West Coast Tacos

A life changing trip in the Midwest!

Let me give you a little bit of a backstory on the reason we call this trip, “West Coast Tacos”….

In January 2021 I attended a photography retreat with one of my really good friends Tom of Tom Russo Photography. On this trip, I ended up meeting so many people which some became very influential people within my career. I learned a bunch from other photographers & even planned future trips with them who I just met. One of these trips being our trip out west to Colorado, Utah & Arizona.

Along with Tom & I, our three friends Jesse (Jesse James Weddings), Andrea (Malakoff Moments) & her fiancé came along. All three of these states had places I have dreamt about visiting and photographing in certain locations. We traveled from Boulder to Salt Lake City then down to Phoenix. Even though we drove over 2,000 miles, I was just so happy to be there and soak up the experience.

This was such a life changing experience seeing all of these beautiful locations and national parks along the way. PLUS meeting all of the incredible couples we photographed along the way was just the icing on the cake. But, want to know what was even BETTER? Three of these couples we met on our trip became my wedding couples in 2021 & 2022!! I loved being able to see them again while capturing their special wedding days!

Places we went in each state:

Colorado:

• Garden of the Gods – This is an AWESOME place to elope in Colorado!
• Paint Mines – Unfortunately for us, we weren’t able to see the actual colors on the rock formations because of the snow. But overall this location would also be good for engagements or elopement photos.
• RINO District in Downtown Denver – I am a BIG color gal so all of the murals downtown really caught my eye, especially the cat one! 🙂
• Union Station in Downtown Denver – This is a Pinterest worthy spot that I see nearly anytime I search for anything in regards to travel or trains.
• Lost Gulch Overlook – Very steep drive up the mountain but an insane view of the city of Boulder at the top. When we were up there a storm rolled in and it was so cool to watch.

Utah:

• Bonneville Salt Flats – my advice, put your GPS to the rest stop at the salt flats then drive down onto the flats, be sure that they aren’t wet though! you will get stuck!
• Provo Canyon – INSANEEEEEEEEE mountain views!
• Sundance – Okay, so hear me out – they have such a good restaurant at the ski lodge & on top of that the intimate, cozy, woodsy vibes just made me wish we had a couple to photograph that night by a bonfire
• Antelope Island – This is a spot I will visit every time I am out in Utah. Since I am from Buffalo, NY – I haveeeeee to see the Buffaloes roam. Remember to not get to close, they run at about 60 MPH!

Arizona:

• Sedona – Crescent Moon Ranch, Bell Rock (Cathedral Rock is a must see – we just weren’t able to get down there because of it being so busy with hikers)
• Jerome – This little town on the side of a mountain gave all the old western vibes of the old days
• Papago Park in Phoenix – I love this park because there is so much to see as you walk around it and it’s right next to the zoo & botanical garden

We had the best trip EVER and cannot wait to plan another trip full of content together! Forever, the West Coast Tacos!

Want to be apart of my favorite travel stories? Bring me somewhere EPIC to capture your wedding day!!

Lets freaking do the damn thing! 🙂
Inquire here: https://brittanyfordphotography.com/contact