Last-Minute, Big Mood: Brandi & Casey’s Badass Las Vegas Elopement!

Mackenna Dugan
3 days ago
5 min read

Some couples plan their wedding over the course of a year. Brandi and Casey? They made forever happen in thirteen days. And somehow, every single second felt like it was meant to be. Their Badass Las Vegas elopement at The Legacy Club was the perfect mix of elevated glam, downtown edge, and "we don’t need a big wedding to make a big memory" energy. With a canceled St. Lucia wedding, an unexpected venue discovery, and a last-minute call to their dream photographer (hi, it’s me!), these two turned a twist of fate into a day that was unapologetically them.

The Original Plan Got Canceled… But Their Love Wasn’t Waiting

Let’s rewind. Brandi and Casey had their wedding booked in St. Lucia tropical views, toes in the sand, the whole nine yards. But just 72 days before the big day, everything fell through. Hotels, the venue... they were told they’d have to postpone an entire year. For most couples, that might’ve meant waiting it out. But these two? They looked at each other and said, "Nah, we’re getting married anyway." They were just going to hit up the courthouse and call it a day. Until fate (and a little Vegas magic) had other plans!

From a Drink to “I Do” at The Legacy Club

One spontaneous night out downtown turned into the ultimate plot twist. While sipping cocktails at Circa, they started chatting with the general manager at The Legacy Club, who offered to show them the rooftop space. Cue the heart eyes. The panoramic views of the Las Vegas skyline? Unreal. The golden hour light? Chef’s kiss. It was love at first sight. Brandi messaged me right after and said, "We found the spot. We’re doing it here." Iconic. So, we planned their wedding in under two weeks. Just a small group, a whole lot of champagne, and the kind of rooftop ceremony that makes you forget you ever needed palm trees.

Ceremony with a View, Love with No Rules

Brandi walked down the aisle in a short, chic white dress with a dramatic bow that screamed "modern bride" in the best way. Her bouquet? Calla lilies and wispy greenery. The vibe? Romantic meets editorial. Casey kept it cool in a black suit and Vans (yes, Vans), because this day was all about doing things their way. With the city skyline behind them, they exchanged vows, laughed through their nerves, and sealed it with a kiss. The kind of moment that feels soft and electric all at once. After the ceremony? We took full advantage of that luxury suite life, yes to cake on the floor, drinks in hand, and cheeky glam portraits around velvet booths.

Let’s Talk Portraits: Fremont, a Secret Gas Station, and Pure Vegas Energy

After soaking in the post-ceremony glow, we hit the streets. Fremont Street brought the neon, the chaos, the iconic Vegas grit. But the real surprise? A secret little gas station mural they found a few nights before that gave old-school Vegas energy with a side of Stratosphere views. From bar-side kisses to bridal poses under neon cowgirl legs, they owned every frame. And don’t even get me started on the shoulder rides in front of graffiti walls. Total rockstar energy.

Why Backup Plans Deserve a Little More Love

Here’s your PSA straight from Brandi and Casey’s playbook: just because your wedding doesn’t go to plan doesn’t mean it can’t be iconic. Their original wedding fell through. Their new venue wasn’t even part of the plan. But they stayed open, stayed flexible, and trusted the process, and it turned out to be better than anything they could’ve dreamed up.

So if you’re planning a wedding (or replanning one), here’s what you need to know:

Be flexible: Sometimes the plan B venue ends up being the one that hits hardest.
Lean on your vendors: We’re here to help pivot, shift, and still make it gorgeous.
Focus on the heart of it: Whether it’s two guests or two hundred, all that matters is the love.
Make it yours: Vans, velvet booths, gas station murals, if it feels right, it’s right.

Sweet words from Brandi

"We are so BEYOND grateful we reached out to Mackenna for our classic, vintage Las Vegas elopement! The entire experience was seamless from the jump, when I sent her a few inspo pics, she flooded my emails in the best way possible, her creativity and excitement was just oozing and at this moment I knew her passion for this art was everything I needed to be a part of our day. There was so many small details that tied our entire shoot all together, and it is all because of HER! From the moment our session begun until the very last flash.

Everything felt effortless and fun, sexy and exciting! She completely understood our vision and brought everything and more to the table for us. She had taken the lead and completely guided us on how to pose and where to look, our hands, everything! and THIS! Is exactly what I needed, I have always felt awkward behind a camera, and she literally had my back the entire shoot, encouraging me, and making me feel so confident. Our photos are jaw-dropping: dreamy, authentic and just so US, all thanks to Mackenna! She has such an eye for capturing those in-between, candid moments that made us feel so real and comfortable. How does one make someone feel totally at ease while wandering through the neon signs and vintage hotels in the middle of the street?! Mackenna can!

If you’re eloping in Vegas and want photos with style, soul, and sex appeal - look no further she is more than your girl! I can't wait to work with her again! Thank you so much for your passion, and desire to your craft!"

Your Badass Las Vegas Elopement Awaits! Book Mackenna Dugan Photography To Be Your Las Vegas Eloepement Photographer!

Brandi and Casey are proof that the best wedding days don’t always follow the timeline you expected. But when you trust your gut, say yes to spontaneity, and throw out the "shoulds," something amazing happens. You create a day that feels completely and wildly true to you. So, if you're dealing with a wedding pivot, know this: your Plan B might just be your best story yet!

Ready for me to capture your amazing elopement next? Let’s chat about all the ideas you have! Head over to my website by clicking here and deep dive to see if we are the best fit for each other.

If you want to learn more about me and what I do, click here. Can't wait to hear from you!