Frequently Asked Questions 

of a destination wedding and elopement photographer

What’s an adventure wedding or elopement?

A whole lot of personalized fun is what it is!!! And it’s all about you. Let me say that again: IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU. These experiences provide a level of intimacy and meaning that can sometimes be difficult to accomplish with larger, more traditional ceremonies. The “adventure” part is what makes your wedding, elopement, engagement or any type of couple session truly different and against the grain of traditional celebrations. There’s a level of customization and freedom that comes with these kinds of experiences that makes them so truly unique. “Adventure” doesn’t have to mean hiking 10 miles with fully loaded backpacks and saying your vows on the edge of a windy cliff in North Cascades National Park…but if that’s your jam let’s go for it! It could be a beach, a trail head, a waterfall, a fire lookout. What it really means is that you are taking a leap and owning your day. An adventure session is completely yours. You make the calls on how you envision your dream coming to life and I’m here to coach, help plan and capture all those remarkable moments that make you you.

What’s the difference between a wedding and an elopement?

According to Merriam-Webster:

Wedding (noun): a ceremony in which two people are united in matrimony

Elope/Eloping (verb): a small destination wedding

Essentially it comes down to size. A wedding is more involved, with multiple vendors and more guests. An elopement is a ceremony on a smaller scale. Maybe there’s only one or two guests or maybe there’s none – just you two, the officiant and me. Either way, both are celebrations and ceremonies of your love to each other. Both can be filled with tradition, creativity and meaning. It is truly up to you and what you want your day to look like. For all the nerds out there (including this girl), Merriam-Webster has an interesting article about the ever shifting meaning of “elope” and how it’s changed through time here.

Can we invite guests to our elopement?

Of course! Part of our planning process will be determining who all is coming and what needs to be done to be prepared. I’m here to help to make sure you and your guests know how best to be prepared for our adventure. I’ve got helpful guides for guests on what to expect and how to prep for your elopement. From what to bring and what to wear (comfy shoes for the win)!

What do I wear to our shoot?

Oh, I’ve got you. I know it can be stressful picking out what to wear and that’s why I’ve got a style guide already put together and ready to go with helpful hints, ideas and color palettes to help prep for your session.

How long have you been a photographer?

Since I was eight years old! At least, that’s what my mom would say ;). I started taking paid gigs in high school and had my career sights set on being a photojournalist. Those goals led me to earn a degree in journalism and a marketing internship with the National Park Service on San Juan Island in Washington state. The park service opened a whole new world to me, one in which I could work outside, take photos, tell stories AND GET PAID TO DO IT! I’ve spent the last decade traveling for the park service across the country and around the world. I started seriously shooting weddings and elopements last year, and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’m absolutely in love with this community and I’m so grateful to meet and photograph the most amazing couples.

Who is your ideal client?

Everyone. Nope, it’s not a cliche. I genuinely love this kind of work and am so honored to work with my couples. Love knows no boundaries and has no limits and neither do I. If you have any interest in the outdoors, are willing to learn/follow LNT practices and are in love, we’re going to get along. Prince put it best: 

What is LNT?

LNT is one of the fundamental principles of enjoying and respcting the natural world. LNT stands for Leave No Trace. There are seven principles that have helped folks enjoy and protect the outdoors for 40 years! It’s about respecting other people and their outdoor experiences, but just as importantly these principles are all about stewarding the special places that have been entrusted to us by previous generations for this generation and those to come. LNT isn’t meant to be scary or constrictive and I’m here to help guide us through whatever adventure you’re dreaming of. With each couple I head into the great outdoors with, I send out info about LNT and our locations so we’re prepared on a scout level! 

• Plan Ahead and Prepare

• Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

• Dispose of Waste Properly

• Leave What You Find

• Minimize Campfire Impacts

• Respect Wildlife

• Be Considerate of Other Visitors

I’m not a super outdoorsy person. Is that ok? Can we still book a session?

Absolutely, 100% yes! Listen, have you been outside before? On a walk? To a playground? Maybe walking to Starbucks? That’s the first step! Even if you’re super new to the outdoors and aren’t quite sure how this whole hiking, adventure thing works, use me as a resource to answer any of your questions. I’ve guided people from all walks of life and of all abilities through the process of falling in love with the natural world and being confident in the outdoors. I’m here for you and I’ve got your back.

What’s your favorite national park?

I can’t answer that! That’s like asking a mother who her favorite child is. I couldn’t possibly choose…buuuuuuut if pressed, these are some of the ones that hold a special place in my heart:

Olympic National Park – Olympic is my heart park, meaning it feels like home and I will forever a connection with its mountains, rainforests and beaches

National Park of American Samoa – Working in American Samoa changed my life and I will forever be in debt to the island and its communities for their gifts

Mount Rainier National Park – a PNW icon. It’s what makes us PNWers us

Glacier National Park – Being from a mountainous state, I thought, “Ok, I know it’s supposed to be cool, but how great can Glacier and its peaks actually be?” Uh, it can be AMAZING. Glacier took my breath away and served me a nice little slice of humble pie that my Washingtonian self was glad to eat

Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park – she may not be a big landscape park, but the stories this park tells and the way they are told from an inclusive lens are truly inspiring and what I strive for as a storyteller

Do you do family sessions?

Occasionally, yes! I love working with kids (probably because I’m basically a big kid myself). I used to do more outdoor family photography until moving into adventure weddings and elopements. Definitely reach out to me if you have an idea for a shoot.