s first message to Breanna wasn’t a pickup line but a heartfelt connection: “I love that you are a social worker,” she wrote, recognizing Breanna’s shared passion for helping others.

On November 3, 2019—just five years and a day before their wedding—Breanna arrived at Mahsa’s apartment in Austin for their first date. She was greeted with a teasing smile, a cheeky “You are NOT 5’4″ like your profile said,” and a tequila shot to break the ice. Together, they ventured out into the city, where Mahsa introduced Breanna to what would become their signature drink—a lemon drop. That small moment of spontaneity and sweetness became a symbol of their relationship, one they would later share with their wedding guests as a toast to the journey that brought them all together.

The night unfolded with the kind of effortless magic that only happens when two souls find their match. Over laughter, pizza, and heartfelt conversation, they discovered an undeniable connection. As the evening drew to a close, Mahsa and Breanna shared their first dance in her apartment, two-stepping to Kiss Me in the Dark by Randy Rogers Band. In that moment, surrounded by nothing but music and each other, they began the first chapter of forever.

Why did you chose adventure fun for your destination wedding?

When choosing how to celebrate our wedding day, we wanted it to reflect who we are—our shared love for adventure and the importance of being intentional in all that we do. The idea of getting married at a venue we’d never visit again just didn’t feel right. Instead, we chose Palo Duro Canyon, not just for its breathtaking beauty but because it offers us something lasting.

This isn’t just the place where we’ll say, “I do.” It’s a place we can return to again and again—a place to share with our future children and weave into the story of our lives together. The day before the wedding, we even hiked through the canyon with our friends, embracing the adventure that brought us here and celebrating the beginning of a new chapter in such a meaningful way. By choosing this canyon, we’re creating a tradition, a touchstone we can revisit throughout our marriage to remind us of the day our forever began.

Why did you pick Brit Nicole as your destination photographer?

When we decided to have our destination wedding in Palo Duro Canyon, we knew we needed a destination photographer who could truly capture the canyon’s breathtaking beauty and the essence of our special day. After doing extensive research on adventure destination photographers, we discovered Brit Nicole and instantly fell in love with her work. Her ability to blend the grandeur of nature with intimate, heartfelt moments spoke to us, and we knew she was the perfect choice to tell our story in such a stunning and meaningful setting.

What was your experience like on your day with adventure elopement photographer, Brittney?

Our experience with Brit Nicole was nothing short of incredible. She was an absolute trooper and went above and beyond to ensure everything went smoothly. Despite facing poor weather and even showing up while feeling under the weather herself, she remained accommodating, professional, and unwaveringly dedicated.

What meant the most to us was how comfortable she made us feel throughout the entire shoot—a huge deal for us as a same-sex couple. She adapted seamlessly to the unpredictable conditions, always focused on capturing the best shots while staying true to our vision. Her warmth and resilience made the entire experience unforgettable.

What was both of your favorite memory from your Palo Duro Canyon Elopement?

Our favorite memory from our small intimate wedding in Palo Duro Canyon was, without a doubt, our first look. We were both so nervous leading up to that moment, but the instant we saw each other, everything else faded away. Being reunited—even after only a few hours apart—felt like coming home. As we locked eyes, all our nerves dissolved, replaced by a profound sense of peace and joy. Mahsa looked radiant, embodying the perfect boho bride, while Breanna was breathtaking in her sleek, minimalist gown, later made even more stunning by the addition of a Desert Rose Veil by Rue De Seine. In that moment, it was just us, completely present with each other, and nothing else mattered.

Our second favorite memory came toward the end of the reception when This Is Me from The Greatest Showman played. This song holds a special place in our hearts because its message of self-acceptance and individuality resonates deeply with us as a same-sex couple. It’s a reminder of the pride we feel in our love, even in the face of challenges. As the song filled the room, we were surrounded by our friends and family, their love and acceptance radiating as they joined us on the dance floor. The energy was palpable—a beautiful mix of resilience, joy, and unity.

In that unforgettable moment, we felt seen, celebrated, and uplifted. With the lyrics, “We make no apologies, this is me,” echoing through the room, we were reminded once again of the strength of our love and the incredible support that surrounds us. It was a moment we’ll carry in our hearts forever.

If you had any advice for someone who wants to have an adventure elopement but not sure, what would it be?

If you’re on the fence about eloping or having a small, intimate wedding, my advice is simple: go for it. It was truly the best decision we made. While our guest count was just 25, the energy, love, and joy on the dance floor felt just as vibrant and full as any larger wedding. What made it so special was the intentionality—every single guest was chosen with purpose, and it allowed us to create memories with each of them in a meaningful way.

Unlike a wedding with 100+ guests, where it’s easy to feel stretched thin, our smaller celebration gave us the chance to connect and spend quality time with everyone. The experience was personal, heartfelt, and unforgettable, and it allowed us to truly savor every moment of our day. If you’re considering it, trust me, it’s worth it.

A note from your destination photographer, Brit:

Mahsa + Bre,

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for trusting me to capture your beautiful Palo Duro Canyon elopement. It was an absolute honor to be part of such an intimate and intentional celebration, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the “Grand Canyon of Texas.” Your love story, filled with adventure and authenticity, is exactly why I’m so passionate about photographing destination elopements. Whether it’s your next visit to the canyon or any future milestone, I hope your photos always remind you of the love, resilience, and unity that made your day so special. Thank you for letting me be part of your journey!

All images are copyrighted by Brit Nicole Photography LLC