Why Hiring a Goofy Photographer is the Best Move for Your Elopement (or Any Session, Really)

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Chelsea Stanford

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December 2, 2024

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Ladies, you know what you want, and you know what you need! And so does he! But does it happen? No. But does it happen? NO! Well what we really need is a photographernomenon! A WHAT? A photographernomenon! (If you don’t get my Chappell reference get the fuck out the club)

Listen, babe. Other photographers clearly aren’t cutting it for you. “Authentic moments” this, “Dreamy lovers” that. Where are the weirdos? The dorks? The stooges? Hey, I get it: planning your elopement? It’s a rollercoaster of emotions—excitement, nerves, tears, and maybe a little chaos. And while those big moments on your big day deserve reverence (which they will get, trust me), let’s be real: what you (I’m talking to YOU, not your mom or grandma)—what YOU really need is someone who can make you belly laugh right before you say, “I do.”

Enter: the jester photographer.

This isn’t about those stiff, awkward grins or those staged, eye-roll-worthy “romantic” moments you’ve seen a thousand times. If you’re looking for that, go find it. However, if you’re sick of that shit, your search stops here. This is about real, unpolished moments where you can laugh, get a little goofy, and just be you. I don’t do fake smiles or push you into some Pinterest-ass pose for the sake of tradition. Instead, I keep it relaxed, lighthearted, and full of fun while still capturing the raw chaos of your day.

Booking a photographer who’s got humor on lock (me) is your best decision. Why? Because humor is my secret weapon—it helps break the ice, ease the tension, and it lets you experience your day without the stress. It’s not just about making you laugh in the moment, it’s about creating an environment where you can truly relax, be yourselves, and let the magic unfold naturally.


Humor is How I Roll (Thanks, Mom)

My love for humor didn’t just pop out of nowhere—it’s literally encoded in my fucking DNA. Since I can remember, my mom taught me the fine art of laughing through life’s toughest moments. I didn’t grow up with a favorite song, I grew up with a favorite album: Let’s Get Small by Steve Martin—a comedy album. When I was a teenager, my mom was diagnosed with cancer, so we shaved her head down to velcro length before chemo could take her hair. The result? Less heartache and more hilarity as we lint-rolled her bald head once her hair DID start falling out. She showed me that even in life’s darkest moments, laughter is a light you can hold onto.

So why not keep the humor rolling through life’s giant milestones?

Above, you’ll see her pictured on her wedding day, staying weird in the true Liz fashion.

When I approach your wedding or elopement, I channel that same spirit. The aloofness, the whimsy, the magic. Sure, it’s gonna be a monumental day filled with serious, emotional moments. Those will get their flowers, too, don’t worry. But laughter is how we cope, how we connect, and how we remember the good stuff.


Why Humor Matters on Your Big Day

Let’s face it: weddings and elopements can be a bit… intense. There’s so much emotion packed into one day, and that can be overwhelming. You need someone who gets it—not just the joy and the tears but the hilarious in-between moments that make your story unique.

A photographer who understands comedic timing can help you navigate those highs and lows, easing the nerves and turning awkward silences into genuine laughter. When you’re laughing, you’re relaxed. And when you’re relaxed, that’s when the magic happens—real smiles, real connection, and photos that feel like you.

Couple spontaneous laughing at edgy elopement
Taken by Chelsea Stanford

No Fake Smiles, Just Real-Ass Grins

Here’s the thing: awkwardly posed photos FUCKING suck. There, I said it. Nothing kills a vibe faster than someone telling you to “smile naturally” while you’re stiffly standing like a department store mannequin. Yeah, dude, fuck that noise.

Instead, I’ll crack a joke (probably at my own expense), make light of a wardrobe malfunction, or tell you to whisper something ridiculous in your partner’s ear to lighten the mood. The result? Real, unfiltered joy. We don’t do that “is it over yet?” shit over here. In fact, you’ll be bummed when it’s over. Post-elopement-session blues. They’re real. Trust me.

Taken by Chelsea Stanford

Inspirations That Shaped My Humor

I owe a lot of my comedic timing to legends who made the world laugh:

  • Robin Williams: A master of blending heart and humor, his ability to find light in the dark inspires me every day.
  • Anthony Bourdain: His irreverence and honesty taught me to embrace authenticity and say it like it is.
  • Steve Martin and Martin Short: Proof that laughter keeps you young and friendship is magic.

These legends remind me to approach life—and your big day—with warmth, wit, and a touch of chaos.


Why Goofy Photographers Deliver the Best Photos

Did you know funny people are often the most emotionally dialed-in people you’ll ever meet? It’s science, babe. Research shows that folks with a knack for humor—specifically the kind that connects and uplifts—tend to have higher emotional intelligence. Basically, if someone can crack a joke that doesn’t just land but also makes you feel seen, they’re probably also someone who notices the vibe in a room and instinctively knows how to lift it.

So, what does that mean for your photos? It means if your photographer (me!!!) has a sharp wit and a knack for making you laugh (me!!!!!!), they’re likely also paying close attention to how you feel. A funny photographer isn’t just out here tossing jokes for sport—they’re tuned in, breaking the tension, and creating a space where you can just be your weird, beautiful self. Forced smiles? Nah. Real, unfiltered, belly-laugh grins? Hell yes. When you’re relaxed and laughing, the camera loves you. You’re not focused on looking “perfect” (whatever the fuck that means); you’re just being yourself. And those are the moments that make the best photos. A silly photographer knows how to read the room, how to get you to loosen up, and how to create an experience that feels effortless. We’ll chase the light, find the funky angles, and laugh our asses off in the process.

Taken by Chelsea Stanford

Still on the Fence? Here’s Why You Should Book Me

  1. Fun Over Formality: Your session should feel like hanging out with a friend who just happens to have a camera.
  2. Authenticity Always Wins: No stiff poses, no fake smiles, no bullshit. Just real moments.
  3. True-to-Color Edits: Your photos won’t look dated in a year. I keep them timeless and vibrant—like your love.
  4. Laughter is the Best Icebreaker: Whether you’re nervous, camera-shy, or just need a mood boost, I’ll keep things light. Here’s me and my best friend Jacqui trying so hard to be serious and failing miserably:
Taken by Chelsea Stanford

Ready to Laugh Your Ass Off?

If you’re looking for a photographer who can make you laugh through the (happy) tears, you’ve found your match. Let’s turn your big day into a celebration of love, joy, and all the ridiculous moments in between.

Hit that inquiry button, and let’s make some magic happen.

This is who you’re asking to shoot your elopement, btw:

Taken by my mom, probably

(This post was written with an extra dose of humor, love, and way too much caffeine. You’re welcome.)

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