Intimate Spring Elopement in Washington

A soft breeze and the fresh Spring air surround Amber and Chris on one of the most special days of their lives.

Getting Ready and The First Look

When Amber and Chris first inquired with me, I knew that we would be a perfect fit. As some of you may know, I am currently based in Arizona but I am in LOVE with travel. Something about exploring new places, learning different ways of life and broadening my own horizon brings me such joy. For Amber and Chris, when they said they were wanting to elope in Washington, I packed my bags and made my way to capture their love story.

After finishing getting ready, Amber and Chris opted to do a first look. Something about first looks makes my heart flutter and it really brings me joy witnessing two lovers reactions. A first look is the perfect opportunity for you and you partner to have some intimacy and be more intentional on your wedding day. Being intentional to me means doing something because it means something special to you, rather than doing it just to “do it”. Whether you’re having a large wedding or a small elopement, it’s an opportunity to recollect and connect with your partner moments before you say “I do”. As you can see from the photos, we can easily say that this first look was an ABSOLUTE success! Both Amber and Chris were grinning ear to ear and you could tell how special this moment was for them.

Intimate Spring Elopement in Washington

After their first look, it was then time for the ceremony. They chose to have the ceremony at the Madison Falls Trail in Port Angeles, WA. The ceremony itself was in the middle of this field filled with daisies. To say I was speechless would be a complete understatement. Accompanied by their amazing officiant and adorable pup, the ceremony turned Amber and Chris’ dream into a reality. I also couldn’t help but be mesmerized by how beautiful Amber looked in her dress from Lovely Bride. It flowed so beautifully on her and it was almost as if the dress was made for her. After saying their vows and “I do’s”, two were officially newlyweds! It’s at this point where you start to think “we finally did it!” and reality sets in. Enjoy these moments because they are so precious.

Once the ceremony was done, it was time for some portraits. Of courser we had to utilize the beautiful greenery while we had the chance, so we took a few photos within the field of daisies. As we move inward towards the forest and followed the trail, we made it to the main attraction.. Madison Falls. It was a scene straight out of a fairytale! The waterfall in the background omitted this refreshing scent of nature which was exactly what we were going for. Close to the Airbnb where Amber and Chris got ready is a gorgeous lake surrounded by mountains so naturally we had to capture this picturesque moment for them.

As I say with most of my couples after any wedding, it was so incredibly beautiful. I am forever grateful for my job and so excited for what is to come for Amber and Chris in the future. Congratulations A+C - cheers!!!

Signs Eloping is for You!

Now some of you may be thinking, this looks beautiful and all but how do I know if this is right for me? How do I know that having an elopement is the right choice. The number one thing you should remember, is that your wedding is all about YOU. It can be easy to be influenced by those you care about and the “norm” but do whatever you feel comfortable. You want your wedding day to encompass everything that you value and love, whatever that may be.

With that being said however, there is a few things you can take into account when deciding to elope. Some of these being:

• You’re looking for a more cost effective option - elopements can be a great way for you & your partner to save money while still being able to celebrate your love!

• You want more intimacy - elopements are known to be much more intimate and intentional. You don’t have to worry about all the hustle & bustle of planning a large wedding so you can focus more of your time & energy in your partner.

• You want to travel/explore - elopements are the ultimate excuse to pack up your bags and travel somewhere new! Explore a new place with your partner, get married and even possibly honeymoon - all in one location!

• You’re non-traditional - while elopements have grown to be much more common (especially during pandemic/post-pandemic times), they still can be seen as outside the “norm” of a traditional wedding. If you are someone who wants to break away from the tradition and do something fun, exciting and different for this next chapter of your life, well… elopements might be right up your alley!

Whatever you may choose to do, remember that it isn’t about the fancy dresses and details or the large venues with glimmering chandeliers with hundreds of guests. It’s a celebration of you and your partner coming together as one and THAT is what matters most.

Oh and if you loved this Intimate Spring Elopement in Washington, then you’re going to love this Miami Elopement at the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens!

Looking to book the wedding of your dreams?

