Akiya + Cole | Desert Motorcycle Elopement

If you are a big Friends watcher, then you know that one of the most iconic scenes in the entire show is when Ross, Rachel, and Chandler are all trying to move a couch up a stairwell. The couch inevitably doesn’t fit, and Ross repeatedly shouts “PIVOT! PIVOT!!!” to Rachel and Chandler as they continue attempting this impossible task. For my 2020 brides, planning their wedding felt just like this situation – an absolutely impossible task where they were forced to change their plans at almost every turn. And you know what? They MADE IT HAPPEN. They were resilient. They were adaptable. And they ended up with equally beautiful, dream weddings & elopements and finally got to start their love stories together. It wasn’t ideal, but man…it ended up being so incredible in spite of the horrible circumstances. Today’s couple, Akiya and Cole, are prime examples of this. 

They met when Cole was working at an AT&T store and Akiya’s mom was a customer. Her mom wanted to work with a different employee, but Akiya insisted that she work with Cole because she thought he was cute ( thanks for the pivot, mom!). Her mom ended up passing her number to Cole, and they were inseparable ever since. They got engaged on a snowy day in Estes Park, Colorado, and were planning on getting married in Vegas in 2021. When everything shut down, they eventually decided to elope in their new home state of Arizona. They had to plan everything last minute, but look at how incredibly beautiful everything turned out!

Cole describes Akiya as strong, outspoken, and wildly loyal. She loves deeply, is incredibly supportive, and is always there for him. Akiya thinks that Cole is the whole package! – pure yet powerful. He is extremely kindhearted, genuine, honest, and an incredibly bright light to both Akiya and to the entire world.

Akiya & Cole got married at the base of the Superstition mountains. Akiya wore a stunning, sleek white dress (seriously, doesn’t she look like a supermodel?), and Cole wore a brown suit that perfectly complimented both Akiya and the desert scenery around them. They brought their motorcycle to their elopement, which was AMAZING. Their fierce, wild love shone through the whole day and I had SO much fun capturing all of their happiness. Akiya & Cole, you are resilient, passionate, and so beautiful together. I wish you so much happiness and joy as you start your new chapter. Congratulations!