NAVIGATE

Joyfolie 

Quincy Mae

Chubbybubbybear 

Rivet Apparel co 

H&M 

Babe Basics 

Halobabyco

kiddos

Target

H&M

Asos 

JCrew 

Topman 

guys

Joyfolie (mommy daughter)

Mod Boutique

Belle Ella Boutique

South Moon Under

Mod and Soul

One Loved Babe

Wren and Ivory

Baltic Born

gals

Alright, time to check your closets!!! Don’t worry, if you don’t want to shop, you won’t have to, get some neutrals and a pop of color. If you doooo want to shop, here are some of my favorite stores!

Step Three: Getting the Clothes

Check out my pinterest to to help find color palettes from other families and couples that you are drawn to. 

Picking a color palette! The goal is to COORDINATE not match. Also remember that my editing style is more bold and colorful (I love deep warm tones!) Here are some examples of past client coordination!

Step Two: The colors

What vibe are you looking for in your session? See some inspo below!

Homey, Natural, Casual, Boho, Beachy, Urban, Vintage, Traditional, Edgy, Sweet, Gam

Step One: The Vibe

Don't worry, I'll make it easy! not only is the style guide helpful for couples, it’s helpful for parents and kiddos too!

don't know what to wear?

see my amazon finds

virginia mountain locations

North Carolina - Max Patch (border of NC and Tennessee) 
Colorado - Rocky Mountain National Park, Roxborough State Park, St. Mary’s Glacier, Squaw Pass, South Mesa Trail, Mount Falcon East Trailhead, Sandstone Ranch, Top of Loveland Pass, Sapphire Point, The Paint Mines, The Great Sand Dunes, 
Utah - Zion National Park, Arches National Park, Park City, Salt Flats, Albion Basin
California - Joshua Tree National Park, Yosemite National Park, Redwoods National Forest
WA state - Mt. Rainier, La Push beach
Montana - Glacier National Park

bucket list

Maymont 
Belle Isle (I prefer the south side, parking at 22nd street)
Grassy Location in Ashland
Old City Point Waterfront Park & Appomattox Manor in Hopewell, VA
Byrd Park
Shiplock Park & Shockoe Bottom & Canal Walk
State Capitol
Agecroft Hall & Virginia House 
VMFA
Libby Hill Park
Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens
Bryan Park
Downtown Rooftops
Tuckahoe plantation
Tredegar
Floodgates (south of river)
Meadow Farm at Crump park
Cedar works row
Armour House and Gardens at Meadowview Park
Echo Lake Park
Gaines Mill Park
Ashland Train Station
Cousiac Manor
Boulevard Flower Gardens

richmond area

while I travel (especially for weddings + elopements) here are some common shooting locations in Virginia, as well as some bucket list items!

shooting locations

Ravens Roost
Stony Man
Big Meadows
Hawksbill Mountain
Mary’s Rock
Dark Hollow Falls
Sharp Top 
Cold Mountain Trail
Hazel Mountain overlook
Jewell Hollow Overlook
Humpback Rocks
McAfee Knob
Grayson Highlands State park
Mount Rogers
Cascade Falls
Smith Mountain Lake

I picked up my first DSLR in middle school, and back then it was something I did after school just for fun, but also as my own little escape from the world. While my photography back then was mainly just of flowers and embarrassing selfies, it created a spark in me to learn how to take beautiful photos, and I haven't left my camera's side for more than a month. 

what made you interested in becoming a photographer?

Yes! If you are interested in working with me, send me an email and let’s meet! I pay $35 to 50 per hour for second shooting weddings. I also allow those who are just starting out in weddings to shadow me, you will not be paid — instead you can use these photos to build your portfolio. 

do you take interns or second shooters?

Yes! Email me what you are looking for and we can work together to create something that leaves you feeling confident about picking up your camera + working with clients. Mentoring starts at $500. 
Interested in becoming a wedding photographer? Do you need to build your portfolio? I am currently accepting interns! This is an unpaid position and you will mainly be assisting me throughout the wedding day but are also allowed to take photos + use them to market yourself. A booked mentor session is required before becoming an intern.

do you offer mentor sessions?

Cameras: Nikon z77ii, Sony a7riii, Sony a7iii 
Lenses: 105mm 1.4, 85mm 1.4, 24-70 2.8, 35mm 1.4, 20mm 1.8


what equipment do you use?

general information

Weddings are busy days for everyone involved, the day will fly by quicker than you may expect. With every Elopement and Wedding I will work with you to plan out the timeline so that the day flows smoothly and that we never feel rushed or that we are cramming in too much stuff.

how much time will we have for photos?

Yes of course! Tell me all about what you are envisioning and let's create the perfect package for your Elopement or Wedding Dreams! 

can i build a custom package?

No, we do not deliver duplicate photos, and test shots, and we take our time to look through all of the images while editing to send you the photos that best reflect your wedding day. On average we send 40 - 60 photos per hour. 

will i receive every photo taken?

