Dunia and Evan traveled to the mountains of Asheville to elope with their nearest and dearest. Surrounded by their immediate families during a tumultuous year, they exchanged vows at The Swag, seemingly on top of the world. 

Personal touches include rosemary pinned to everyone's lapel (including mine!) from Dunia's Croatian parents and the Breaking of the Glass representing Evan's Jewish heritage. Personal touches to show who you are as individuals and as a couple are must - such beautiful + meaningful moments to look back on.

There were mementos from loved ones on Dunia's wrist and above her veil. They wished to have friends with them for the celebration but 2020 had different plans. They adjusted beautifully for an intimate outdoor celebration instead. I hope the photos will help loved ones feel close to the day.

For cocktail hour, the group of 7 danced to a local bluegrass band and toasted champagne with the sun fading behind the mountains in the background.
​

This post was originally created in January of 2020 and has been revised throughout the year to be reposted on January 4, 2021.

Air B&B weddings are popping up all over in Asheville and since I've photographed quite a few, I'm familiar with some great spots!

Below I list + link wedding-worthy homes for you to browse but, first, let's talk about what you should look for when choosing a rental home for your Asheville wedding!

Part 1 - Is a rental home right for my wedding?

Now's the time to look for things that a traditional event venue may offer and decide if those are necessary for you. These decisions may be based on your guest list - is it just you 2 eloping to the mountains? Just immediate families with no special needs? Grab your guest list to reference then go through the list below.

A traditional wedding/event venue will offer these things and a rental home likely won't:

• Staffing
• Rental items like tables + chairs + glass + silverware + dishes for dinner
• Multiple bathrooms for guests and they'd be regularly cleaned + restocked
• Plenty of parking
• Maintenance if anything breaks
• ADA compliance
• Preferred vendor list (I offer a vendor list, happy to recommend the best florists, caterers, musicians, etc.)

Still loving the rental home option?! Now that you're ready to nail down a sweet lil rental for your big day, what should you be looking for?

What to look for in the rental home to ensure a smooth wedding:

• First up, are you allowed to hold an event there with X amount of people? Not all rental properties allow weddings or events, it'll be up to you to uphold any rules as the renter.
• Is there a backup location if weather is bad? Do you still love the idea of getting married indoors there if rains?
• Is there parking for guests + vendors?
• Is that parking right in view of the ceremony? If so, chat with your photographer about where cars should park or how they can angle away from the parking area so cars aren't your backdrop.
• Are there a few spots around the property you'd love to have photos taken?
• If getting ready photos are important to you, do you like the look of the bedrooms where you'd be getting ready?
• Is there seating for the dinner or reception?
• Space to dance?
• What do your vendors need? As a start, they'll need space for their setup and enough power outlets -  I'd ask what they need!
• Do you need space for your family? Some have fun game rooms if you have kiddos to entertain and some can sleep your whole family!
• What are the check-in and check-out times when planning your itinerary? 

If you have to move this party indoors... It's likely you're planning part of the event to be outside but what if you need to move the whole event indoors? Every rental home is different but 2 things the can make a world of difference to capturing beautiful images indoors: window light and a nice style.

• The more windows the better, 'nuff said.
• If you hate the way the inside is decorated with antiques or blue walls then you won't want to move indoors as your rain plan because there's no hiding the overall decor of a space in photos! Most rental homes have plenty of images, send the link to your photog for a 2nd opinion if needed. Many of my clients send me links and ideas for my input to make the most of it.
• Another rain option - rent a tent for the yard! String lights and candles can do wonders to create a beautiful tented reception.

Part 2 - Where are the best rental houses in the Asheville area?

On to the good stuff! Below are a few of my favorite Asheville area rental proprieties for your wedding or elopement!

