Why I Switched from Wedding to Elopement Photography
You may be wondering why I switched from wedding to elopement photography. Well, long story short, elopements took me by the heart. My love for adventure, the wild landscapes and adventurous couples shine when I’m photographing elopements. But wait, I’m a sucker for a good story. So, allow me to break this down a bit more…
I’m attracted to adventure.
I grew up in one of those small towns that people tend to get stuck in and never end up leaving. However, that wasn’t the case for me. I loved to travel and explore new places outside of small town USA. Every summer I would get to go on a vacation to Northern California and it was always the highlight of my year. I was very fortunate to have wanderlust instilled in me at a very young age. In order to not forget the places I had been and the beauty I had seen, I would document these trips in my (many) travel journals with polaroids taped in them. I fell in love with landscapes and documenting them through photography. I can say that without a doubt, going on these trips shaped me into who I am today.
Wedding Photography – Beginning to End.
I’ve always been a hopeless romantic; what can I say? I love love. It was my senior year of high school when I fell in love with wedding photography. I loved being able to tell couples love stories with a click of my camera. It would light my heart on fire to witness two people promising their lives to one another. My favorite part? Getting to take the bride and groom outdoors for more intimate, emotive portraits of just the two of them. I got to continue documenting wedding day love for about 3 years. I even grew so focused on them that I stopped photographing landscapes all together.
One day I was mindlessly scrolling through Facebook when I saw a photo by Benj Haisch of a couple getting married at Moraine Lake. It absolutely took my breath away. It was unlike anything I had ever seen. I immediately thought to myself, “I want to do that.” That was the moment I fell in love with elopements and decided to become an elopement photographer for adventurous couples who are wildly in love.
What elopement photography means to me…
Elopements just hit differently for me. They combine my love of wedding photography and landscape and photography all into one. There is something about capturing the love of two newlyweds surrounded by phenomenal scenery and fresh air. It’s an intimate, grounding and so humbling experience to be a part of.
I’m a pretty big introvert, so an elopement is the only type of wedding I could ever see myself having one day. Therefore, I feel a special connection to my elopement couples. Deciding to elope takes a special kind of duo. It’s for the lovers who live for adventure and love to feel close to each other. They are couples of the moment. They’re intentional, wildly in love and the kind of people I like to surround myself with.
Why elopement photography?
I switched from wedding to elopement photography for many reasons. One of the main reasons is because of the ability it gives me to inspire people to get out there and travel as much as they can. I want to encourage others to explore the world like I have been so fortunate enough to do; and while you’re at it, why not marry your best friend? Elopements give you the freedom to get married ANYWHERE in the world – how freaking cool is that?!
However, the biggest reason of all…
I can better serve you.
As a photographer, it’s important that you are aligned with what you are doing and who you are doing it for. For all of the reasons listed above, my heart feels drawn to my elopement clients. Those couples are my jam. When you spend the whole day chatting, exploring and celebrating love with a couple, they come out on the other side as your friend. These are the connections I live for. These are the connections that remind me of why I love photography. Elopements ignite my passion. That’s why it only makes sense for me to make this switch; for my business, for me and most of all, for my couples. Documenting love stories, making friends and exploring Mother Nature’s grounds. What could be more dreamy than that? That is why I switched from wedding to elopement photography.
I’m so fortunate to get to do what I love for a living; and I am so grateful for your support through it all!
