Your Guide to Your Intimate wedding Experience
This guide is here to walk you through the process of creating an experience that feels natural, effortless, and deeply aligned with who you are together.
A different way to begin your story. There are a lot of ways to get married.
Big celebrations. Full guest lists. Carefully planned timelines.
And then, there’s this.
This guide isn’t about rules.
It’s not about traditions you have to follow or expectations you need to meet. It’s about creating a day that feels like you.
A day that reflects:
- your relationship
- your rhythm
- the way you naturally exist together
Because the truth is, your wedding day doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s to be meaningful. It doesn’t have to be big to be important. It doesn’t have to be traditional to be real.
What This Guide Is (and Isn’t)
This isn’t a checklist. It’s not here to tell you what your day should look like.
Instead: Think of this as a starting point. A place to explore what’s possible. A guide to help you build a day that feels intentional, personal, and deeply yours.
A Different Way to Think About Your Wedding Day
An elopement isn’t just a ceremony. It’s a full experience. Every part of it matters.
This Is Your Permission
- To slow down.
- To do things differently.
- To let go of expectations that don’t feel like you.
Because at the end of it all, you won’t remember whether everything went perfectly. You’ll remember how it felt.
And That’s What We’re Creating Here
Not just a wedding day.
But a story you get to live through and return to for the rest of your lives.
How This Works
Six Steps to Planning Your Elopement
1. Dream Up Your Best Day
Start without limits. This is where you imagine what your day could feel like—before logistics or expectations come into play.
2. Make the Big Decisions
Decide who (if anyone) you want there, where you want to go, and how long you want your experience to be.
3. Plan the Details
Book travel and lodging, choose vendors, select your attire, and begin shaping the experience.
4. Craft Your Timeline
We’ll bring everything together into a flow that feels natural, not rushed—leaving room for both intention and spontaneity.
5. Prepare for Your Day
Pack, finalize details, and begin settling into the excitement of what’s ahead.
6. Be Fully Present
Your only job on your wedding day is to be there—with each other, in the moment, soaking it all in.
Step one- Dream Up your best day
Every meaningful day starts the same way. With a vision. Before logistics, before locations, before timelines… you get to dream. This is the part where nothing is off-limits. No opinions. No expectations. No “that wouldn’t work.”
Just the two of you asking:
What would our wedding day look like if there were no boundaries?
Because the truth is, no two elopements are the same, just like no two relationships are. This isn’t about recreating something you’ve seen. Not on Pinterest. Not on Instagram. Not even here in this guide.
This is about creating something that makes you feel:
- alive
- grounded
- deeply in love
- fully yourselves
So for now let go of what’s practical. You’ll figure that part out later.
Make It a Moment
Turn this into a date! Cuddle up on the couch. Pour a drink you love. Go for a walk somewhere that feels like yours.
Hold your partner’s hand—seriously. Close your eyes. And picture it. The day you’re standing together, promising your lives to each other.
Where are you?
Are you:
on top of a mountain after a long, quiet hike?
sitting at a rooftop bar with the city glowing around you?
walking through a vineyard, wine in hand?
drifting through a river in a kayak?
running barefoot across a moody beach toward a picnic set just for you?
Ask yourselves:
- What have been your favorite days together? Where were you? What made them unforgettable?
- How do you want this day to feel? Slow? Exciting? Peaceful? Free?
- When you picture your ceremony, is it just the two of you? Or are there people around you?
- What does the world around you look like? Mountains? A cliff side? Ocean? A quiet cabin? A city skyline? A desert? A safari? A tropical island?
- What are you wearing? Not what you should wear, what feels like you.
- How much time do you want this to be? A few hours? A full day? A multi-day experience?
- Who’s there with you? Just you two? Family? Your dog?
- What are you doing together? Hiking, driving, cooking, swimming, resting?
- What does your ceremony look like? Traditional? Spiritual? Completely your own?
- Are there pieces of your love story you want to weave in? A place, a song, a memory?
- What are you eating, drinking, celebrating with?
