2023 Year in Review for Adventure and Vow
This year seems like it has come and gone way to quickly. It has been a big year of travel for us, incredible elopements, time with our loved ones and more. We are excited to take a walk down memory lane together as we recap this year!
This year at a glance…….
We photographed 29 elopements in 5 different states!
Alaska, Washington, California, Utah + Arizona
We visited New Zealand for fun, but also to capture one of our best friends proposal’s and our other best friends 10 year vow renewal.
We had some big honors this year winning:
Junebug Top 50 Wedding Images of the Year and honorable mention
Break The Rules Category for International Wedding Photographer of the Year
Click Magazine’s Best Photography of the Year Portraits Category winner
Icon’s International Wedding Photography top 10 finalist.
Our work was featured by:
Interviewed for the Creative Business Plan Podcast and more!
We drove around 40k miles this year traveling to elopements with our boys (Indy + Tucker) in tow.
We finished the last 18 miles Wonderland Trail, which is the trail we eloped on.
I can not wait to share with you in photos this year’s elopements, highlights and more!
Table of Contents
This was a new year, with a new drone 🙂
We had so much fun this year using our drone for photo + video. We love our new drone a lot and can not wait to keep using it next year. We feel that it for sure elevated our drone work. Our drone was a key part of this year helping us capture a climbing elopement, several kayaking elopements, a boat session and more. You will notice as you look through the highlight images from this year’s elopements many of them were taken with a drone.
Some of our favorite reviews from this year <3
Love on Earth Workshop
We hosted our 5th Love on Earth Workshop this year in Bishop, California. This was the most difficult workshop we have planned due to how remote the area is, but it was incredibly fun. We photographed at Death Valley National park, hot springs and Alabama Hills. This year it was very special to have one of our past couples model – Allison + Brittley. We always love catching. up with them, we actually also got to hang out with them this year in Canada in Jasper National Park! Then we also had one of our couple’s eloping next year in the area come model for the climbing portion! I was so happy we got to capture some rock climbing images of them in this area since they connected together through climbing in this region together, but will not be climbing on their elopement day. We even hopped in front of the camera as a last minute mini shoot optional for attendees with Indy bean! As always, it is an honor and magical to get to host this with our two closest friends.
This year's elopements...
We love sharing about the elopements we capture each year! We try to blog them all, but don’t always have the time to so we are excited to share them all with you here! Below are a couple just some of our favorite photos from each elopement we captured. Elopements will be featured in order from our first to our last of the year.
Gillian + Josh
We kicked off our season with an epic adventure – a multi-pitch sunrise climb, evening hike with ceremony, first dance and pizza ending with a hanging arch rappel under the stars. We LOVE Moab, Climbing and capturing starry night images. This was a beyond incredible way to start off of our year. We were stoked to work with G + J and capture their love story bound by these elements.
Jennica + John
Our second elopement of the year brought us down to Sedona, Arizona. Since Jennica was pregnant we had planned an elopement with some relaxation, but also getting to see many diverse beautiful spots in Sedona. This year we actually got to photography in many spots we absolutely love in Arizona that we have never gotten to photograph for an elopement! We loved starting the elopement off at their unique stay!
Stephanie + Tim
Driving to Stephanie + Tim’s elopement was quite the site with fresh rain, moody clouds and sunshine. It was a rare day that there was a cloud inversion in Sedona. The day started slow and peaceful enjoying tea together in a bubble bath before they got ready. They held their ceremony with their family mid day before heading out for an incredible sunset hike. We returned to the airbnb for cocktails, dinner and first dances. It was a day of celebration and fun!
Jacquelyn + Zak
Then we finally got to capture Zak and Jacquelyn’s elopement! We had been working with them for a couple years, you may remember seeing their engagement session in Joshua Tree last year. It was a full day of adventure from a beautiful sunrise hike with vows + tea to exploring caves, off roading and watching an incredible Sedona sunset.
Cynthia + Paul
Then we headed back to Moab for Cynthia + Paul’s elopement! Just about a week before their date their venue which was their stay and reception space fell through. Luckily, I reached out to the owner of Red Earth Venue and was able to quickly get her in touch with C+P to come up with a whole new plane. We truly pulled it together beautifully + flawlessly it was like it was the meant to be plan from the start. It was two incredible days in Arches and Canyonlands National Park mixed in with more traditional moments with family.
Jennie + Michael
These two traveled all the way from Toronto, Canada with their two dogs for their two day elopement in Moab. Day one was a sunrise hike and day two was a full day adventure and wedding. We ended the night around a camp fire together, where all the best memories are made. It was incredible waking up in the canyon, as the sun peaked over the La Sal mountains just us and the pups. I couldn’t believe that also here in Mid April we got snow flakes on their elopement day!