ModCabins - A set of 3 stylish and modern cabins in the woods. They even have beautiful covered porches for a rainy day back-up! 
Hart House - Beautiful side yard for a private wedding ceremony + sweet little covered porch for cocktail hour. Southern manor feel on the outside. The photos on this blog post are from Hart House!
Pine Hollow - Multiple outdoor location options for a ceremony and reception! There's gorgeous trees, a lush yard and even little pond.
Cabin Heaven - Cute cabin and some of the best mountain views I've seen from the sprawling lawn!
River's Ridge Lodge - Spacious yet cozy cabin creekside with a killer deck and gazebo. And wedding-hosting experience too!
Stecoah House - An incredible modern rental home for a stylish couple wanting the cabin vibes.
Laughing Waters - Plenty of mountain views in WNC but we have a few spots for the water lovers too, like this one!
Laurel Falls - Multiple cabins, rustic yet modern. Mountain views and plenty of photo spots!
The Gables - Newly built home with room to sleep 20 and all the amenities needed for a fun family getaway.
SKI Quaint Farm Barn Loft - ​This is such a cute option for an elopement for 2 - a modern charmer!
Big Butte Retreat - Multiple cabins, very rustic, perfect for a giant sleepover with your closest family and friends in the mountains. Mountain views, a small pond and plenty of photo op spots!
Weaver House - More of an event venue than an Air B&B but it is a house-like setting and since it's new - a hidden gem in WNC!

Continue your search on VRBO, Air B&B or HomeAway - these have been helpful for my past clients.

Don't forget to check out local Inns and Bed & Breakfasts in the area too. The owners are often excited to help coordinate the event with you and they provide great insight. And some have stunning settings, check out the gorgeous tree at Mountain Magnolia Inn for your ceremony backdrop or the stately setting at Albemarle Inn!
​

Part 3 - Found the place! Now what?

You've chosen your rental home and you're ready to plan this party!

Can you do a walk-through? Ask your vendors if you need to scout anything for them - such as...

• Does hair and makeup needs certain type of bathroom space for you + 4 friends to get ready? Outlets? Natural light?
• Does the musician need an outlet on the porch? Certain wattage? Enough space for a band or 1 guitarist? 
• Does the catering team have what they need in the kitchen and storage areas? Enough space for a bar?

​
More planning tips:

• Don't hold back on your dreamy wedding goals, I've seen couples turn a simple dining room into a Pinterest dream.
• Get a head start! If you're planning an Air B&B wedding, you're likely including some DIY fun - get it done early.
• Make sure there's plenty of toilet paper and paper towels before everyone arrives! These supplies are often limited when a rental owner only prepares for 4 visitors vs 20.​
• Don't forget clean-up. If you've ever rented an Air B&B before, you know that the cleaning requirements are often strict! Assign someone the job or hire someone to help bc cleaning up after a wedding of any size is a chore. Double check that there's a dishwasher too!

​
I've shot many Air B&B weddings and they always turn out wonderful. I've never been to the same rental house twice for a wedding and I've experienced rained out weddings and all kinds of hiccups - it always turns out awesome. You've got this, happy planning!

The last wedding I got to photograph in 2020 landed on a sunny day in December! Sarah and Troy gathered their closest family members to get married on their original wedding date with a larger event planned for December 2021 which will include extended family and friends. 

The ceremony was held on the rooftop of Highland Brewing, one of my favorite venues! All of their incredible vendors are below, I recommend everyone listed!

Venue: Highland Brewing (rooftop for ceremony and Barrel Room for brunch after)
Planner: Plain with Sprinkles
Florals: The Freckled Petal
Hair / Makeup: Pop of Color
Catering: Homegrown
Dessert table: Hole Doughnuts
Officiant: Friend
​

I just loved how the Barrel Room at Highland was setup for this small wedding! The early afternoon sunlight was shining through the skylights onto the hanging planters which are a staple of the space. It's a spacious room so you could set it up in a number of ways to suit your style.

As we all know, the worldwide pandemic derailed many many wedding plans. Some postponed, some cancelled, some pivoted. Lauren and Nathan decided to reduce the guest list, keep everything outdoors and offer all the precautions (space to distance, masks, sanitizer, safe vendors) to continue with their wedding day in May of 2020.

The rain showed up for part of the day but luckily we had the covered pavilion at Olivette to shield us during the ceremony. Olivette is a beautiful newer community right on the French Broad River in Asheville. We all met after at Reverie Events in downtown Asheville to finish the evening with a delicious dinner and cake the bride's mom made!

Below are my favorite moments from a very joyful afternoon in Asheville. 

