This was such a magical weekend. When Derek and Willow inquired for their intimate wedding in the spring I had just planned to move to the pacific northwest the week before. I was so excited for their big day and we instantly became friends over phone calls. Moving my business across the business was terrifying but this gave me hope.

Derek and Willow decided to elope with just their family and a couple of close friends. They rented out this beautiful cabin for getting ready and their small ceremony. We drove to and from Mount Rainier several times for the first look and portraits and it was so worth it! These two love birds made it so easy. Their families welcomed me like their own and made the weekend so memorable. Derek and Willow are two of the kindest people and I am so thankful I had the chance to share this special day with them. Thank you for letting me document your big day.

Alivia and Zach wanted to do something a little different than a traditional wedding for their special day. Both of them have traveled to Iceland several times, making it the perfect place for their elopement. They exchanged vows in a deserted area surrounded by mountain tops. With only their immediate family being present, it made for a special weekend full of mini-adventures along the southern part of Iceland. Upon arrival we trekked to the beautiful Blue Lagoon hot spring to destress, drink juices, and get ready for the exciting weekend we had ahead.

As most of you know, I thrive when shooting intimate weddings. There is something so special about having your closest family around to witness one of the most exhilarating days of your life. When Alivia and Zach asked me to join them for their Iceland elopement back in January I was beyond excited. Iceland had been on my bucket list for a while so I was thrilled to photograph such a cool couple in a gorgeous place.

While we spent the first day relaxing at the hot springs, the following day we woke up early (if you’re in Iceland in May… the sun doesn’t set until around 2 am and rises at 3 am) and began our day by visiting a few waterfalls, hiking to the abandoned airplane and relaxing in the hot tub at our favorite place, Midgard Adventure.

Alivia and Zach’s wedding day started slow with breakfast and getting ready in separate rooms with family and friends all around. They began the big day with a first look before we hopped in a giant Expedition to go to the ceremony site. After a long, bumpy ride we finally made it to a deserted place with a tiny little building in the middle of nowhere. Snow top mountains surrounded us as the clouds passed over frequently. We began the ceremony and they made it official by sharing their vows and exchanging of rings.

We then ventured off to a few more special places that our incredible tour guide showed us; including waterfalls, wild horses and the infamous black sand beaches. Iceland is such a uniquely gorgeous spot and makes capturing such photographic people a breeze.

I cannot wait to visit Iceland again in the future and explore more of this amazing country. I am forever grateful to have photographed my first destination wedding in such an amazing place with even more incredible people. Cheers to Alivia and Zach!

Karaline and Robby exchanged vows in Washington state at the beautiful Colchuck Lake. While they were confused as to whether they wanted a large wedding or intimate elopement, they ended up at the breathtaking Colchuck Lake. Karaline and Robby both agreed that the minute they were finished hiking up to this serene area, it was where they wanted to experience such an intimate moment with their closest family and friends

Before we hiked over 14 miles, we woke up early and packed all of the essentials – snacks, water, music, and clothes. The hike to the top was one for the books. Some of us got lost and ended up hiking a little more than we needed to. But, that just makes for more of an adventure! One of my favorite moments was the anticipation of everyone getting ready for Karaline and Robby to exchange vows. Everyone was excited, nervous, and content all at once. All of the emotions and anticipation was beautiful and so special for everyone to experience.

We spent a few hours at the top of the lake exploring the area and taking in the jaw-dropping views. With the sunshine, a quick storm, and the heat, we experienced all different types of weather. However, we felt so relieved and grateful that the sun was shining brightly on them as they exchanged vows. Between Karline’s wildflower and hiking boots and Robby’s patterned shirt, this experience encompassed all they are and represented their adventurous personalities perfectly!

As the day came to an end, we hiked back down to the Jeep and drove back to the cabin. The rest of the night consisted of cleaning up, games, a home cooked meal, and long conversations. Peyton and I were treated so well and had such a fantastic time with every single person. The relationships formed were so special.

Be sure to check it out in the Together Journal at your local Barnes and Noble.
I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to help capture this incredible day – big shoutout to Peyton Curry for letting me tag along and shoot alongside her and make some unforgettable memories! Blessed to call her such a wonderful friend and mentor!

Capturing this elopement was incredible! Waking up at 4am was more than worth it- it was an adventure I know we will never forget, and I am so grateful I had the opportunity to be a part of it. Although the fog may or may not have impaired our driving just a tad, we still […]