Feeling a lil’ stressy about planning an elopement?
Whether you come to me saying “we just decided yesterday we want to elope!!!” or “we’ve pretty much got it figured out, but could use some advice!”, I’m gonna be the one to spill the beans about eeeeeeeverything you need to know. From introducing you lesser-known locations, to showing you how to pack your dress in a backpack, to signing a marriage license, and every little thing in between, I’m here to help make this simple and straightforward but still completely and utterly ✨thrilling✨
I’ve got you, babes.
This part is, like…
kinda my thing.
(so I can alleviate your stress, duh)
“Here’s why you should choose Van: down-to-earth, easy to be around, high quality work, adventuresome, and truly a good human.”
-J&A
Still unsure about eloping?
picture yourselves in this photo. What do you feel?
Are you already imagining the sun on your face or feeling the breeze while you read your vows? Can you imagine the peaceful atmosphere surrounding you?
Shake off every expectation and tradition of getting married - what your family or friends think, if anyone will be disappointed they’re not invited, wearing something that’s just not you, going somewhere that you aren’t excited about, or spending the day doing things just because it’s what you’re “supposed” to do on a wedding day.
Now picture you and your boo thing.
Your main squeeze. Your partner in life. If you could go anywhere with them to read vows and commit your lives to each other, where would you see yourselves?
Is it in a rainforest surrounded by moss, ferns, and quiet? Is it at the top of the world with mountains and views in every direction? Is it on a rocky beach with the sound of the ocean in the background? What would feel the most like YOU?
Now picture the most perfect Saturday together where you have no responsibilities other than being with each other. What do you see yourselves doing (that has nothing to do with eloping)? Make brunch? Set up camp chairs at the end of a hike and take it all in? Take the motorcycle out for a ride? Sleep in late and then stay out until after the sun sets? Play fetch with your dogs together? Take the kayaks out and stop for lunch somewhere? Hint: Any of these things can be a part of your day.
Eloping can look like whatever you want it to.
There’s no script for taking back your wedding day and making it completely about you. I’m here to say HELL YES to whatever that looks like to you as a couple, help you figure out how to make that happen, and then be there to document how much fun you’re having together. It’s as simple as that.
So… Are you ready to elope?
“But…We’re awkward in front of the camera”
Hey, so am I. You wanna know a secret?
Just about every couple you see on this website has voiced the same concern. Do they look super awkward and not sure where to put their hands? Nahhh, and you won’t feel like that either.
A huge part of my job is connecting with my couples directly so that we have a foundation already in place. That way when your elopement day comes around, it’ll be a walk in the park (literally, hehe) to feel comfy in front of the camera.
There’s no guesswork when it comes to having me as your elopement photog’ - I’ll be busy documenting you two having a blast and lovin’ on each other, and I’ll always be there to guide you through the parts you’re unsure of.
And I’m very good at my job.
So much room for ✨activities✨
If there’s something you enjoy doing together as a couple, there’s prooooobably a way we can incorporate it into your elopement day. Something simple like a hike through one of your favorite areas or more complex like getting your canoes out on a lake and having a mini charcuterie are great places to start. I’ve had couples do anything from scheduling time for a nap (no photos required for this one, I promise) to cooking breakfast for their guests to tidepooling on the beach to find the prettiest sea anenome. What comes to mind first for you?
OR if there’s something that’s been on your bucket list for years like taking a helicopter ride over the Cascades, horseback riding on the beach, or even setting up a super bougie picnic with string lights and all your favorite snacks and drinks, you KNOW we can make it happen. I love pushing my couples to think outside the box and really invest in something special for their wedding day. Splurge on yourselves- we haven’t even met and I already know you deserve it.
Build a Timeline!
I know that this part can stress some couples out, but don’t you worry - I’ve made enough timelines throughout my career that I know what works and what doesn’t.
I’ll give you advice on how much time to plan for things like getting ready and traveling between locations, when to plan breaks to just spend some time alone with your partner, and what time to head to your favorite spot for sunset. I can write your entire timeline and then tweak it with you, or you can write up what you want to do on your elopement day and I can make suggestions so it’s fluid and stress-free.
Here are a few examples of timelines I’ve used with my couples before that have helped us maximize our time together taking photos while also giving you time to explore and adventure with each other.
**These are just examples! You can plan for any time of day with any of these.
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4:00am - Van meets couple at cabin for detail and getting ready photos
5:00am - Depart cabin and drive to location #1
5:30am - Begin couple’s photos around location #1
6:00am - Nautical sunrise
6:30am - Couple makes coffee and watches the sunrise
7:00am - Head to location #2 for photos
8:00am - Wrap up morning photography coverage
Couple breaks to recharge!
4:00pm - Begin hike to ceremony spot
5:45pm - Arrive at ceremony location, couple makes their fave dinner over camp stove
6:30pm - Change into wedding outfits
6:45pm - Ceremony
7:00pm - Photos around location
8:30pm - Nautical sunset
8:45pm - Finish photos at location, hike back to car (with headlamps!)
10:00pm - Wrap up evening photography coverage
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2:45pm - Van meets couple at cabin for detail and getting ready photos
3:30pm - Depart cabin for helicopter tour
4:00pm - Start helicopter tour, land at a remote location for private vows and photos
5:30pm - Return to airport, drive to meet guests at ceremony location
6:00pm - Ceremony with guests
6:15pm - Group photos with guests
6:30pm - Break for snacks and alone time for couple
7:00pm - Golden hour photos at location #1 and location #2
9:30pm - Nautical sunset
9:45pm - Wrap up photography coverage
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11:00am - Meet Van at trailhead, take a leisurely walk 1/2 mile with guests to ceremony spot
11:30am - Ceremony!
11:45am - Pop some bubbly and make trail mimosas
12:00pm - Take group photos with guests, followed by couple’s photos around the area while guests relax
1:00pm - Head back to trailhead with guests
1:30pm - Drive to location #2
2:00pm - Couple’s photos around location #2
3:00pm - Wrap up photography coverage
Other steps to planning one unforgettable elopement:
Think about who you want to invite (if anyone!) to witness your elopement. Don’t feel pressured to invite people who won’t truly make your day better - I’m 100% serious when I say this day is completely about you and no one else.
Start deciding what vendors you’d like to hire (again, if any!) to help make your day more you. Totally not required to plan an amazing elopement, but if you want to add some fun design elements or get help with things like a private dinner or hair and makeup, vendors are going to be your new best friends. I’ve got an entire database of recommendations for you!
Probably the most fun part that all couples get to dream up - what the heck are you gonna wear?! A custom suit with a fun pattern inside the jacket? A skirt matched with a crop top that’s super fun and flowy? What about a veil that would be super fun to play with all day? Don’t forget shoes and accessories!!