Ceremony Venue: Olivette
Officiant: Elope Asheville
Reception Venue: Reverie Events 
Florals: Flora
Catering: 67 Biltmore
Cake: Mother of the Bride

Share this lovely day with your far away loved ones! This is a quick post, here my photographer-perspective tips:

-Test test test! Make sure you get internet connection easily at the ceremony spot. Test the exact way you plan to connect to prevent freak-outs on the day-of.

-Invite your virtual guests, make them feel special and welcome. Emotions are running wild this year, let's make people feel loved a missed! On the invite, include all login details, make sure they login 5-10 minutes before the ceremony begins and include your time zone in your invite.

​-Which program to use? I'm not a tech-person so I don't know much but I do know the free version of Zoom is limited. Consider FaceTime, Skype, Zoom or any other program you've been using this year. Make sure there are no ads, time limits or other distractions that would interrupt. Bonus feature is if you can mute your virtual guests so you aren't distracted by their noise as you exchange vows. 

-Try to use an iPad, laptop or a propped up phone instead of someone being in charge of holding the phone/iPad. If one of your in-person guests is holding a device then I'll be less likely to capture candids of them enjoying the ceremony because they'll be looking at + fiddling with it throughout. I highly recommend unplugged weddings to encourage all who are present to be in the moment while I handle the photo-taking!

-Place the iPad, laptop or phone as out of sight as possible during the ceremony. Don't block anyone's view who is there in person! Don't worry if we see a bit of laptop in your wedding photos, that' part of the story of your wedding day!

I just love the sunrise. I'm a morning person who rarely gets to do my main work in the morning! I'm often chasing sunsets with couples or models. Sunsets are golden and wonderful but the sunrise is an unsung hero ;)

I drove out to Lenoir, NC to meet Jennifer and Hans for their private elopement. It was just the officiant, myself and my husband, who took the drive with me and was their 2nd witness.

Hans setup the fire before the sun was out as it's an important part of the ceremony. He and Jennifer would be circling that fire as a beautiful ritual. After exchanging vows, they shared cake and champagne, it's never too early for those things! We roamed around the rental home property for couple portraits then I left by 9am to drive home while they enjoyed the rest of their day.

There was so much joy in this small ceremony by the lake!

​Rebecca and Max's family got together this summer to celebrate with a smaller wedding before their larger wedding next year. There's been a tradition in the family where all of Rebecca's sisters married on labor day weekend and they wanted to keep that tradition! I love that sentiment and I love LOVE a lakeside wedding. The colors are so gorgeous and a lake represents summertime fun and a serene calmness. 

Sweet words from the couple:

"Chelsea could not have been more wonderful as our wedding photographer!! When our original plans were scrapped, we reached out to her 6 weeks out, and she was responsive, helpful, and kind throughout the planning process. We really appreciated working with someone who respected and advocated for a safe environment for everyone involved. Then, the photos... they are truly stunning!! We got a sneak peek two days after the wedding and our collection two weeks after our date. Beyond all of the big moments captured so beautifully, there are so many wonderful candid photos that display the pure joy and real happiness of the day. The little details she shared with us just put such smiles on our faces. We couldn't be happier with our experience and couldn't recommend Chelsea enough!"

A sweet note from the happy couple:

"I'm sorry this reply is so late, but all of your pictures were/are AMAZING!! I can't stop staring at them, thank you so much. Everyone I show them to are instantly blown away.  The USB and Asheville print made it here safe and sound, and the thought you put into the package was so sweet...

Thank you so much for capturing all of the little moments on our big day!"

-Natasha

The blog post was originally published on 11/6/2018 and updated on 5/20/2020.
​
You’re in the gown or suit that took weeks (months?) of research and shopping to find. Your hair is the most on point it has ever been. The venue you’ve selected is perfectly curated with floral arrangements and personal accents. Everyone you love has gathered to celebrate your milestone. This moment is joyful and intentional.
 
...and unfortunately, the professional photographer you’ve hired to artfully capture this moment is dodging Aunt Jocelyn's camera flash that keeps going off and side stepping your roomie from college who’s half way in the aisle with his iPhone.
 
It’s literally impossible to capture the important moments because your guests are hovering in the aisle and snapping photos of you with their iPhones as you head to the altar.

