When Lauryn and Corey reached out about their wedding day, one thing immediately stood out. More than anything else, they cared about having a private first look and vow reading before the ceremony. They wanted space to slow down, be together, and actually take everything in before the rest of the day picked up.

As a Las Vegas wedding photographer and videographer duo, those moments always end up being some of our favorites to document. There’s something really special about carving out intentional time together before the ceremony begins, especially in a city that moves as fast as Vegas does.

Their day unfolded between some of our favorite downtown locations, including Sure Thing Chapel, Fergusons Downtown, 11th Street Records, Plaza Hotel & Casino, Carousel Bar, and an unforgettable reception at Evel Pie. The entire day felt playful and very them from beginning to end!

Why Wedding First Look Photos Matter So Much

One of the best things about Sure Thing Chapel is how close it is to so many incredible photo locations. Lauryn and Corey decided to do their first look nearby at Fergusons Downtown, specifically on the rooftop above Mothership Coffee Roasters.

Before Lauryn arrived, Corey and I walked around together looking for the perfect spot. He was so nervous the entire time, which honestly made everything even sweeter. You could tell how much this moment mattered to him!

Whenever couples arrive separately for a first look, communication becomes super important. We always keep everyone connected through a group chat so nobody accidentally runs into each other before the moment actually happens. It keeps everything relaxed and smooth instead of stressful.

When Lauryn got there, I met her outside and walked her over to Corey. Once they were in place, I had him turn around and the entire energy shifted instantly. That’s the thing about wedding first look photos. The second couples finally see each other, everything else fades out for a minute.

I always encourage couples to slow down during this part of the day. Hug each other. Cry if you need to. Take your time instead of rushing through it. After their first look, Lauryn and Corey went straight into their private vows while I quietly documented everything from a distance. I never interrupt during vow readings. Everything gets set up beforehand so couples can fully stay in the moment together without constantly being redirected!

A Sure Thing Chapel Ceremony with Lady Elvis

After their vows, we walked across the street to Sure Thing Chapel for the ceremony. They were surrounded by all of their friends and family, with Lady Elvis officiating everything in the most fun way possible. The ceremony balanced emotional moments with playful energy, which matched them perfectly.

As soon as they said “I do,” their guests completely swarmed them. Everyone was hugging, laughing, crying, and celebrating all at once. The energy inside the chapel switched to full celebration mode!

Right after the ceremony, they shared their first dance together before we spent some time taking portraits around the chapel. We also ended with photos around the classic car, which is such a good add-on for couples getting married here. It adds another layer of vintage Vegas energy to the gallery and always photographs so well.

11th Street Records, Neon Lights, and Downtown Vegas 

Because Lauryn and Corey are huge music lovers, we made our way over to 11th Street Records next. This stop fit them perfectly! They loved all the textures, album covers, and overall atmosphere. 

From there, we headed toward the Plaza Hotel & Casino for nighttime portraits under the Vegas lights. Downtown always shifts into a completely different world once the sun goes down. The neon starts reflecting everywhere, the streets get louder, and everything feels a little more alive.

Why We Love an Evel Pie Vegas Wedding Reception

The night ended back on Fremont Street with all of their guests waiting for them at Evel Pie. If you’re planning a reception for pizza lovers, an Evel Pie Vegas reception is honestly such a fun option. When couples book the space, they get access to the entire back patio, which creates a private area while still keeping that downtown Vegas energy surrounding everything.

The space naturally encourages guests to relax and have fun instead of sitting through a super formal reception. Lauryn and Corey added temporary tattoos for everyone, which immediately turned into one of the biggest hits of the night! The entire reception felt loud, playful, and completely unfiltered.

Mixing Digital, 35mm Film, and Guest Point-and-Shoot Photos

Lauryn and Corey booked our digital and 35mm film package, which gave their gallery such a fun balance! One thing we especially love doing during receptions is handing a point-and-shoot film camera to the most energetic guest in the room. Every single time, the photos bring back such great memories! They’re usually messy, hilarious, a little blurry, and full of moments couples probably never would have seen otherwise. It adds another perspective to the wedding day!

Client Love from Lauryn & Corey

“We had a fabulous experience with Jane! She went above and beyond and our photos far exceeded our expectations. We will cherish our perfect wedding photos for the rest of our lives!” — Lauryn & Corey

Cactus Bloom Photography | Las Vegas Wedding Photographer

If you’re like Lauryn and Corey and dreaming about wedding first look photos that feel intentional and emotional, or planning an Evel Pie Vegas reception with all your favorite people, we’d love to help document it.

We focus on movement, connection, and capturing wedding days in a natural way. Whether that means private rooftop vows, dancing under Fremont Street lights, or giving your wildest guest a film camera for the night, we’d love to be a part of your celebration. Reach out and let’s start planning!

Their Las Vegas Wedding Vendors

Ceremony: Sure Thing Chapel
Reception: Evel Pie