Julianne and Sam 05/23/2024

These two traveled from Massachusetts to elope in the Sunshine State! Julianne actually found me on a facebook group, that probably had about 300 comments of other photographers on it. How special do I feel that she chose me and my style?!? Its an incredible feeling to know that someone chose me out of 100 of other photographers!

Where do I start with these two? They are the absolute sweetest couple! They've been best friends for 15 years and they both finally realized it was more than just a BFF thing! So Julianne reached out to me via FB and we started the booking process for their elopement. Sam's family owns a condo on the beach and it has always held a special place in both of their hearts- they knew that was where they wanted to share their vows and start their first day of forever! Elopements to me are just as amazing as a full wedding day. I don't skimp on anything when I photograph an elopement (or anything for that matter). It doesn't matter how long the couple hires me for I'm going to put in 1000% of the work to make sure when you look back on your photos you remember exactly how you felt in every little significant moment. Even the moments people think are insignificant, they later on realize it wasn't, just by looking at the photos I captured.

I showed up early, as usual so I could make sure I capture the details, rings, and the bride getting ready. I met Sam down in the parking lot bc Julianne wasn't back from her hair appt yet. I went up the room when she got here and my assistant/2nd shooter ( bc yes I bring her to elopements too) an I got straight to work capturing everything from the flowers, to the rings, to the cute little snack plate, and everything in between. Julianne was getting ready so I snapped a few pics of her getting her make-up on. I went down stairs to scope out the ceremony site, it was so cute- they had a little sign. Then Sam came in the room and we made Julianne hide, lol. We captured photos of Sam "getting ready". They look like they're straight out of a GQ magazine! After that it was ceremony time! We ran down and got into position to capture Julianne and Sam in every angle possible- when I say 1000% I mean it, lol. The ceremony was beautiful. Just Sam, Julianne, the officiant, me and my 2nd... so intimate.

I had the most amazing idea of bringing stuff for a champagne tower! I'm so glad I did!! Of course I checked with the couple first, but these are things they might not think of. I also suggested a cake but they wanted to go to dinner afterwards and have a celebratory dinner with dessert.

I always imagine every wedding, courthouse wedding, elopement or photo session is my own, so I think to myself WWKPD ( what would KP do)? and I make suggestions based on what I would want if I were the couple- don't forget the flowers, I got the champagne, are we doing cake... they might think I'm a little obnoxious or hyper active ( which I am) but I honestly just want their day to be everything they've ever dreamed of. I like to think I help them achieve that and based on my google reviews, I do!

Anyways, we had fun with the champagne tower- who doesn't love a good bottle Veuve?!? I had my assistant play their first dance song and we captured their first dance, just the two of them, how romantic! No guests getting in the way, just them and the ocean... and us of course, but we stayed out of their way so they could have that moment. After the dance we captured about an hour of photos. Julianne really wanted to get in the water... Sam not so much, but he did because he's a good husband and he knew Julianne wanted to! We ended the elopement with final photos including Julianne's sons name written in the sand. He was not able to be there with them and they wanted to make sure he knew he was on their minds on their special day!

All in all, I highly recommend an elopement or an intimate wedding, with me as the photographer, of course! You can always have a big party or dinner with friends and family to celebrate afterwards but the feeling of it just being you and your future spouse, the intimacy and the special moments- nothing beats it!!