For packages that don't include a 2nd photographer: Adding a second photographer is always recommended, at least for a few hours during the ceremony to the beginning of the reception. Having two photographers can allow photos to be taken at two locations at the same time, for example if the groomsmen and bridesmaid are getting ready at the same time, having a second photographer will be very helpful. If you are doing a first look, a second photographer is highly recommended so that multiple angles can be captured at the same time. 

should i add a second photographer to my package?

weddings

frequently asked questions

Choosing outfits is one of the hardest and best parts about getting your portraits taken, and it's a great reason to go shopping for some new cute clothes. I will send you a style guide once booked with my favorite shops and tips! Make sure when picking out clothes to wear that you feel comfortable and confident when you look in the mirror, and that no one piece of clothing or jewelry stands out against the rest. Please check out my pinterest inspiration boards for examples of outfit ideas! And feel free to send me photos before the session of what you plan on wearing!

what should we wear?

session info

Our Marriage Is For Us

Reason One

Technically we had two elopements. (Covid didn’t allow us to legally get married in California so we had to do it here in Virginia). So our first “elopement” was un-planned to some extent, but we had already booked and paid for our California elopement—so we knew we were going to get married already. When Jacob and I first started talking about getting married, which for us happened very early on into dating, we discussed what we wanted our wedding to look like. I’ve been married before, and I didn’t want to have a wedding—last time around there was a lot of conflict and trying to please everyone… this time around I wanted it to just be about our love and commitment for each other, not about anyone else’s hopes and dreams of what they wanted the wedding to look like. Jacob agreed 100%, he wanted that day to be intimate and meaningful, with just us (and maybe a few friends during the un-planned backyard wedding).

We didn't want to wait

Reason two

Planning a full wedding takes time. We knew we wanted to get married, and we didn’t want to wait. We had already paid for and booked our California Elopement before we were engaged. (We’re also from very Christian family backgrounds which plays a big part in getting married quickly vs. being together for years beforehand). I don’t believe there is a right or wrong time limit on meeting someone and getting married—they only things that matter, are if both people are ready for marriage or not, and if you know 1000% that you want to marry that person and commit to them for life. Jacob and I had a lot of conversations about when we should get married, at first I wanted to wait until next year, but the more we talked about it we didn’t want to wait. We ordered a really helpful book called … all the questions to ask each other before marriage… and that was a good read as we planned our elopement. 

Our priorities

Reason three

This one is similar to reason 1. For me, All I wanted was to marry Jacob with a beautiful dress, in a beautiful location with a photographer whose work I loved to document the day. I already knew exactly what I wanted for my ring, dress, and photographer—Jacob was the harder person to shop for, he took such a long time picking his wedding band, and actually the first one we got he didn’t like so we had to find another which is the ring he has now. As a photographer, I see photos as so incredibly special, they are able to relive memories and feelings when seeing them again, and it was so important that we found someone whose work I LOVED. I had been following Tessa Tadlock for years on Instagram, her tones are GORGEOUS, and elopements are her jam (and mine too!). When Jacob and I were planning our wedding, she was the first and only photographer I inquired with! The biggest selling point for us what that she offered an All Inclusive Package that included the photography, a bouquet and boutonniere, a hair and makeup artist and an officiant! Tessa is also super down to earth and she truly loves her job and capturing her clients love stories! 

Making it an experience

Reason Four

Not only was our elopement a wedding ceremony, but it was a vacation and adventure as well. We chose to elope in San Luis Obispo, California which is where Tessa is based. Some other places we were considering were Greece (before travel was fully closed), Yosemite, Washington State, Zions National Park, or Colorado. In the end we chose SLO because of the all inclusive package—it was the most cost effective for our budget.

What is an Elopement? What do you think of when you say the word Elopement? Maybe some TV epidsode where the characters run off to Vegas and get hitched with an Elvis impersonator or the bride and groom run off to get married in secrecy because their family doesn’t approve? 

A lot of people still view elopements as last-minute, unplanned, and less than pretty “secret” operation that are clouded in shame. BUT THAT IS NOT WHAT ELOPING MEANS ANYMORE!

Here is the updated definition of an Elopement. An intentionally small, intimate, beautiful, meaningful and authentic wedding experience that is a true reflection of your relationship, where the focus of the day is really about you two and your love for one another. 

Elopements can take place anywhere, any day of the week. Eloping takes away the pressure, anxiety or obligation that may weigh you down in planning a wedding that pleases everyone. Instead, an elopement grants you two the freedom to commit to your partner however, wherever and whenever you choose—exactly the way you want it to be. 

My 5 big reasons we chose an elopement vs. a big wedding.