A Small Reminder
Don’t filter your ideas yet. Don’t dismiss something because it feels “unrealistic.” That’s not what this part is for.
Keep What Comes Up Write everything down. Even the ideas that feel random or impossible. Because later, when you start making real decisions, this is what will guide you back to what actually matters.
Step Two: Make the big decisions first
Shaping the Experience You’ve Been Dreaming Of
These are the decisions that will shape your entire experience:
- Who is part of your day
- Where your story unfolds
- How much time you give yourselves to live it
And the most important thing to remember?
Everything you choose should reflect what you discovered in your dreaming phase, not what’s expected of you.
Who Is Part of Your Day
Eloping doesn’t have to mean just the two of you. For some couples, that choice feels immediate and certain. For others, it’s layered, emotional, and not as simple. Both are valid. You can create an experience that is deeply intimate and still include the people who matter most to you.
But if you do…
Make sure they understand this isn’t a traditional wedding. This is something more intentional. More personal. A day centered on your relationship, not a production.
Things to Gently Consider
- Are the people you’re thinking of inviting truly excited about this kind of experience?
- Would it feel meaningful to have them hear your vows…
- or does that moment feel more sacred when it’s just the two of you?
- Is there anyone who might unintentionally shift the focus away from what matters most?
- Will their presence bring ease… or pressure?
- Are they able to comfortably travel to or access the location you’re envisioning?
- Does your ceremony location allow for everyone physically?
A Quiet Reminder
You are allowed to protect your experience. You are allowed to choose intimacy. There is no “right” way, only what feels aligned for you.
Ways to Include Loved Ones (If You Want To)
If having people there feels right, there are so many ways to include them without losing the intimacy of your day:
- Share one meaningful ceremony together
- Include them in getting ready or a celebratory meal
- Have them present for only part of the day
- Spread your experience across multiple days
If They’re Not Physically There Connection doesn’t require proximity.
You can still weave them into your day in meaningful ways:
- Have them write letters for you to read
- Watch videos they record for you
- FaceTime or call them during a quiet moment
- Bring heirlooms or meaningful objects with you
- Open gifts or notes from them during your day
- Share photos and videos with them as your day unfolds
- Celebrate with them afterward with a dinner, party, or photo reveal
Telling Them Your Plans
This part can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be.
- Be honest and clear
- Share why this matters to you
- Let them into your vision
- Keep them included in ways that feel good
Where Your Story Takes Place
Your location isn’t just a backdrop. It shapes how your day feels. How you move through it. How you remember it.
The right place will feel like:
- somewhere you can breathe
- somewhere you feel alive
- somewhere you can fully be present together
What to Consider When Choosing a Location
The Feeling of the Landscape. What kind of scenery do you feel drawn to? Mountains, ocean, forest, desert, city lights. What makes you feel the most you? Think back to your dreaming phase. What did you see?
Season & Atmosphere
Some places transform depending on the time of year.
Spring → waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, soft desert air
Summer → wildflowers, high elevations, long golden evenings
Fall → rich color, crisp air, quiet transitions
Let the season enhance your experience.
Accessibility
How you get there is part of the story.
Would you enjoy:
- a long scenic drive?
- a hike?
- a boat ride?
- something more adventurous like a helicopter or small plane?
Or would you prefer something simple and easy?
Privacy & Seclusion
There’s always a balance between:
- accessibility
- scenery
- privacy
Rarely do locations offer all three equally. So ask yourselves: What matters most—ease, views, or solitude? And remember, hidden gems and sunrise moments often offer the most intimacy.
Meaning
Sometimes the most powerful locations aren’t the most dramatic. They’re the ones that hold history.
Maybe it’s:
- where you first traveled together
- a place that feels like home
- somewhere that reflects your story
Choosing a meaningful place adds a layer that no view alone ever could.
Experience & Activities
Your day doesn’t start and end with your ceremony. What do you want to do together?
- hiking
- kayaking
- slow mornings with coffee
- stargazing
- picnics
- wine tasting
- simply resting together
Some places naturally lend themselves to certain experiences. Let your desired activities help guide your location.
