Capturing Authenticity: The Art of Fun Elopement Photography

Let’s be real for a second—most people don’t wake up in the morning, look in the mirror, and think, Damn, I should model for a wedding magazine today. In fact, a lot of couples tell me right off the bat, “We’re so awkward in front of the camera,” as if I’m about to throw them into a Vogue cover shoot with zero prep. Spoiler alert: that’s not how this works, babe.

YOU WANT THE TRUTH? YOU CAN’T HANDLE THE–okay maybe you can handle the truth. It’s not that hard to face: Elopement photography shouldn’t feel like an awkward prom photoshoot. This shit should feel like you—laughing, loving, maybe a little tipsy (we listen and we don’t judge), and just soaking up every weird, wonderful moment of your day.

That’s where I come in.

Making You Feel Comfortable (Even If You Hate Photos)

First off, I get it. Having a camera in your face can feel unnatural af. That’s why my whole approach is about making the experience fun, not forced. Here’s mama’s secret sauce:

1. We Break the Ice (No Stiff Small Talk Required)

Before I even pick up my camera, I get to know you. Like, really know you. We’re talking about your favorite dive bar, the weird inside jokes you have, and the song that always gets you both screaming in the car. I’m not here to make you feel like “clients”—I want you to feel like we’re just hanging out, and oh yeah, there happens to be a camera around.

2. Posing, but like… Make It Cool

Okay, I’m not gonna throw you in a field and tell you to just be natural while you overthink where to put your hands. I’m a professional, babe. And that means I’ll guide you into poses that feel comfortable and make you look badass. Think of it like setting up the scene, but letting the real magic happen when you interact naturally. A stolen glance, a whispered joke, that moment when one of you does something dumb and the other cracks up? That’s the good stuff.

3. Movement > Stiff Smiles

If you’re standing still for too long, we’re doing something wrong. I’ll have you walking, twirling, leaning into each other—hell, even taking a celebratory shot if that’s your vibe? No? Just me? Listen, bestie: The best photos come from movement because that’s when you forget about the camera and just exist. Smooch! Dance! There are no rules!

The Secret to Capturing Authenticity? Just Letting Shit Happen.

Elopements can be messy. Someone will cry. Someone might spill a drink. Someone could rip their pants. And you know what? Those moments? Absolute gold.

I don’t just document the Pinterest-perfect version of your elopement—I capture your elopement. The wind blowing your hair into your mouth mid-vow? That’s real. The way your partner looks at you when they think no one’s watching? That’s the shot. The best friend who’s already sweating through his suit before the ceremony even starts? Okay, maybe that one’s for blackmail later.

The point is, the best photos come from the moments you don’t plan. And my job? To be there, catching them all without making you feel like you’re on a reality TV show (Gabby Windey af).

Why Fun Matters

At the end of the day, you want photos that don’t just remind you of what your elopement looked like—you want to remember how it felt. The excitement, the chaos, the deep belly laughs, the moments in between.

That’s why I ditch the cookie-cutter poses and the same old wedding clichés. Instead, I focus on giving you an experience where you can be fully yourselves—whether that means headbanging on the dance floor, making out in a parking lot under neon lights, or just having a quiet moment together.

So, if you’re worried about looking awkward in photos—don’t be. You bring the love, the weirdness, and the killer outfits. I’ll take care of the rest. Let’s make some magic.

Ready to make elopement photography actually fun? Hit me up and let’s chat, bestiiiieeee!