Making Your Unplugged Wedding a Reality!
 
Let’s talk about how you prepare your guests for going unplugged:

• Include a note in your invitations. Giving as much advanced notification of your desire to keep ameatur images out of your big day will help you to avoid day-of drama and allow concerns to be addressed ahead of time. A good-natured insert in your mailed invitations should be effective.

​​

• Put a reminder in your program or set up a sign. The invites went out a while ago, your original request could be easy to forget! Let your guests know that you'll share the gallery link with them or when during the wedding day is appropriate to start "documenting life".

​​

• Have the Officiant make an announcement. Ask your officiant to offer a friendly reminder at the start of your ceremony, once everyone is seated. Bonus points if they make a joke out of it to lighten the mood! "We know you're all AMAZING iPhone photographers and we know you've got good intentions..."

​

• Collaborate! If your brother wants to video your entire ceremony as a favor to you, I would never stand in the way of that! The best approach is to connect the photographer with the well-meaning family member in order to come up with a plan that works. I recommend setting up a phone or laptop on a stand out of the way for recording.

 
Most people understand that the photographer was hired to complete a job, and it’s never anyone’s intention to hinder that. And there were many years where I said little about the inclusion of phones/iPads/laptops during the ceremony but I now feel like it's my responsibility to speak up. The usage has increased for everyone and I can see the effects. 

Remember: your wedding is about you two! ​Don’t be afraid to create boundaries!

PS - Need help with your verbiage? Check these out for inspo!

Before Your Wedding

-Checklists FTW! Stay ahead of the game by giving yourself ample time to think about and plan each of the major components of your wedding day, and then break each of those components down with details. If you aren’t hiring a wedding planner, start a document that holds critical information such as the the vendors, materials, budget, and extra support people required for your ceremony, music, transportation, catering, flowers, makeup, hair, and photography. Having a central document will ease the burden of trying to recall mental notes and will help you think through the logistics of the day. You can even share it with your vendors and support people prior to the event.

-Know yourself! If you're an introvert like me, being the center of attention and chatting with 70+ people in 1 day can be exhausting. Think through what works for your personalities and keep that in mind when making decisions. You want the day to feel fun, not obligatory.

​-Communicate! You're hiring professionals to create your wedding day and they're there to help. When you have a concern that falls under catering, chat with your caterer asap to ease your worry.

-Have a backup plan. If you're holding any part of the wedding outdoors, always always have a backup plan in case it rains.

-Plan your heart out, pin pin pin then let it all go on the wedding day so you can enjoy!

-Ask for or hire help. If you think you'll need a hand packing the car, cleaning up after the rehearsal dinner or just zipping up your wedding dress then you're probably right! Don't be afraid to ask for help or hire a pro

​
On the Day

-Assign roles to family members or your best friends to oversee each of the major components of your wedding. Aunt Jean can welcome the catering crew and Grandpa Joe will love making sure the band is set up on time - this is especially great for those family members who arrive early. Remember, you’re supposed to enjoy this milestone and you can’t be in 5 places at once, so make this a community event and enlist your nearest and dearest to help get it all done.

-Don't get wrapped up in pre-planned moments. Maybe you want a specific photo of you and your partner kissing at the end of the aisle but you forgot to do it. Don't worry about it!

-Leave snacks, supplements, essential oils, headache meds and water in your getting ready room or to-go bag so that you can restore your blood sugar and take a breather, as needed.

-Have a loved one or professional give you a little massage. Even 5 minutes of gentle touch can significantly calm nerves and shift your perspective.
​

In Front of the Camera

Some of us are nervous in front of the camera in the best of times. I have total compassion for my clients who deal with the compounded stress of making sure their wedding runs smoothly in addition to being the subject of a photoshoot. I love being a support for my clients and will guide you the entire time, as needed!

Here are some basic tips for keeping the vibes calm and cool as I capture the day:

-Stay hydrated and eat something. You’ll look and feel better.

-Loosen up! Wiggle, dance, laugh, get silly. Take deep breaths, relax your shoulders, release the tension in your mouth. 

-Limit distractions. I know, easier said than done! It’s OK to say no to an audience watching while you take portraits.