Guests (If You’re Including Them)
If others are part of your day:
- consider travel logistics
- think about accessibility
- check guest limits at locations
There are beautiful places that accommodate both intimacy and community—you just have to find the right fit.
Tips for Choosing Your Location
Prioritize Your Experience. You chose to elope for a reason. Don’t pick a place just because it’s popular. Pick a place that aligns with how you actually love spending time together.
You Don’t Have to Choose Just One. You’re allowed to explore more than one place.
A multi-location or multi-day elopement can give you:
- variety
- more experiences
- a fuller story
There’s no rule that it all has to happen in one day.
Have a Backup Plan
Nature is unpredictable. Weather shifts. Roads close. Having a few backup options allows your day to stay stress-free no matter what.
Permits Matter
Many outdoor locations require permits.
Always check:
- ceremony permits
- photography permits
- guest limits
- restrictions
Getting clarity early keeps everything smooth later.
Leave No Trace
Be ready to leave no trace: leave no trace is a set of ethics that everyone who recreationally uses the outdoors should strive to practice in order to do their part in protecting the environment. It is made up of seven principles that guide decisions to leave the least amount of impact possible in outdoor spaces.
- Plan ahead and prepare
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
To best follow leave no trace you should do research beforehand so that you can make a plan to stick to trails and other durable surfaces. Be ready to leave everything you find and pack everything that you bring in and be prepared in case you encounter any local wildlife
Decide How Long This Experience Gets to Be
As you move from dreaming into planning, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is:
How much time do we want to give this moment in our lives? Because this isn’t just a ceremony. It’s a transition. A threshold. A beginning. And you get to decide how fully you want to live inside it.
Multi-Day Elopements
There’s no rule that says everything has to happen in one day. In fact, many couples choose to stretch their experience across multiple days, and for good reason.
A multi-day elopement allows you to:
- spend intentional time with loved ones and have space just for the two of you
- explore multiple locations or landscapes
- move slower, without feeling rushed
- fully soak in each part of your experience
Maybe one day is shared. And one day is just yours. Maybe your story unfolds across different places, different moods, different moments.
When planning your trip, give yourself more time than you think you need. After travel is booked and everything is set, you never want to feel like:
“I wish we had just one more day.”
Because in all my experience… No one has ever wished they planned a shorter trip.
Post-Elopement Celebrations
If including more people matters to you, but not on your actual wedding day. This is a beautiful middle ground. Many couples choose to celebrate after their elopement.
This could look like:
- a backyard dinner
- a brewery gathering
- an intimate reception
- or a fully styled celebration
And it doesn’t have to happen right away. In fact, I often recommend planning it 3–6 months later, so your actual wedding experience stays calm, present, and stress-free.
Making this decision early can also help shape:
- who you invite to your elopement
- where you choose to go
Engagement Sessions
Eloping doesn’t mean skipping this part. In fact, engagement sessions can become one of the most meaningful pieces of your experience.
They give you:
- space to celebrate being engaged
- a chance to slow down and connect
- an opportunity to get comfortable in front of the camera
Think of it less like a “photo session” and more like:
a quiet, intentional date that just happens to be documented.
You can use these photos for:
- announcements
- invitations
- guest books
- or meaningful details woven into your day
Step Three: Plan the Details
Where your vision starts to take shape. Once your big decisions are made (who, where, and how long) this is where everything begins to come together.
What This Step Includes
- booking your travel
- choosing where you’ll stay
- hiring vendors
- planning meaningful activities
- selecting what you’ll wear
- gathering anything you’ll need
Yes, there are logistics here. And yes, it can feel like a lot.
But Here’s What Matters Most
You don’t need to do everything. You don’t need to follow every suggestion. If something doesn’t align with your vision, you’re allowed to let it go. This day is about creating something that feels like you. Take your time. Enjoy the process. And know that you don’t have to figure it all out alone, I’m here to walk through it with you.