Febbie + Adam
We met with Febbie + Adam at their dome stay way out in the Moab wilderness. They shared a first look in the most beautiful flower field I have ever seen in Moab. Then we ventured out for an evening at Dead Horse State Park where they would get married, watch the sunset, have a picnic as the sky grew dark enough to star gaze. It was such a fun elopement day running around on the top of the desert canyon. The day after their elopement we went on a horseback adventure with a view of the La Sals! We have since gotten to meet with these two and climb in Joshua Tree!
Tori + Caleb
These two brought their families with them to Moab to celebrate their elopement! We joined them for time getting ready separate, but with their loved ones. After a first look and private vows out in the desert we re-joined the group at Dead Horse Point State park for their ceremony and sunset photos. While at dinner I air dropped them their sneak peeks and the phone got passed around when suddenly someone busts out into laughter. One of their guests had snuck an item from the Airbnb into the group photo, see if you spot it! Often in this career, among ourselves and photography friends we chat about how you can only experience a place once for the first time and how cool it is to get to do that over and over again through our couples. On this elopement we got to share that moment with our couple’s family as they were in complete awe of the view.
Abby + Michael
Then we were off to Bishop, California!!! We were very excited to capture Abby + Michael’s elopement as they were referred to us from a past couple AND they were getting married in a place they love of which we had never worked in. We photographed this elopement with our usual gear, but also with our medium format film camera. Since Abby + Michael introduced us to the Bishop area we have fallen in love it with it ourselves and are looking forward to working there quite a bit this coming year. It was a fun time camping in the same camp ground as the couple which made our commute for pre-sunrise getting ready photos super easy. We also enjoyed climbing with them the day after their elopement. It was one of the most emotional ceremonies we have ever captured and we feel honored to have been asked to be apart of it.
Brooke + Clint
Then we made our way back to Washington (after some time hanging out in Bend, Oregon!) for Brooke + Clint’s elopement right near our place! Since it was early in the season the road all the way up to Artist Point was closed and there was lots of beautiful snow left. They got married with their son and parents as witnesses by Picture Lake with a beautiful view. Then we headed down the mountain to explore the rushing waterfall, share a first dance and have a toast! It was a beautiful, lovely, peaceful way to start off of our summer/PNW season for the year!!
Lillian + Brcye
Then we started our drive up to Alaska with the boys in tow for Lillian + Bryce’s elopement. It was Bill + I’s first time in Alaska. We were stoked to back pack with these two into the Alaska Wilderness for a private elopement ceremony. We dodge weather like crazy, but still got rain and wind at camp. However, that did not stop us/them from enjoying the trail and have a great time. It was so cute when we met up with Lillian’s mom and their dog Yeti on the trail on our hike out! The sweetest moment. We spent the following day with these two and their family for a reception celebration. This was a double bucket list elopement for us – an elopement in Alaska + a backpacking elopement. We are so humble that Lillian + Bryce trusted us to help them plan and capture their day. It was an incredible adventure and intro to Alaska and we are thrilled to be returning again in 2024.
Marissa + O'Neal
Once we made it back to the Lower 48 our first elopement would be in Olympic National Park with Marissa + O’Neal. These two local WA folks had never been to the Olympic Coast and were stoked to finish their elopement there. The joy on their faces when we reached the beach is one I will never forget. It was such a joyous time. The day started at sunrise in the mountains where even though it was raining we got one of the must unreal, colorful sunrises I have seen my entire life.
Clarene + Benjamin
Clarene + Benjamin’s elopement started off feeling like we were on a movie set for two reasons. One – they were set to canoe on the lake together, which is also how they got engaged, but also look over postcards they had mailed to each other during their time dating from all over the world. Two – Sunrise that am was foggy, but also some light. It was an unreal weather condition that brought the vibe of romance. From there we went back to their airbnb for getting ready, but also for them to make their bouquet together. After brunch and a toast with the family we set out for a 7 mile hike up the mountain for a ceremony. It was an incredible day.
Jenifer + Taylor
Jenifer and Taylor’s elopement started here near our place at Mt Baker – a full day with first look at the falls, horseback ride mid day, sunset hike and ceremony with an evening under the stars. Day two was in Olympic National Park, another full day fully experiencing all of the magic Olympic has to offer. These two roll like we do, pack in everything you can, living life to the fullest. It was non stop epic-ness, the kind you want to keep reliving!