-And my favorite tip, ignore me! Most of my couples love a natural and candid feel to the images. Best way to make that happen? Forget I'm even there and I'll handle the rest!

Check out this post for more tips!

The post was originally published on 6/1/2018 and updated on 5/10/2020.

Many engaged couples choose their wedding package based on pricing + their day-of timeline. Hopefully both, not one or the other!

Makes sense. 

I've got another reason to consider, what moments do you need your photographer to NOT miss?

Is Grandpa secretly a cryer? Do you have a group ready to dance their asses off at the reception? Or maybe it's definitely NOT a dancing group so you know late night won't be necessary. Envision the day and how you see it unfolding to really know what you want photographed!

Let's start with the most common wedding day photo ops:
Gift exchange
Getting ready photos
The dress/suit before it's put on
Hanging out with friends + family during the day (I hear mimosa glasses clinking in anticipation)
Details of invitation suite, rings, shoes, florals, etc.
First look
Photos of the venue decor + setting before guests arrive (ceremony + reception)
​Ceremony
Couple portraits
Family portraits
Wedding party portraits
Toasts
First dance / Father & daughter / Mother & son / Any version of these
Candid moments of guests enjoying themselves
Reception traditions
Guests dancing
Fancy exit

Let's look at how they each play out based on my experience with small weddings + elopements (for which I offer an hourly rate).

2 hour
Covers the basics. For my 2 hour couples, we generally fit in a few getting ready or scenic photos + the ceremony + family photos + couples portraits. Boom. Done. If you only need the basics and have a small group in attendance, this may cover your needs. Or maybe it feels too limited...

4 hour
Covers the basics plus you get time for candids. For my 4 hour couples, we fit in a few getting ready + scenic/venue photos + the ceremony + family photos + couples portraits + candid moments.

Honestly, I'm trying to capture candid moments even if we're together for a 1 hour session. But during a wedding day, things can get hectic. If we're trying to make it all flow smoothly, find the best lighting and are slightly rushed then I won't have the freedom for candids. Candids require some breathing room for the photographer to walk around and find unexpected moments. 
​

​6 hour
For my 6 hour couples, we fit in getting ready + scenic/venue photos + the ceremony + family photos + couples portraits + a touch of reception fun + plenty of candid moments.
​This is a great option for a multiple location wedding too! If we're having a ceremony on a mountain top and a reception downtown, it's likely you'll need to add in driving time to the timeline. I consider the 4 and 6 hour options my most popular packages for small weddings. 

8 hour
For my 8 hour couples, we fit in getting ready pics of both partners + scenic/venue photos + the ceremony + family photos + couples portraits + ROARIN' reception fun + plenty of candid moments.
If you're booking me for 8 hours, you likely have a larger wedding and/or you have a full timeline with multiple locations and activities that can't be missed!

I offer packages from 4 hour to 10 hours of photo coverage but I'm happy to customize. I'll always ask for the most important-can't-miss-photos you are dying for + I ask for enough time to get couples portraits + I photograph the sweet details of the day. Those are non negotiable ;)

I'm always available to take a look at your timeline too, happy to throw in my 2 cents. 
​

The beauty of a winter elopement in Asheville is that there's few people around. We began at The Foundry hotel with getting ready + anticipation photos. Then the bride and I met her groom at Antidote bar for the ceremony followed by beers at Burial brewery, a local favorite. 

One of my favorite bouquets by local florists The Freckled Petal, hair + makeup by Anarie Brides and dress from Wildflower Bridal.

Kind words from the bride:
"Chelsea is a true gem that helped our wedding be the amazing day it was. Our pictures are absolutely incredible. Everyone that has seen them has been in awe at how beautiful she made every moment look. They are timeless and captured every detail and emotion from our day. Chelsea went above and beyond in not only her talents as a photographer, but she was willing to help me out as a mini wedding planner when asked for her suggestions. Our elopement would not have been the same if Chelsea wasn’t there and our day was perfect. I would hire her again and again. Thank you Chelsea for everything you did! These pictures will help us remember our wedding day forever." - Sam

This quick list will help you find someone with professional experience who is ready to give you the best images no matter the circumstances - my personal definition of a killer wedding photographer.