Booking Your Travel
Setting the tone for your entire experience. Before you book anything, make sure your location is fully confirmed with me. From there, travel becomes part of the story, not just a means to get there.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
Arrive Earlier Than You Think You Need To. Avoid flying in right before your wedding day if possible.
Give yourselves time to:
- settle in
- adjust to time changes
- gather details (flowers, license, etc.)
- breathe
If you’re heading somewhere at a higher elevation, aim for 48–72 hours to acclimate. It makes a big difference in how you feel.
Use Flight Deals & Rewards
If you’ve been saving travel points, this is a beautiful time to use them. Upgrading your flight experience can make the journey feel even more special.
You can also:
- set flight alerts
- watch for deals
- explore flexible destination pricing
Choosing Where You’ll Stay
Where you stay becomes part of your story.
It’s where you’ll:
- wake up on your wedding day
- get ready
- come back to after your adventur
Treat it like part of your experience.
Think Beyond the Expected
Give yourself permission to choose something that feels special:
- a quiet A-frame in the woods
- a cozy cabin
- a treehouse
- a yurt
- an oceanside villa
What to Look For
Light & Atmosphere. Does the space have good natural light? Does the design align with your vision? These details shape how your memories feel, and how they’re documented.
Reviews Matter. Take time to read thoroughly. A beautiful listing doesn’t always tell the full story.
Distance to Your Location. The closer you are, the more ease your day will have.
Privacy. If you’re including guests, consider having your own space the night before and after.
Vendors
Elopements are intentional, but they don’t have to be DIY. Bringing in the right people to support your day isn’t about turning it into a production. It’s about giving yourselves the space to be fully present. Because when you’re not worrying about logistics, you get to just exist in the moment.
Common Vendors for Elopements
There are no rules, but many couples choose to include:
- florist
- hair & makeup artist
- officiant
- videographer
- private chef or caterer
- musician
How to Choose the Right People
Read reviews carefully, not just for skill, but for experience and personality. If they’ll be present on your day, talk with them beforehand. Make sure their energy feels aligned with yours. Read contracts thoroughly and get everything in writing
Thoughtful Considerations by Vendor
Hair & Makeup: The goal isn’t to look different. It’s to look like you, just elevated. If you usually wear your hair down, you might not feel like yourself in a formal updo. If you rarely wear makeup, a heavy look may feel uncomfortable.
To keep your skin natural and true to life:
- avoid spray tans or self-tanner
- skip mineral sunscreen right before your session
- Drink plenty of water!
Florals: Florals bring movement, color, and softness into your day. But for elopements, they need to do more than look pretty, they need to last.
Especially if you’re:
- hiking
- traveling
- dealing with wind or temperature shifts
Ask for:
- hardy blooms
- dried elements
- greenery or textured pieces
And when working with your florist:
- share your vision, colors, and location
- be honest about movement and transport
- send inspiration, but stay open to their creativity
The best results always come from collaboration.
Officiant: Marriage laws vary depending on where you are. Some places allow you to self-solemnize (marry yourselves), while others require an officiant and witnesses. You can even have a friend or family member ordained through organizations like the Universal Life Church. However, some states do not recognize being ordained by online organizations.
If you choose an officiant, make sure it’s someone you truly connect with. They’re holding space for one of the most meaningful moments of your life.
Videographer: Video adds a different layer to your story. When choosing one, look for someone whose approach matches your photographer’s style. For an intimate feel: choose documentary-style, avoid overly staged production. A solo videographer often helps keep things quiet and unobtrusive.
Private Chef / Catering: This is one of the most underrated parts of an elopement.
A private chef can turn your meal into:
- a memory
- a pause
- a celebration within your day
Musicians: Live music changes the atmosphere instantly.
Whether it’s:
- soft acoustic during your ceremony
- or a private concert during dinner
It adds emotion in a way nothing else can.
Keep in mind:
some locations don’t allow amplified sound, therefore a solo musician would be a better choice.
Out-of-the-Box Ideas
This is your permission to get creative.