Tina + Charles
Our next elopement in Olympic was a super fun one! The couple started off with getting ready and a mini round of tennis, where they also wrote their vows. We always love when a couple infuses their day with things and activities that are truly are apart of their story. As we set out for their elopement we stoped at the falls before stopping at the lake for their ceremony and a picnic of items they cooked together. We headed to the beach for games (Poker, Banana-gram and more) as we waited for sunrise and then stars. It was a day written in the stars 🙂
Carmen + James
These two local WA folks eloped near us where they often ski. Earlier in the year Carmen had a ski accident at the exact spot that they were set to say their vows. With some change of locations up on the mountain they had a beautiful, private sunrise in what felt like a new mountain as it was their first time in the area during Summer! After their time on the mountain we joined their loved ones at this incredible camping venue on the lake for a heck of a good time celebrating their marriage with dancing, drinks and joy.
Jocelyn + Kyle
This would be our first elopement in North Cascades National Park. It was fun to go out and scout and show Bill this park where I had visited previously with my niece. These two choose to elope here because previously they had visited and the location meant a great deal to them. It was emotional to hold the ceremony at their favorite spot, with their family and a guitarist. We also got to explore some new areas in the park. The day was stunning – fall colors, but also fresh snow at the top of the peaks. The smoke from the big fires over summer had disappeared, which was a great surprise. It was a day blending old and new memories that will last forever.
Stephanie + Ciro
Our last elopement of the PNW season was also near our home! It was awesome this year to capture so many elopements near the mountain we chose to live at! These two eloped at sunrise up on the mountain followed by coffee, carrot cake and reading letters from their loved ones by lake as the sun started to warm up the day. We spontaneously went back to their airbnb fro Ciro to whip up some breakfast for all of us. They were staying this beautiful cabin they wanted to fully enjoy during their stay and having breakfast together is one of their favorite things – it was the perfect way to end the elopement!
Danielle + Troy
Then it was back to the Southwest for us!!! We started in Page, Arizona with Dani + Troy and ended on day two in Moab, Utah. This was an incredible adventure ticking of some of the best the Page area has to offer as a welcome for their first visit to the Southwest. Then in Moab the day was romantic, filled with amazing good, equally great views and a ceremony filled with heart, tears and intention.
Stephanie + Luke
Before we continued on our Southwest Fall season we popped over to the Northern California coast for Stephanie + Luke’s elopement. This was another elopement that was referred to us by a past client and we were stoked! We love working with our people’s people. We had been planning this elopement for a long time, it was very surreal that it was here. We started off with sunrise skateboarding and vow writing along the coast, to getting ready deep in the forest. Then we headed back to the coast for a first look, ceremony and sunset portraits along the coast. The evening ended with amazing food and beers at a private dinner with their guests at a local brewery. It was so fun coming to a place these two loved so much to share with the people they love in pure joy and relaxed celebration!
Claire + Spencer
Claire and Spencer eloped at a beautiful resort in wine country of Sonama/Napa. They had previously visited this stunning place and wanted to come back here to get married. It was the perfect vibe, had great wine and relaxation. We met for a first look on the property, ceremony by the water fountain in the courtyard, then headed out for a picnic and sunset portraits.
Taylor + Clayton
Then it was back to Arizona! We met up with Taylor + Clayton in the morning for a first look at Horseshoe Bend. It was their first trip to Arizona and they wanted to see and experience as much as they could. So from here we headed down to Flagstaff for a field with an incredible view of Humpfrey’s where they would share their vows and first dance. We went to Mountain Top Tap’s where they had reserved it privately to officially get married and eat lunch. This was incredibly special for a couple of reasons – for them they love beer and the bar is on Route 66 of whcih they live on in the East coast. For us, this is one Bill’s good friends far and we have so many personal memories here – it was a lot of fun to bring one of our couples to this spot. For the evening we went off roading to an over of all of Sedona for sunset. Ending the day by a fire under the stars. It was one of the most beautiful Fall days in Flagstaff I have ever seen.
Alyssa + Jesse
We get asked often where our favorite places to photograph elopements are and I always say no favorite, it’s more about the connection, the story, the day as a whole. However, within Sedona there are 2 spots that are my favorite to be at and these two choose both of them for their elopement! This was the sweetest day, true connection, hiking, yoga with mom in the afternoon, a sunset that literally brought tears and the couple reading letters out loud with their family from other loved ones that had everyone in tears. A day filled with so much love.
Ilona + Trent
These two came to Sedona and into their day ready for adventure and seeing it all! We started at sunrise at Cathedral Rock watching the sunrise and the hot air balloons. On our hike down we stopped by the river for a picnic. We stopped at their Airbnb to refresh for the rest of the day before setting out in their jeep (of which they road tripped from Atlanta in) for some off roading and more hiking. They held their ceremony at one of the most scenic and private view points in Sedona. Then we headed to Merry Go Round to Facetime family and a first dance.
