Sawyer & Nikki’s Heartfelt Paddle Boarding Adventure Elopement in South Texas
Sawyer & Nikki spontaneously planned a day, along their honeymoon traveling across the U.S., filled with meaning, love, and adventure.
We had the honor to document their love story in their honeymoon elopement and shared a little adventure in Laredo as they made their way through Texas in their skoolie named Willy.
We met these two by pure chance while location scouting at Lake Casa Blanca International State Park. Coming across their bus at the park, we gave them a follow on Instagram because we were interested in learning more about their travels and offering some nice spots to check out while they were in town. After introducing ourselves and explaining what we do, the conversation soon led to getting the opportunity to document and create an adventure on their last day in Laredo before continuing South to continue their trip across the states.
We pretty much planned to meet the next morning for sunrise as they had already planned to paddle board on the lake that same morning. We went into documenting this day with the plan being to just follow them around while taking time to dive deeper into Sawyer & Nikki’s story and give them the chance to read their vows in a more intimate setting at the park. Though typically we’ll craft a timeline for most couples we work with weeks or even months in advance, this specific day called for a day with a flow that felt natural to Sawyer & Nikki. This off-the-cuff approach was actually what ended up perfectly reflecting their personalities and their story.
Starting their elopement day at sunrise allowed us to start the day off slowly and granted us many quiet moments alone in the park long before other visitors and campers began to wake up. Structuring their elopement like this also allowed us to flow through the day without rushing due to lighting, because as the day continues the light stays rather consistent. This also was beneficial to Sawyer & Nikki as they had plans of continuing their adventure further South after their celebration together.
Sometimes the Best Elopement Plans are Spontaneous
These two love to live life pushing themselves to get out of their comfort zones and the routine of everyday life, all in the chase of an amazing experience. Their bravery and fearlessness inspired our approach to documenting this day. The only part of the plan that mattered most to them was doing it all together — just like everything else in their life.
It was a new experience for us to go off the cuff as much as we did with them, but it was a refreshing approach as it allowed us to flow naturally through the day unbound by any specifics.
Their Heartfelt Lakeside Elopement in South Texas
Sunrise Paddle boarding on Lake Casa Blanca
The next morning we all met at their skoolie where we had seen it the night before, picked up their paddle boards, and made our way to the lake for the most beautiful sunrise. The water on the lake was crisp and cold, but calm — perfect for their paddle boarding plans.
As Sawyer & Nikki made their way toward the middle of the lake, the sun’s light started to touch on the middle island, where it so happens that most of the birds were roosting.
They all awoke flying over Sawyer & Nikki as they traveled across the lake together, chirping loudly. It was something none of us had ever experienced before, a truly breathtaking moment. Afterward, they continued making their way across the lake as the Texas sun’s warmth began to enter the day.
Breakfast & Coffee on their Skoolie
Soon after paddle boarding, we made our way back to their skoolie where Sawyer & Nikki began working on their coffee and breakfast. Alongside their cat, Nash, who was named after the city where their story all began. We took this time to dive deep into learning about Sawyer & Nikki’s adventures, listening attentively as they shared the heartfelt story of how they first met and fell in love. Typically, we get to know a couple’s story earlier in the planning process, but with these two, their entire story was told to us throughout the day as we spent it together.
Heartfelt Vows Under a Huisache Tree
They continued their day, getting ready together on their bus. Sawyer & Nikki had been at Lake Casa Blanca State Park for a few days before and had found a huisache tree just a short walk away from their bus. They envisioned themselves reading their vows under this tree, full of beautiful yellow blooms that announced a warm Spring was near in South Texas. A beautiful reflection of this new beginning full of adventures they had created together. After reading their vows these two were eager to perform their first dance to the song that symbolized the start of this whole adventure at their wedding in Michigan with their family.
Heading out to their next adventure on their Honeymoon across the U.S.
So after some time running around under this huisache tree, we made our way back to their skoolie to begin packing up as their reservation at their campsite was going to end in a of couple hours. They decided to have some fun on their Vespa to celebrate before leaving for the next stop on their adventure on South Padre Island. You can continue to follow along with Sawyer & Nikki’s adventures on their Instagram Page.
“We had the most incredible elopement with Nora & Kevin. It was a spontaneous day that started at 6:30 am for a paddle board sunrise. They were both down for any idea that we had, while also making us feel so comfortable behind the camera. Truly they went above & beyond during our shoot. They brought lots of different props in case we needed them, and were so prepared. We highly recommend working with Sol & Sand. You’ll have the best experience!”
Things to Consider if you want to Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP) on your Wedding Day
This day was full of new things for us — we’d never documented anyone paddle boarding before!
Luckily we came prepared with a pair of walkie-talkies to help direct Sawyer & Nikki across the water. This was such a fun activity to document and we’re looking forward to meeting another couple who wants to do this.
If you’re new to paddle boarding, we recommend you practice before your elopement as balancing on the board is tricky.
Paddle boards can be heavy, so keep distance and water access in mind when picking a location. Also consider how you’ll be transporting your gear.
Set appropriate time in your day to fully enjoy yourself, so you can actually enjoy the activity rather than just perform it. We always recommend setting aside ample time for any issues that may arise during an activity.
Be prepared to get wet. Even the most experienced paddler can lose balance, so be sure to pack towels to dry off and set ample time in your timeline to continue your day.
The research the body of water you’ll be paddling on, you’ll want to find a location with a minimal current. Sometimes this means choosing an early time like Sawyer & Nikki, both to avoid boat wake by other visitors later in the day so that the water will be at its calmest current. This will help minimize any accidental falls into the water, depending on your experience of course.
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