- make your own rings with a jeweler
- get tattoos together
- take a helicopter or hot air balloon ride
- rent a vintage car
- hire a mountain climbing guide
Choose Your Activities
Ask yourselves:
- What do we love doing together?
- What does a perfect day already look like for us?
- What would make this day feel unforgettable?
- Is there something new we want to try together?
Your day can include:
- Movement.
- Stillness.
- Adventure.
- Rest.
Ideas to Inspire You
For the Adventurous
- hiking (from a short trail to multi-day treks)
- off-roading / 4x4 exploring
- helicopter or private plane rides
- rock climbing
- skydiving or paragliding
- mountain biking
- sandboarding or snowboarding
For Slower, Intentional Moments
- picnics
- wine tasting
- lounging in a hammock
- beach walks
- horseback riding
- hot springs or hot tubs
- painting or journaling together
Water-Based Experiences
- kayaking or canoeing
- paddle boarding
- sailing
- snorkeling or scuba diving
- private dinner cruises
Winter Experiences
- skiing or snowboarding
- snowmobiling
- ice skating
- snowball fights
Evening & Night Moments
- stargazing
- campfires + s’mores
- first dance by firelight
- night hiking
- camping or glamping
With Guests, Kids, or Pets
- walks with your dog
- yard games
- card games
- dance parties
- karaoke
Step four: What to wear And what to bring
Wear what feels like you, and nothing less.
Start With Openness
Many couples begin shopping with a very specific idea in mind, and end up choosing something completely different. That’s normal. So instead of locking yourself into one vision, let yourself explore. Try things on. Move in them. Feel them.
Think Beyond How It Looks
You won’t just be standing still.
You’ll be:
- walking
- sitting
- moving
- maybe hiking, dancing, climbing, exploring
So ask yourself:
Can I move freely in this? Can I sit comfortably on a chair and the ground? Does this feel good after wearing it for hours?
For Dresses, Skirts & Flowy Pieces
Movement, texture, and feeling. Your dress doesn’t have to be white.
It can be:
- black
- blue
- yellow
- patterned
- layered
- completely unconventional
If you love it—it’s right.
What to Pay Attention To
Movement:
Step outside. Let it catch the wind. Spin in it. Sometimes the simplest dress creates the most cinematic movement.
Weight & Comfort:
Especially for outdoor or all-day wear, lighter is often better.
Mobility:
Can you move easily? Sit? Walk? Explore?
Activity-Friendly:
If you’re hiking, consider packing your outfit and changing at your location.
Little Details That Make a Big Difference
- veils, capes, or shawls for added movement
- layering pieces for colder weather
- textures that photograph beautifully
And if a traditional dress doesn’t feel like you?
Try:
a skirt + sweater
a jumpsuit
something completely your own
For Suits, Tuxes & Non-Traditional Looks
Personality over tradition. Your outfit doesn’t have to follow any rules either.
Black is not required.
Matching is not required.
Formal is not required.
Make It Yours
Play with:
- colors
- textures (linen, corduroy, knits, leather)
- layering pieces
Add personal details:
- suspenders
- vests
- ties or bow ties
- watches
- cufflinks
- pocket squares
These small choices bring your personality into the day.
Test It Out
Move in it.
- sit
- squat
- walk
- stretch
Make sure it feels as good as it looks.
Footwear Matters More Than You Think
Function creates freedom. Shoes may not be the most visible part of your photos, but they will absolutely shape your experience.
Choose for Your Environment
Outdoors? → prioritize grip and support
Hiking? → go for proper hiking boots
Cold? → leave room for thick socks + toe warmers
Snow or ice? → traction spikes can make all the difference
Warm sand? → barefoot or open shoes might feel best
A Gentle Recommendation
Avoid shoes that limit your movement. Because when your feet feel good:
You move differently.
You explore more.
You enjoy more.
Break Them In. If you’re buying new shoes wear them ahead of time. Blisters are not part of the vision.
Don’t Forget to Layer
Comfort = presence. Especially for outdoor elopements, layering is everything.