That being said, just because a photographer can't check off everything on your list doesn't mean they're a bad match. You likely have a gut feeling, go with it! A checklist is guidance, you still know the big picture and can make the best decision for you and your sweetie. 
​

3. Not seeing what you want to see on their website or Instagram? Want to see a full wedding gallery? Ask!

Couples have asked for full galleries and I'm happy to send examples to show what I can offer. The more info from the couple the better too, do you want to see family photos? An elopement? Something in a cabin? Something at Craggy? This will help me select a gallery to share!

4. Think about how you want the wedding day to feel when you're in the middle of all the fun.

The best way to get this conversation started is to simply ask "what's your approach and why?". Your photographer will be excited to share this with you!

Weddings often involve some compromise because it's not a day setup just for photography (like a commercial shoot would be). Weddings are setup based on emotion + location + weather + budget + style + family requests and much more. Do you value your experience in the moment or the photos later? Do you prioritize photography and are willing to go off the timeline to get *the shot* of you and your partner? Or do you prefer your photographer let you enjoy time with your family and friends and they can get candids instead?
​

Rome is a city full of personality.

You should only order espresso in the AM hours, religious notes are mixed in with sex while the graffiti tangles with creeping vines in the most charming corners. Personality.

It's loud except in the early morning where you don't even notice commuters. Is there a rush hour here? There are people everywhere as the afternoon rolls around and the city is everyone's backyard for gatherings, dog walks and cocktail hour.

I'm visiting with my husband, my bff Alicia and her fiancé Ryan. Rome is Alicia and Ryan's favorite city and they're here to get married!
​

​I've known Alicia for many many years. We became close in college then life + jobs took us in different directions (geographically speaking). We haven't lived near each other in almost 10 years but we remain close friends and it was a joy to watch her marry Ryan in a private ceremony created just for them.

As soon as she told me her plans, I invited myself along because duh.
​

Alicia picked out flowers at the daily market below our Air B&B. The lady running the shop was kind enough to arrange and bundle them beautifully for her.

The windows are open as Alicia gets her hair and makeup done and Ryan irons his shirt. We can hear everyone below buying fruits, vegetables and juices.

We head to a beautiful park where the officiant awaits. The park is pretty empty and I'm relieved to avoid onlookers. 

Did you know Americans can legally get married in Italy? It's not just symbolic unless you want it to be!

We walk the park then into a favorite neighborhood for a mix of settings. There's no bad place to take a photo, my mind is on overdrive narrowing down options for lighting, posing and setting. I offer light direction then let them be as they are, doing what they want. Documentary is my favorite approach.
​

Watching Ryan guide Alicia, it looks like a movie still. The black and white images from this wedding top my list of favorites. 
​

Are you even a wedding photographer if you don't make your couple get into a flower bush?

Salute!

A little about my wedding photography approach:

I capture artful wedding images for the laid back couple planning a fun day. My couples are doing their own thing, skipping trends that don’t suit them and, instead, creating a tailored wedding based on their personalities.
​
My couples aren’t looking for photos that look like a filter was slapped on or cheesy posing - they want natural images that show the beauty found in unexpected places.

​Email me any time to chat more!

I've been hitched for over 5 years now but I still reflect on our wedding experience (elopement) and our wedding photography often because I'm always trying to put myself in my client's shoes. Honestly, it's hard! Social media + culture + technology + wedding options have changed quite a bit in the last 5 years so decisions my couples are facing today can be both wildly different and surprisingly similar to what we navigated. 

Considering the questions that I get asked as a wedding photographer, my own perspective and modern times, I've gathered 3 questions I'd ask if meeting with my potential wedding photographer today.

1. Consider what is VERY important to you when it comes to your wedding photography and chat with your photographer about those things. Don't dismiss this because it seems obvious, check out the examples below to explore what you relate to before that consultation!

Appearance? And be honest with yourself, none of us want to be vain but in today's society, most care about how we look in photos. Maybe you want to invest in a photographer who will use every trick in the book, including Photoshop, to make you look A+. Maybe you're getting hair and makeup done so you want some glamour shots of how hawt you are on the big day. There are so many types of photographers these days and some offer 0 Photoshopping and don't care about flattering angles, they care about candid laughter even if that includes a double chin. There's no right or wrong, it's just a topic to bring up to understand their approach.