Natalie + Corey
Natalie and Corey started off their elopement day hiking up Doe Mountain under the stars. We reached the summit just in time to enjoy a beautiful sunrise. Here they would share their private vows together. We met back up later in the day for a ceremony with their guests before we all off roaded up the mountain to MGR. It is a rare thing for everyone to go up the mountain, but it such a special place to share with your guests if they are up for the bumpy ride. We admired the sunset and moon rise before heading back down the mountain for dinner at The Vault.
Pao + Joaq
This one was a bit emotional for us, for two reasons – they brought their orange tabby with them (!!!!!) and this is possibly our last Fall Sedona elopement. We have been slowly pulling out of the Sedona area, where we really started Adventure and Vow this past year as we focus more on the PNW region + Moab. For 2024 we will only be in the Southwest for the spring season rather than Spring + Fall. Pao + Joaq decided to elope in Sedona as it is a place they have traveled before and loved it. We started with a sunrise hike just them two for first look, private vows and a breakfast picnic. Then we met back up for getting ready photos, details and moments with Finely. They held their ceremony with their closest loved ones with an incredible view of Cathedral. The evening ended at Amara with a meal and touching toasts from the family. It was beautiful, fun day – perfect ending to the Sedona season.
Caitlyn + Alex
Then it was back to California, this time stopping in Joshua Tree for our last two elopements of the year. Caitlyn + Alex booked an incredible Airbnb on a ton of land where most of their elopement would take place with their closest ones surrounding them. We headed into the park for their ceremony, to spread Caitlyn’s dad’s ashes and to watch sunset. At sunset a cloud took over the mountain giving us quite the foggy, beautiful experience. We headed back to the house, still getting a starry night sky view, for dinner by our favorite private chef (Chef V) and ending the nights with games.
Sherri + Ted
We ended our year with Sherri + Ted! Their elopement also started at a stunning Airbnb, Joshua Tree is really known for those. They got ready together, wrote vows and watched sunrise while sipping on a mimosa. Then we headed into the park to see all the sights! We started with Arch Rock, then heart rock, to cholla garden, split rock for a picnic, cap rock for the ceremony and then keys view for sunset! We came back to the house for another incredible meal by Chef V which was Mexico inspired. It was such a fun day celebrating 16 years of love for these two by getting married!
Elopement Videos
This year 10 of our couples opted to add on video to their elopement package. We wanted to share a couple of them here, but feel free to pop over to our youtube to see more of them!! We love video – it is such a special way to get to re-hear your wedding vows whenever you can and relive the day through action.
What is in store for 2024!!!!
For 2024 we will only be taking on 25 elopements! We are currently 50% booked, so if you want to work with us let’s connect!!! Here is a brief overview of our goals for the upcoming year, where we will be working and more!
– We will only taking elopements in Northern Arizona, Southern Utah, Joshua Tree, Bishop/Alabama Hills, Yosemite, Oregon Coast, Bend/Smith Rock, all of Washington, Alaska and abroad.
– We will be spending our fall season in Washington enjoying the Larch trees turn gold and abroad.
– Our goal is to focus more heavily on climbing, backpacking and big adventure elopements. Who is in??!
– This year we decided to open our availability to focus more on couples who also want to do the big adventure, but also celebrate with their loved ones in a LNT friendly way, aka at a venue. We are excited to potentially work in some of these places we named top 40 venues for adventure wedding couples.
– As always we will be looking to push our creativity and abilities as photographers through telling your love story in incredible ways.
See our current remaining availability and let's adventure together!
Travel Schedule:
We only take on a limited amount of elopements + adventure sessions per year so we can BEST serve our couples. Our travel schedule is subject to change until we are fully booked for the year.
Currently, we only have 8 more spots left for 2024 elopements.
We are taking elopement bookings for 2025 in Moab + Washington.
- September - 1st + 9th Alaska, 13-28 Washington
- October - 9th Yosemite, 21-28 Olympic National Park
- November - 7-10 Olympic NP, 12-19 Moab, UT
- December - New Zealand + Patagonia/South America
Some of our personal favorite memories this year...
This year was so good to us. Some highlights for us personally that were:
– Finishing the wonderland
– Hosting friends and family at our home
– Going to New Zealand
– Roadtripping to Alaska + Canadian National Parks
– Finally reaching a spot in Rainier we had been trying to hike to for years
– Indy’s 10 year anniversary with us on my birthday
– Desert in the spring climbing with our friends, pack rafting the colorado river, off roading to epic places, adult spring break in North Wash.
– Seeing some of our couples from last year!
– Our first helicopter and glacier experience,
– Our usually stop in Cannon beach, but added 2 weeks enjoying Bend, OR.
It was a great year. Bill and I both are constantly trying to grow, become better and this year we did that, but also learned a lot! We are looking forward to what the new year will hold!
Here are some of our favorite personal images from this year…..