Think in levels:
Base layer: warmth + moisture control
Mid layer: insulation
Outer layer: protection from elements
Extras: gloves, scarves, blankets, hand warmers
Adventure Gear
Some experiences call for a little extra preparation. Not to complicate things, but to support them.
Helpful Essentials:
- Backpack: for layers, snacks, and anything you don’t want to carry
- Headlamps: especially for sunrise, sunset, or night moments
- Water: always. Hydration matters more than you think
- Snacks: keep your energy steady
- Thermos: warm drinks can feel like magic in cold conditions
- Trekking poles: helpful for longer or steeper hikes
- Sun & skin protection: sunscreen, bug spray depending on location
For More Remote Adventures
- water filtration system
- backpacking stove for simple meals
- proper waste bags (following Leave No Trace principles)
Step Five: Your Wedding Day Flow
Crafting Your Timeline
Where your vision becomes something you can step into
At this point:
You’ve dreamed.
You’ve chosen your place.
You’ve gathered the pieces.
Now it’s time to bring it all together. Not by scheduling every minute, but by creating a flow.
A day that allows you to:
- experience everything you’ve been dreaming of
- move with intention
- and still leave space for the unexpected
The Beginning of Your Day
Slow, intentional, and real
Getting Ready
This is where it all begins to feel real.
- The quiet anticipation.
- The small moments.
- The shift from “this is happening someday” to "this is happening today.”
Why This Part Matters
It holds:
- excitement
- stillness
- emotion building beneath the surface
And it creates space for you to ease into the day instead of rushing into it.
How to Approach Your Morning. Give yourself time. Wake up slowly. Let the morning unfold.
Details That Tell Your Story
Before the day begins, have your meaningful items set aside:
- attire
- rings
- jewelry
- vow books
- florals
- heirlooms
- letters or notes
Preparing these the day before allows you to be fully present.
Getting Ready Together or Apart
Separately:
- keeps an element of surprise
- allows for two parallel stories to unfold
Together:
- creates intimacy from the very beginning
- slow, connected moments like:
- coffee in bed
- making breakfast
- quiet conversation before the day begins
Some couples even blend both.
Moments Worth Holding Onto
- writing or re-writing vows
- exchanging letters or gifts
- reading notes from loved ones
- FaceTiming family
- honoring those not present
Creating a Space That Feels Good
When choosing where you’ll get ready, look for:
- natural light
- calm, uncluttered spaces
- intentional design that matches your vision
A peaceful space allows you to feel grounded, and that feeling carries into everything else.
Your First Look
The moment everything shifts. This is the moment you see each other, fully in it. And suddenly everything becomes real.
What It Feels Like
Emotion.
Relief.
Excitement.
Often, any nerves melt away the second you’re together.
Where It Can Happen
- at your lodging
- on a quiet deck or open space
- at your ceremony location
- along a trail or scenic overlook
Why It Matters
It allows you to:
- share that moment privately
- ground yourselves together
- begin the day side by side
Your Ceremony
The reason for everything. This is the moment you commit your lives to each other, and it can look however you want it to.
Make It Your Own
You can:
- follow tradition
- blend elements
- or create something entirely your own
There are no expectations here.
What You Might Include
- personal vows
- exchanging rings or meaningful items
- music
- cultural or spiritual rituals
- letters from loved ones
- moments of reflection
Or none of it.
The Legal Side
Every location is different.
You may:
- need an officiant or witnesses
- be able to self-solemnize
- choose to handle the legal portion separately
There’s flexibility here. Choose what feels simplest and most aligned.
Portraits
This is where so many people feel nervous, and almost everyone says the same thing:
“We’re awkward in front of the camera.”
You’re not. What Actually Happens
You’ll be:
- in a beautiful place
- with your favorite person
- feeling everything at once
And that’s what shows up.
A Few Gentle Reminders
- Trust me, I’ll guide you
- You don’t need to “perform”
- Movement is always better than stillness
- When in doubt, reach for each other
If You’re Including Guests
Keeping things simple and meaningful. Family portraits usually happen right after the ceremony. To keep this smooth create a simple list ahead of time and expect ~5 minutes per grouping
And after the “formal” moments? Let it loosen. Laughter, hugs, movement is what makes these meaningful.
