Define: Elopement
Historically:
eloping meant a "couple running away together to get married without the knowledge or approval of their families."
First things
first
First things
first
Today, elopements are often planned and celebrated as intimate, intentional ceremonies that focus on the couple's personal preferences and experiences rather than adhering to conventional wedding norms.
Today's Meaning
Let's chat
Being a photographer for the past 4 years (and for funsies most of my life) means I have had the honor of documenting endless life stories. I have photographed everything under the sun: weddings, couples, cultural ceremonies, elopements, graduations, real estate, family, corporate headshots, branding, newborn, and so much more. From tops of glacier mountains to windowless corporate offices, this shift to experience more intimate spaces never felt so right.
why i love elopements + Intimate weddings
why i love elopements + Intimate weddings
My lesson: If You Try To Serve Everyone, You'll Serve No One
As someone who solely photographed traditional, large weddings for the past 4 years, choosing to focus solely on elopements didn't come easily. Weddings have always been my bread and butter and every single one has a special place in my heart. As I have grown, my love for elopement experiences ignited a new passion. I would love for you to be apart of my next journey and I can't wait to learn why you are choosing to elope.
KEEPING IT EASY-PEASY AND STRESS-FREE, JUST FOR YOU
How to elope?
Make it official
Decide on a location that holds special significance for you both, whether it's a picturesque mountain, a serene beach, or a vibrant cityscape. Consider the logistics, accessibility, and any necessary permits.
Pick a date that works for both of you and any essential guests. Consider the weather and local events that might impact your plans with flexibility in mind. Consider choosing a weekday to hold your elopement in popular areas to avoid crowds.
Decide on the style and format of your ceremony. Will it be just the two of you, or will you invite a few close friends or family members? Choose an officiant who can legally marry you in your chosen location.
Research the marriage license requirements for your chosen location, and determine if you’ll need witnesses or officiants. Make sure you have all necessary documents and fulfill any waiting periods or residency requirements.
Find an experienced elopement photographer who understands your vision and can capture the essence of your day. Discuss your preferred style, key moments, and any specific shots you want. *wink wink* me, Natasha, over here!
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Hire an Elopement Photographer
Choose your proper elopement attire by considering the location, terrain, and weather. For a warmer day, opt for a dress made of lightweight fabric. In winter, bring along nude thermal leggings. Make sure to choose attire that allows you to move freely! And as always bring comfy shoes that are subtle and can be hidden underneath your dress. Prepare the essentials like your marriage license, rings, personal vows, and any other items important to your ceremony.
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Plan Your Attire + Essentials
Apart from your elopement experience, we'll work closely in creating a detailed timeline + itinerary. This will include: specific meeting locations that incorporate travel times, getting ready, the ceremony, and any post-ceremony celebrations to ensure everyone has enough time for each part of the day to avoid feeling rushed.
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Create a Timeline
I'm ready to learn more!
Having a backup plan for the backup plan, is essential. It's important to be flexible and ready to adapt to changing weather, lighting, or unexpected situations. Life doesn't always go as planned and I promise there's beauty in that in itself. Your perfectly imperfect elopement awaits!
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Prepare for the Unexpected
A free consultation for you to get a feel for what it'll be like working together. We'll chat about your dreams and visions, and how we can make it all work.
Yay! We'll finalise your deposit and sign the dotted lines to secure your booking. You'll complete a questionnaire that'll help me to get the next steps organised.
From scouting shoot locations to finessing your run sheet, we'll keep in touch throughout your wedding planning. I'm always just an email away.
Let's relive your big day all over again! I know you can't wait so I'll send you 3-5 teaser photos a couple of days after your wedding.
Grab some wine and get cosy because here's the final unveiling. Hop online to view your slide show and gallery, and I'll send your USB and prints in the mail.
We'll design your album together, encapsulating all your favourite moments. A generational treasure to be shared for the years to come.
I'll show up excited and ready to shoot your day - without missing a beat. I will be on all day watching out for every special moment so that you can simply enjoy the day!
The wedding!
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Plan the Ceremony
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Pick a date
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Pick a location
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Elopement Myths vs. Reality
"Elopements are less meaningful than traditional weddings"
When the focus is entirely on the couple and their commitment to each other, this allows for even deeper emotional and memorable memories. You decided to go against the grain and get married exactly how you'd like and that should be celebrated!
While elopements can simply be holding a quick ceremony to make it officially locked in, imagine it going past the "1 - 2 hours" you may believe is best for your wedding day. Think past an "all day photoshoot" and lean into the idea of an elopement experience. Paint a picture of your favorite day together. How would you envision that? Those monotonous moments, as quiet as they are, should be cherished. All the while tying the knot in between it all.
While elopements historically mean running away and getting married in secret, it has evolved to so much more. Your elopement today allows a handpicked crew of those most important to you to witness your loving celebration. Who would you include on a day as special as your elopement?
"elopements mean no celebration with loved ones"
"Elopements are easier than planning a large wedding"
"Elopements are only quick courthouse ceremonies
Yes, elopements in general are typically more stress-free, skip the fuss, days that only require the attention from a handful of attendees. However, planning for a fully customized day still requires months of coordination with various travel logistics, unpredictable weather conditions and multiple vendors. Being optimistically flexible is essential in planning a day as intentional and personal as your next experience!
"We have to hike for hours to get to a nice location"
Where my adventure-ish couples at?? You'd be surprised how many "we'll meet in this parking lot and walk 5 minutes to this view-point" locations there are that you'd never expect! Don't get me wrong, I'll lace up those hiking boots in a heart beat but if lugging your wedding attire up a mountain for 2 hours doesn't seem like the best fit, finding a pull off location moments away is easy-peasy!
Do you want to elope?
WHETHER CHOOSING TO ELOPE WAS AN EASY-PEASY DECISION OR IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR MORE CLARITY, CHECK OUT THESE DEBUNKED ELOPEMENT MYTHS.
So why
Brandyn + Cindy
"We have never done a photoshoot and were nervous going into it but natasha made us feel comfortable right off the bat. We didn’t have to worry about looking awkward in the photos because Natasha gave us directions on how to pose.
We are very happy with how the photos turned out. I highly recommend her to anyone. She’s awesome to work with!!"
Let our swooning couples tell their story
adventure session
If we played it safe, was it really worth it in the end? If you and your partner are itching for your next road trip, let's hit the road and get those tunes going. Includes travel of up to 2 hours from San Diego, California and 2 hours of coverage with 2 outfit changes. Includes Palm Springs, Imperial Sand Dunes, and Joshua Tree.
Your Journey’s Just Begun
Other services
fun moments together
couples shoot
San Diego spoke so deep into your souls, taking couple portraits was an easy choice. Take in some sweet moments together and forget about the outside world. Includes: 1 hour of coverage within a 30 minute radius of San Diego, California, 2 people max, 1 outfit.
