An intimate wedding or an Elopement is popular because it can be anything that a couple aspire it to be, whether that is a UK based micro wedding or an elopement in Europe. A traditional wedding is not for everyone, and a couple may simply wish to marry in a non-traditional way.
A good few years ago now, elopements were often done in secret for a whole array of reasons. Nowadays they are very popular and are known to be intimate, small and meaningful weddings with no strict timelines, or putting on a ‘performance’ and they are usually less stressful!
An elopement is very different to a wedding with a big guest list and adherence to a script as such. Essentially, the rule book gets thrown away and the day becomes just about you two – does that sound better?..I think so too!
An elopement is typically a lot more relaxed than a large , traditional wedding and for me, this is where I am best suited and to those planning small gatherings. For me, I prefer a more relaxed timeline, with a creative, collaborative approach with a couple, and this naturally enables more creative photography. I am a very affable person, and with that, I find people connect with me easily which I feel is important when photographing an elopement because sometimes the photographer is the only guest, so building rapport with my couples is very important to me.
Eloping doesn’t have to be seen as anything less than a traditional big wedding, it’s definitely a time to celebrate however you wish. Elopements are often much more romantic and distinctive and more times than not, are a lot less to fund.
There is a common misconception with eloping couples that you have to elope alone – 100% incorrect. You can elope and mould the day as you wish. For example; If you’d like your very small circle of best friends there on the day, then go ahead and invite them!
Eloping couples sometimes value their elopement photography as one of the most important vendors for their special day, and this is mainly due to the fact that ‘sometimes’ they will have their friends and family absent which of course means no snaps on family phones, which predominantly means that I, as your elopement photographer, will take the only forever lasting memories.
Which leads me onto my final piece of information. The majority of couples hire a photographer for their wedding for around 8-12 hours. I will try to inspire my couples to think of their elopement just like a wedding and to incorporate coverage for the whole of their consequential day. Your day is equally deserving of full attention to intricacy just like a big wedding affair.
Having said that, some couples may wish to opt for a lighter coverage because that is what they want, and that is of course okay to do too! Your elopement should be everything you both want it to be.
My own elopement, which was featured in Cosmopolitan, has allowed me to pass on my experience and expertise to my clients. An elopement can be anything that a couple wishes it to be, I’m here to help you achieve your vision.
If you have both decided that I am to photograph your elopement, I will then send you my proposal for the services alongside some documents. Once this has been completed, it would be nice to get to know you both before your elopement. Knowing how your love story evolved plays a part in documenting your special day.
I include pre-elopement meetings for all of my couples. This can be done online via zoom, or over coffee (pending travel distances) I feel this provides the time to finalise any details, talk and get to know me, too. Destination elopements may require more frequent communication between us.
On your elopement day, you will both feel a mixture of emotions but an emotion you quite possibly will never ever feel again. Try to embrace it, because this will be one of the best and memorable days of your lives.
It is paramount to me that I ‘fit in’ with your day, but yet, still capture the content that you yearn to admire for years to come, but in such a way which is not distracting or intrusive. I cannot say this enough, but my aim is to shoot with heart and intention. To capture the authenticity and raw connection between you both which then transpires into photographs that you can relive the moment over and over again. This is what I love most about photography. The power that photographs has on our memory bank.
Pending on what package you desire, I will be with you for quite some time on your day (or as little as you like), I will be there as your photographer and your supporter.
You will be rapturous at this point and enjoying the newlywed elation and maybe even on your honeymoon. I will be busy working to schedule. Pending my editing queue, I will be busy editing your gallery. Your full gallery will be provided within 6 weeks.
Although this timeline can differ during busier periods, the timeline will never surpass 8 weeks.