As a Moses Lake photographer, I think I sometimes forget just how beautiful my own backyard is.

I’m always looking for gorgeous locations throughout Washington state to take clients to, but the Moses Lake area certainly has its own charm too! From jaw dropping views of the Columbia River to wide open farmland and orchards and vineyards- there’s no shortage of places to take photos at in Moses Lake, Ephrata, Quincy and surrounding areas. One of those places is the Moses Lake Sand Dunes, a spot that’s only a five minute drive from my house! The sand dunes is a popular spot in the summer. People from all over the state flock there to ride their ATV’s and motorbikes and even camp out there. There’s always something going on at the dunes in warm weather. We particularly like to go out there for the annual Tunes in the Dunes concert!

The Moses Lake Sand Dunes has since become a favorite of mine to take clients to for senior and family sessions. So I was so stoked when my friend Nicole, of Events + Weddings by Nicole, asked me to help her photograph a styled wedding shoot there this summer. Nicole always has such dreamy sets. I worked with her on a styled shoot in the spring, so I already knew she was going to create something amazing for us this time around too. And I was right!

This shoot was a gorgeous gathering of sunset inspired details- including terra cotta orange hued invitations and cake, a stunning wildflower bouquet with pinks and reds and of course, a real sunset in the Moses Lake Sand Dunes. Nicole also used a real couple for models, which I think is huge for styled shoots. It’s great being able to capture real emotions, and real love, amidst a perfectly styled set. James and Katherine killed it, and it was fun practice for them ahead of their own wedding. We even got to play with sparklers!

To say I absolutely loved everything about spending sunset with some amazing people in the middle of the sand dunes is putting it lightly.