Western Couples Session in the Oregon High Desert

I recently had the absolute pleasure of meeting Brianna Madia and her fiancé, and let me just say: she is exactly as warm, witty, and authentic as you hope she’d be. Within two minutes I was like, “Yep. Just as cool in real life.” She’s also one of my favorite voices out there reminding women that we’re strong, independent, capable, and fully able to handle whatever is thrown our way. Whether it’s building a shed yourself, living alone in the desert, or trying not to fall off cliffs on remote dusty roads. And honestly? Inspiring. Who wouldn’t want to hang out with the cool auntie who lives in a van, writes bestselling books, and has better stories than everyone else at the table combined? Speaking of — if you haven’t read her books yet, you’re missing out. They’re gritty, honest, adventure-filled, and wildly human in all the best ways.

And these two together? You could spend hours just listening to their stories. Willie, a masterful photographer in his own right, has roamed the globe collecting experiences and capturing stories most of us only dream about. And now with Bri in his life, he jumped from no dogs to five dogs, how lucky is he?! ;)

For this shoot out in the high desert of Bend, Oregon, I was obsessed with their western–boho vibes, and equally impressed that her dress managed to stay fully secured through all our running around. The warm tones, the textures, the dust clouds and sagebrush, the way they fit so effortlessly into the landscape… it was the kind of aesthetic photographers lose sleep over (in a good way).

Of course, we couldn’t wrap the night without taking a few photos with the one and only Miss Bertha — the behemoth, iconic, unapologetically orange van herself. A true celebrity cameo.

And if you ever find yourself wandering the dunes… keep your eyes peeled. You might see her in a leopard print cardigan.

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