Weaving in Activities
You might include:
- journaling your thoughts
- reading letters from loved ones
- creating something together (painting, pottery, rings)
- playing music together
These aren’t “extras.” They’re anchors, moments you’ll remember.
Your Celebration Within the Day
Pause. Sit. Take it in.
You have to eat.
But more than that, you deserve to enjoy it!
What This Could Look Like
- a private chef preparing a meal
- a picnic in a scenic place
- a charcuterie board with your favorites
- a casual meal with guests
- a restaurant, winery, or brewery
Food becomes part of the memory. A moment to slow down and realize: We just got married.
Before You Go
The final pieces
What to Bring:
- marriage license + documents
- vows + rings
- attire + accessories
- water + snacks
- layers + gear
- personal details
If You Have Guests
Help them feel prepared by sharing:
- what to wear
- where to go
- timing details
- accessibility notes
- expectations (including unplugged ceremonies)
A Few Last Gentle Tips
- pack early
- carry on important items if flying
- hydrate and rest leading up to your day
- give yourself time to adjust to your environment
And When the Day Arrives
Let go of the plan. Not completely, but gently. Because things might shift. Weather might change.
Moments might unfold differently. And that’s not something to fear.
Have the Best Day
Be present.
Be together.
Be fully in it.
Because if you feel everything—
if you let yourselves experience it fully—
The photos will follow.
The memories will stay.
And the day will be exactly what it was meant to be.
Step Six: The Final Days and what comes after
What Happens Next
After your elopement day
You did it.
You lived the day.
You felt it.
You married your person.
Your Photos, Carefully Told
While you settle back into everyday life, I’ll be working behind the scenes carefully going through your images, reliving each moment, and shaping your story into something you can return to again and again.
Your full gallery will be ready in 6–8 weeks.
But you won’t have to wait long to revisit it. Within one week, you’ll receive a small preview,
a glimpse into your day that you can share, hold onto, and begin celebrating with.
How Your Gallery Is Delivered
Your images will be delivered in a private online gallery as high-resolution JPEGs.
From there, you can:
- download your images
- share them with loved ones
- print them
- revisit them anytime, from anywhere
You’re welcome to share your gallery link with family and friends. If you’d prefer to limit downloads or product ordering, you can simply keep your gallery PIN private.
A Gentle Reminder
Once your gallery is delivered—download everything. Then back it up in multiple places: external hard drives, cloud storage. These are your memories. They deserve to be kept safe.
Albums & Prints
Where your memories become tangible
“An image isn’t a photograph until it’s printed.”
— Andrew Funderburg
Your photos aren’t meant to live on a screen.
- They’re meant to be held.
- Flipped through.
- Seen every day.
Turning Your Story Into Something You Can Hold
There’s something different about sitting together and turning pages, reliving your day, moment by moment. That’s where your story really comes to life.
After your gallery is delivered, I’ll help you design an album that feels like your day. Intentional, emotional, and uniquely yours.
What to Expect
- Albums typically arrive within 5 weeks of ordering
- Prints arrive within just a few days
- Everything is beautifully packaged and delivered to your home
Ways to Share & Display Your Photos
Some of my favorite ways to bring them into your life:
- wedding announcements, postcards, and thank you cards
- a shared album for the two of you
- parent albums for family
- framed prints throughout your home
- a gallery wall that tells your story
- prints on canvas, wood, or metal
- panoramic prints for statement pieces
A Final Note
Your wedding day may come and go—
But the way it felt?
That stays.
In your memories.
In your photographs.
In the quiet moments when you look back and remember exactly what it meant.
Thank You
For trusting me with something so meaningful.
For inviting me into your story.
For allowing me to witness the beginning of this chapter.
It truly means more than I can put into words.
And now..
Go live your life together.
Keep choosing each other.
Keep creating days that feel like yours.