Emotion? Speaking of belly laughs that can lead to double chins, maybe those moments are what's precious to you. You're not in it for a glamour shoot, you want to enjoy the day and have memories to look back on that make you cry and laugh all over again. Most photographers are looking for great emotion too so you're likely guaranteed that. But you could be investing in a pricey photog who captures emotion AND spends a lot of TIME on the wedding day posing you juuuust right so the angle is flattering and who charges you more because of the amount of editing they do - if spending more time on posing and paying for the photog's time to edit out double chins doesn't sound good to you then maybe it's not a match!

Timeline? Speaking of spending time posing for the "perfect" angle, many couples have a strong opinion on the timeline of the wedding day. Do you want to build in an hour to get epic photos of you 2 on a mountain alone or would you rather spend the majority of time with your guests? Do you want to spend an hour on family formals bc that's what everyone loves to print or do you prefer more time devoted to candids? Again, no right or wrong but definitely something to chat about with your photog. 

There are many other examples, start jotting down a list of what's (specifically) important to you, and bring it up in the consultation to learn their approach! You do you.
​

2. What you love most about the photographer's work. This isn't a suggestion to be complimentary (although, how nice!), it's about hearing the photographer describe their work in real life scenarios.

Maybe you love how colorful and cheerful their work is, they may tell you some of the best venues for that style or how they'll need space for flash in order to create that vibe in a dark cabin.

Maybe you love their dreamy couple portraits, they may tell you that to catch that kind of lighting, you need to schedule in 1 hour at sunset for couple photos or you won't get the same result. 

Maybe you love how they setup family formals bc they never look stuffy, they may tell you that they'll need to scout the location the day before and to have access to furniture for those photos.

Speak up about what you love in their work so you can all make it happen logistically. Happy accidents are few and far between, most photographers know what preparation goes into getting the shot. 
​

3. And lastly, how does the photographer communicate on the wedding day? Mother-in-laws, family formals, divorced parents, timeline delays, rain preventing any outdoor photos... you want to know how your photog will handle the slight chaos of a wedding day while getting every shot you hired them for. 

I always tell my clients that I like to be a fly on the wall most of the day but I'm comfortable directing family formals to get them done efficiently. I can handle mother-in-laws of all types and I'm ready for all the personalities - it doesn't bother me or stress me out because I used to work in hospitality and as a wedding coordinator. I can offer direction as needed throughout the day or I can let your wedding planner take the lead. I'm flexible yet prepared.

That's my approach and my guess is every photographer has their own. Chat about it! 

​Let’s pack!

• Before you even leave, screenshot all deriving directions. Cell service can get spotty. 
  
• ​Wear and/or pack sunscreen.
  
• Small first aid kit or at least band aids for blisters
  
• All attire (this could be what you wear all day OR something to change into)
• Hair accessories - it can get windy on the mountaintop 
• Comfy shoes/boots
• Blanket to sit on
• Bug spray
• Sunglasses
• Light jacket as the temps drop and the wind picks up the higher we go up the mountain
• Water that's easy to carry or in something to keep cool in your car
• Snacks
  
• Charged cell phone - may need to use it as a flashlight if you stay past dusk too!
• Special momentos just for you two. And for the photos!

This is unlikely your first hike so any other items you deem important to take on your other adventures, bring these along for your elopement too, at least in the car! “Follow your heart but bring your brain with you.”

Is your pup joining? Check out this list to prepare for them too!

Pre-wedding + pre-hike thoughts: sunscreen and bug spray aren't your usual wedding day accessories but they're important, consider adding them into your getting ready plans. 

​Here’s what I’ll bring:

• Itty bitty first aid kit 
• Hand wipes
• Tide Stick
• Tissues
• Safety pins
• Emergency ponchos and/or clear umbrella
• Directions for the hike
• iPhone
• ​Water

​
Hiking on the wedding day is nothing to fear or get nervous about, it adds to the fun and romance of your day! Throw everything you need in the car or in a backpack (depends on how long the hike is) and let's go!