Intimate In-Home Engagement Session

There is something about in-home sessions that truly have my heart. Something about being invited into someones home, their sacred space, for me to capture the true essence of who they are really makes my heart soar. For Jade and Martin, I felt completely honored to capture such sweet moments that really showcased who they are and celebrated these two. We even were joined by their four legged pal, which I am ALWAYS down for.

Intimate In-Home Engagement Session

For this lovely in-home session, Jade and Martin really wanted something intimate and cozy. We grabbed some coffee mugs, their favorite record player and just hung out in the living and honestly, that’s all you need sometimes. One of the important things to remember is that you don’t need anything fancy to create lasting memories. In fact, this is why I love in-home sessions so much.

Many people may think of a photoshoot and instantly think that they need this big destination location. Do something special for a special occasion. When in fact, that something special could be within the four walls of your very own home. There is something so special about in-home sessions because it gives you the freedom to be 100% authentically you. You enter into your own sacred space that you have created, a space that is completely yours. Surrounded by your favorite things, pets, decor, etc… it showcases your personality. Not only that, but there is something so intimate and vulnerable when you have an in-home session. This space that you’ve created together, the life that you’re living together gives realness to your images. It makes them that much more raw & real, which I love.

So if you’re someone who is has been debating to have an in-home session, but was never sure if it was the right move… well now is the time!

Psst… also, if you loved this Intimate In-Home Engagement Session w/ Jade and Martin, then you’re going to LOVE this Sunset Place Engagement Session!

Intimate Desert Mountain Wedding

Unlike your traditional wedding venue, these two lovers decided to gather their friends and family for their wedding in the Arizona desert.

Intimate Desert Mountain Wedding

While planning their wedding in the middle of the pandemic, Chelsea and Reece decided that an intimate wedding surrounded by loved ones was the best move. Since we ARE in Arizona, one of the best places for something unique and open would of course be the desert. To be fair, we are surrounded by a LOT of it. Chelsea and Reece had their wedding at Cloth & Flame. Cloth & Flame’s main goal is to make sure that everyone’s vision for their wedding day comes to life. They make sure to work with their couples so that they get the wedding of their dreams, which is exactly what happened with C+R.

As Chelsea put the finishing touches on her wedding day look, Reece and his groomsmen were polishing up and awaiting the time for the first look. Chelsea was wearing this gorgeous Justin Alexander dress that looked absolutely amazing on her. It truly fit her like a glove! Chelsea and Reece opted in for a first look, which I always love when my couples do. It gives some alone time to the couple and a bit more intimacy before heading to the ceremony. The sun was grazing their skin so effortlessly and perfect that of course we took advantage of taking a few wedding portraits before heading to the ceremony.

Their intimate ceremony was touching and beautiful, especially with the gorgeous views of the Superstition Mountains behind them. As they said their vows and “i do’s” and leaned in for their first kiss as husband and wife, the crowd cheered. By crowd I completely mean the few of us witnessing this divine moment…LOL!

Desert Mountain Wedding Reception

After the ceremony, the table settings and decor were being placed for the reception! As sunset hit, I snuck away with the newlyweds to capture some amazing sunset portraits. While many may look at this as “overused”, golden hour can never and will never get old. At least in my eyes *wink*. Nighttime approached us and the twinkling string lights that floated above our heads gleamed like the stars. Surrounded by friends and family, love and lots of laughter, we enjoyed every minute of it until it was over. Congratulations to Chelsea and Reece for giving me the honor to capture such sweet moments on your special day!

If you loved this Intimate Desert Wedding at the Superstition Mountains then you’re going to love this New Jersey Wedding at the Molly Pitcher Inn.

Psst… looking for vendor info? Scroll to the bottom of this blog!

Vendors:

Photography: Zarza Photography

Dress Designer & Shop: Justin Alexander & Brilliant Bridal

Groom Attire: Men’s Wearhouse

Florist: Kristin Bonngard

Hair: Ellie Mulqueen

Makeup: Allie Laree Beauty

Ceremony & Reception Site: Cloth & Flame - Superstition Mountains

New Jersey Wedding at The Molly Pitcher Inn

Here is a tale of two lovers coming together to live their happily ever after…

Okay, while this may not be straight out of a fairytale it might as well be! While I am based in Arizona, my heart lies with traveling, so for Diana & Aiden I hopped on plane to the East Coast to the fun state of New Jersey. From the beautiful first look location (btw you’re going to FREAK when you see it), to the amazing rooftop ceremony, it really was… what’s the word? Magical.

