Wedding Day Sunrise Hike
PORTRAIT SESSION AT BALANCED ROCK in Big Bend National Park
Abby and Osman wanted their wedding day in Big Bend to be slow-paced and focused on quality time. Since most of their day was going to be spent with their guests, we decided to take the morning and do something “just us.”
We met in the park at sunrise, drove down a primitive backcountry road, and got to the trailhead just as the sun was peeking up over the rocks nearby. Wildflowers dotted the landscape and the bright start to the day felt like a perfect wedding day gift. The total distance to and from Balanced Rock is just about 2 miles, with a 6 mile drive down a gravel road to access the trailhead. While this hike is mostly known for its unique rock structure (Balanced Rock), it’s also an incredible spot for viewing local flora. We passed healthy cholla cacti, yucca, and lots of wildflowers on our hike up.
Once we reached the “summit,” we poured ourselves cups of coffee from the thermos that Osman had packed in and took in the morning from under the balanced rock. At this point, since we were the first people to the trail that morning, we still had the whole place to ourselves.
The month of May is pretty windy in Big Bend, and this day was no exception. As you’ll see in the photos, the wind stole the show a few times with huge gusts that came barrelling straight through the arch of the rock. It led to lots of belly laughs and hair-in-the-face moments and made a magical morning even more memorable.
To finish off the sunrise session, Abby and Osman found a less-windy spot to sit and read through letters their family and friends (who weren’t able to make it to the wedding) had mailed them for their wedding day. It was a tender moment and the perfect way to transition into the rest of their wedding day.
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