Cost and value

Reason Five

Weddings + Elopements are an investment, and for me personally I wanted to spend our money where it mattered more to us as a couple. I didn't want to spend my money on a venue, I wanted to spend my money on an experience that I will remember and cherish FOREVER! All I really cared about was marrying my best friend in a beautiful place, wearing a beautiful dress, and having a photographer I love capture the day for us! We also made it a vacation + adventure, rented a ford mustang to cruise the California high-ways on and had such a blast! 

My husband and I also did end up having 2 small receptions to celebrate a year later, one in Utah and one in Virginia! They were super low-key but still really fun and pretty (FLORALS ARE THE BEST DECOR.. cough cough). That is always something you can do in order to include family + friends! It doesn't have to be expensive, it can just be a celebration of love, family and friendship! 

next

What is an Elopement? What do you think of when you say the word Elopement? Maybe some TV epidsode where the characters run off to Vegas and get hitched with an Elvis impersonator or the bride and groom run off to get married in secrecy because their family doesn’t approve? 

A lot of people still view elopements as last-minute, unplanned, and less than pretty “secret” operation that are clouded in shame. BUT THAT IS NOT WHAT ELOPING MEANS ANYMORE!

Here is the updated definition of an Elopement. An intentionally small, intimate, beautiful, meaningful and authentic wedding experience that is a true reflection of your relationship, where the focus of the day is really about you two and your love for one another. 

Elopements can take place anywhere, any day of the week. Eloping takes away the pressure, anxiety or obligation that may weigh you down in planning a wedding that pleases everyone. Instead, an elopement grants you two the freedom to commit to your partner however, wherever and whenever you choose—exactly the way you want it to be. 

My 5 big reasons we chose an elopement vs. a big wedding.

Back

elopements are becoming much more popular—and not just because of covid-19.

why elope?

Morning: photographer arrives as the bridal party arrives or begins to get ready. Photographer will touch base with Bride, explore venue for a few minutes, and begin shooting detail shots, and getting ready photos.

1 -1.5 hours later: getting ready is complete for both Bride and Groom, photographer will begin taking portraits of the girls and of the guys separately -- individual photos of the Bride and Groom will occur during this time period as well.

First look: If you are having a first look it can happen either before or after taking bridal party portraits (I recommend before). This should be a one hour time commitment.

On the way to the Ceremony: ideally, the photographer should arrive 10 - 15 minutes before the wedding party to take photos of the ceremony location set up before guests arrive and to take test shots. 

Ceremony: the ideal time for the ceremony to take place is when the sun is not directly overhead for outdoor weddings. This would be either in the morning before high noon or in the afternoon a few hours after high noon. (Usually 30 minutes)

Group shots after ceremony: Bride and Groom should have a list compiled of all of the group shots they want to be taken after the ceremony. The ideal location for this to take place is outside of the venue, in even shaded light. At least 30 minutes should be given, and at least 60 minutes should be given for larger parties. 

Bride and Groom portraits: after the group shots have been completed, it is now time to take photos of just the two of you (if you didn't have a first look), the ideal location for this would be outside at the venue, or at a nearby location of your choosing. 

On the way to the Reception: If you hired a second photographer, they would leave right after the ceremony to arrive at the venue to take detail shots. If it will just be one photographer, then they should arrive at least 15 minutes before the bridal party does to take detail shots and to set up for the entrance. 

Reception: Bridal Party entrance, first dance, toasts and dinner--during dinner time the photographer(s) will take a break to eat and rest, of course with our cameras near by in case there is something awesome to capture. 

Evening sneak away for couple portraits: before the sun is completely set in the sky, this is a great time to sneak off for 10-30 minutes to get a few more photos of just the bride and groom. 

Return to reception: For the cake cutting, dancing photos, bouquet and garter toss and candid photos of guests and wedding party. 

Sparkler exit: Make sure to give us at least a 20 minute heads up for when the sparkler exit will take place so we can set up our equipment and get the wedding party ready for the big exit!


Ideal Photography Timeline

Detail shots: rings, shoes, dress shot: At least 30 minutes for these shots.

Venue shots: If there is a second shooter who is able to be at the locations simultaneously when 1st photographer is capturing getting ready photos, 30 minutes should be given. If just one photographer is hired, then a 30 minute time needs to be built into the schedule for these photos to be taken (if desired). This should be a time where no guests or vendors are at the venue(s).

Getting ready photos: 45 - 60 minutes with Bride and bridesmaids, and 20 - 30 minutes with Groom and groomsmen. 

Individual portraits of the Bride/Groom: For day of wedding individual shots 20 - 30 minutes should be given for both the bride and groom

First look or day of couples session: This is one of the most important parts of the wedding day photography, at least one hour should be dedicated for couples portraits. 

Wedding party - bridesmaids and groomsmen: At least 20 minutes for bridesmaids and 20 minutes for groomsmen

Family portraits: depending on family size, 30 - 60 minutes should be given to take all of the family group shots you desire. 

ideal time lengths

ideal wedding timeline

navigate

elopement + Wedding photography based in Utah, Virginia, + Beyond