Being an elopement photographer and elopement concierge sounds really cool. I might be biased, but come on!!! I get to travel to incredible spots, plan out epic adventures, and photograph heart-bursting love stories. What isn’t to love about that?!!!
But, I didn’t become an elopement specialist because of the pictures or love stories.
If you’d like to learn my origin story, the tale that stole my heart, and the reason I became an elopement extraordinaire, keep reading.
My beginning began with a determined couple.
We all have a beginning…
The classic first line from Star Wars: “A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away….” Or the lively line of “Jeremiah was a bullfrog” before Three Dog Night sings “Joy to the World.” Or the gripping opener from The Book Thief: “Here is a small fact: You are going to die.”
We all begin somewhere. My beginning as an adventure elopement photographer didn’t begin when I first picked up a camera or the first time I had a photoshoot…It began with this elopement.
An elopement should be all about you
You might be thinking “Kate….this is nice and all, but…I’m not really getting the story here?” Hang with me!
Things have changed since this sunny day for both this couple and me.
My photography style has evolved, my services have adapted even more to my couples’ common needs, and the heart for what I do has radically grown. I freaking LOVE what I do because it helps YOU.
See, this wedding experience showed me things could be different- weddings could get out of an event hall, an elopement could be so much more than just a “rebellious” act, and there was so much more potential than I originally thought.
With just their little crew, they wanted a wedding experience done their own way. They wanted a whole lot of the activities that they loved like climbing, laughing, and being with their people, but wanted to leave behind everything that made their skin crawl about a traditional wedding.
The whole day, I heard their crew tell them over and over again “I can’t imagine you two getting married any other way.”
There are no rules to an elopement
Hearing this feedback from their closest people became a formative experience, a core memory was unlocked.
See, when I got married, I didn’t know what was possible.
We had joked about doing some wild red rock geocache location situation. It felt wild, but we felt alive at the idea. But when it came time to plan the day we just couldn’t figure it out. No one told us it was possible. I’m so glad with the result – marriage to my bae and the best ever adventure partner. But now that I work in the wedding realm….
This event showed me that it was possible to have whatever wedding experience a couple could come up with. No matter what the desired experience or feeling is for your elopement, it is possible to create it.
I NEVER want any other couple to feel boxed in to experience a wedding that gives them the emotion that we had where it feels like a “fine, I guess.” (ifykyk🤦🏽♀️). Instead, I am passionate about making the wild thing, possible.
Make your elopement happen
No matter what your “wild” idea is, I am by your side to make it happen. I know that it is possible (I’ve helped amazing “wilds” work out!!)
As an elopement concierge, I help couples every day create the perfect itinerary for their celebration. I help them find and vet vendors, plan anxiety-free itineraries, and create wedding experiences.
As an elopement photographer, I capture real moments of real people doing things that they really love.
I promise whatever your heart is leading you to, you CAN do it. You SHOULD do it. It IS possible and IS worth it!!
If you’re ready to make your wedding celebration an experience that you won’t stop bragging about, reach out here.
Want to see some of the wilds I’ve put together?
Olympic National Park Elopement.
You already know that I’m all about doing whatever you want on your wedding day. But the pressure from the people around you to have a “traditional” celebration is no joke! It can be crushing to have your loved ones express disappointment when you tell them you’re eloping.
I recommend sharing your whole plan with your people. Explain why you’re choosing what you’re choosing. And once you do, I promise more people will be on your side than against you.
The people who love you will always cheer you on, whether or not they’re present for your marriage day!
If you want some more support on this, you can read a whole blog about it here.
