A High Flying Love: An Elopement Wedding at The War Eagles Air Museum
As a wedding photographer, I've had the honor of capturing some truly unique ceremonies, but a recent elopement that I curated and designed. and I also photographed was nothing short of extraordinary, I’ve been really focusing on wanting to capture more of weddings I want to see. It all started with working with No Me Olvides Flowers out of El Paso, TX where she designed a goth bridal bouquet based off of Edgar Allan Poe. Imagine you could really exchange your vows inside a historic aircraft, surrounded by the echoes of history and the spirit of adventure—that's exactly what we created for this couple at the War Eagles Air Museum in Santa Teresa, New Mexico.
The War Eagles Air Museum is a remarkable venue that offers a backdrop like no other. Dedicated to restoring and preserving World War II and Korean War era aircraft, the museum houses an incredible collection of vintage planes and classic cars. It’s not just a museum; it’s a portal to a bygone era. Among its prized day exhibits was a B-17 airplane, reputed to be the last of its kind in the world, which made this elopement even more special.
The Venue: A Gateway to the Past
Nestled on the outskirts of El Paso, the War Eagles Air Museum is a hidden gem that brings history to life—in the heart of a museum that celebrates both. The couple's choice to elope here, far from the conventional, speaks volumes about their adventurous spirits and shared interests.
The Ceremony: Love Takes Flight
On the day of the elopement, the clear New Mexico sky and the sun-bathed tarmac created a picture-perfect setting. The ceremony took place right next to the museum's showstopper—a B-17 bomber. This particular aircraft, with its storied past and majestic presence, provided a breathtaking sanctuary for the couple’s vows.
This view made for a surreal experience. It was a celebration of not just their union, but also their shared love for extraordinary experiences.
The Photo Shoot: Capturing Moments Among Giants
Post-ceremony, we embarked on a photo shoot that was as unique as the setting. The aircraft and artifacts around the museum offered incredible opportunities for dramatic and thematic shots. From intimate portraits inside the cockpit to playful poses under the aircraft's massive wings, each photograph told a part of their love story.
The B-17, with its intricate interiors and imposing structure, served as the perfect centerpiece for this photo session. The play of light and shadow, the gleam of the metal, and the couple’s radiant happiness combined to create stunning visual memories. It felt like stepping back in time, as if the lovers had eloped not just to another place, but another era.
A Day to Remember
As the day drew to a close, with the New Mexico sun setting behind the hangars, the couple departed from their unique venue, and The War Eagles Air Museum had given them a once-in-a-lifetime experience—an elopment that was as much about their personal stories as it was about the stories encapsulated within that space.
Elopements are often seen as simple affairs, but this one was anything but. It was a grand adventure, a homage to history, and a celebration of love, all rolled into one. As they walked away, hand in hand, beneath the outstretched wings of the planes that once soared through skies unknown.
For anyone considering an elopement that combines history with romance, the War Eagles Air Museum is a venue that promises not just an event, but an experience—a fitting beginning for couples ready to chart their own course through life's vast skies.