The Love Story

Aidan and Diana met while playing kickball in Nashville, TN. He was finishing med school while she was practicing as an Occupational Therapist at an inpatient rehab facility. She immediately was drawn to his physical appearance and his great sense of humor. He was drawn to her good laugh, long legs and strong female aura. After their first date they found out Aiden grew up living one block away from Diana’s aunt and uncle. From then on, it was like one continuous small world connection after another and it was like all the stars were aligning. They began traveling the country and going on adventures together one hike and camp after the other where they grew closer and deeper in love. After traveling all around with each other, Aiden proposed in August 2019 with Diana’s dog present, champagne, candles, roses and rose peddles all over their home and asked Diana to marry him. He was so overwhelmed with happiness and love he forget to take out the ring and she was crying so I hard that she could barely breathe and never noticed the ring was still in his pocket! Such a cute and romantic love story and well… I bet you can guess what her answer was *wink wink*.

The First Look

We of course started off with both the bride and groom getting ready. As Diana put on her dress and veil, smiles, tears and lots of love filled the room. After Aiden put on his cufflinks and suit, it was officially time for the first look. Now here is where I said you may freak when you see the first look location. Diana and Aiden decided on their first look spot at The Twin Lights in Highland, New Jersey. The area in which this beautiful structure sits on, overlooks the New York bay and whose hills sit on some of the highest points on the eastern seaboard of the US. This historic landmark holds so much history, depth and character and was perfect for the 1950’s classic look that Diana & Aiden were going for.

If you’re ever feeling those wedding day jitters, a first look is a perfect solution! A first look gives you the opportunity to see your partner before the ceremony. You are able to exchange private vows and have some alone time for just the two of you, which trust me… with all the hustle & bustle of a wedding, you’re going to want this! If you are still looking for a bit of surprise and anticipation for your wedding day, but don’t want to do a full blown first look, a great option would be a first touch. Similar to a first look, a first touch gives the couple an opportunity to still have an element of surprise of seeing each other for the first time during the ceremony but can ease your nerves. First touches can be by a corner of meeting walls or alongside a tree while you both hold hands. This is also a great alternative for anyone looking to add in some intimacy on their wedding day.

After their first look, this is where they chose to exchange their private and intimate vows. There was laughs, smiles and of course… a few tears may have been shed. This is an amazing opportunity for anyone who thinks to themselves “how am I supposed to get in front of friends/family and say these things?” - here is your solution!

Ceremony & Reception at The Molly Pitcher Inn

After the first look, we made our way over to the ceremony at The Molly Pitcher Inn in Red Bank, New Jersey. The marina just outside of its windows and beautiful elegant charm, this was a no brainer when it came to D+A choosing their wedding venue. The decor was just as beautiful filled with a lot of greenery and white flowers, it was just perfect.

Next was the reception, where of course THAT’S where the fun broke out. Diana and Aiden had their first dance as husband and wife to the beautiful “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley. A classic song but so incredibly fitting. First dances were over and everyone took to the dance floor and was absolutely killing it! This wedding was an absolute fun one and I am so grateful and honored to have captured such special moments for Diana and Aiden. Congratulations D+A!!

If you loved this New Jersey Wedding at The Molly Pitcher Inn, then you’re going to love this Coral Gables Vintage Engagement Session!

Pssst… looking for wedding vendors? Scroll to the bottom of this blog!

Photography: Zarza Photography

Ceremony & Reception Site: The Molly Pitcher Inn

Dress Designer/Shop: Alexandra Grecco & Dress Theory

Groom Attire & Shop: Ike Behar & The Tuxedo Club

Florist: Sunset Florist - Lynda

Bridal Hair: Michelle Elise Artistry

Bridal Makeup: Make Me Up Eva

Cake: Palermo’s Bakery- Leigh Ann

DJ/Music: Sounds 2 Go - Jason