Posts from the ‘Elopements’ Category

San Francisco, California

Angela and Josh (who also respond to the nicknames “Freckles” and “Handsome”) first contacted us a long time ago about the wedding they were planning. Then they contacted us again when they changed their plans. And then again when Angela told us that they were changing plans again. And then, we met at Panera where they told us they had decided to just run away together after all the other plans never seemed to be the right fit for them.

Since Nate and I did the same thing, we were (and are) huge advocates of the idea and sat excitedly while Angela and Josh told us their idea to have a small ceremony locally for their families and then run away to San Francisco to say their own handwritten vows and exchange rings on the top of one of the mountains overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge.

We spent two days shooting them in and around San Francisco. The first day we followed them around town as they hit the streets to see the sights. We stopped by the Ferry Building for oysters and steamed caramel milk, then walked around the docks and down the row of Piers. We hit up Golden Gate Park and walked to the Pacific Ocean. The next day we met up with them and drove across the Golden Gate to the mountains on the Sausalito side where we found a gorgeous and private point at the top of a mountain that perfectly overlooked the city. The next day they headed out to the wine country to continue their honeymoon sipping on the nectar of the gods. Here is the story of their elopement, or as we call it… their weddingmoon….

Can’t blame the man for wanting to take his own photos of this lovely lady…

Hello there friend

In the Ferry Building at the Cowgirl Creamery where you should try the steamed caramel milk. Trust me.

Hi. I’m California, where you can sit in wild grass without worrying about fire ants.

The Pacific Ocean is beyond magnificent. There are no words really.

Just call me the Deer Whisperer ;)

Wild Cala Lilies we found growing on the mountain.

Time for vows…

…kisses and happy tears

A shot from my Contax 645 medium format film camera

California has the prettiest golden light. No wonder so many photographers live there. ;)

Stay classy San Francisco!

and a little iPhone video from the 2 days…

San Francisco Weddingmoon by Studio222 Photography from Studio222Photography on Vimeo.

Wekiva Springs State Park | Apopka, Florida

Dana and James are a beautiful couple. In every sense of the word. When they told me that they had decided to forgo a traditional wedding for an elopement at one of Nate’s and my favorite places in Central Florida I was beyond excited. Elopements hold a very special place in my heart. They are the epitome of romance and “all-we-need-is-love” magic. Which explains why that is exactly what Nate and I plan on doing as well. Dana and James had what we like to call a “planned elopement” which means that they had planned it in advance, told and invited their closest family and friends, and hosted a little party afterward. (Exactly what Nate and I are planning on doing. Seriously people, this is the way to go!) One of the best things about a wedding like this is how much time we have for portraits. Dana and James gave us THREE HOURS and let me tell you, we were on cloud nine. Add to that the fact that Dana and James wanted to jump into the springs toward the end and you’ve pretty much made us the two happiest photographers on the planet. I hope you enjoy these frames from their day narrated by Rascal Flatts (I have a feeling they like this song) and here’s wishing all the happiness in the world to Dana and James…

I think about the years I spent just passing through

I’d like to have the time I lost and give it back to you

But you just smile and take my hand

You’ve been there you understand

It’s all part of a grander plan that is coming true

Every long lost dream led me to where you are

Others who broke my heart, they were like northern stars

Pointing me on my way into your loving arms

This much I know is true

That God blessed the broken road

That led me straight to you

But now I’m just rolling home

Into my lover’s arms

This much I know is true

That God blessed the broken road

and led me straight to you.

“Bless the Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts

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Wekiva Springs | Florida

Nate and I used to have adventure days on Mondays. We would pack up a camera, some extra clothes, and some snacks and head out to one of the many state parks in Central Florida for the day to explore and play and take pictures of butterflies, dragonflies, exotic wildflowers, and on lucky days… gators and wild boar. Those days were especially special to us since we just got to run away together for the morning and spend quality time together. When Dana contacted us to ask if we’d be interested in shooting her elopement in Wekiva Springs we were all, “Does Stevie Wonder wear sunglasses?” Oh yeah!

We have been so excited for Dana and Jame’s elopement for months now! We had been dying (read: DYING) to get to shoot an elopement so when Dana emailed me to ask if it would be possible to tack a trash the dress session after the ceremony I was hearing heavenly choruses. (Hallelujah!) This was like a dream come true. I don’t know why more people don’t do this. Looking through the images put huge, goofy grins on our faces because the entire morning was just so much fun. It was ridiculously hard to choose just a few images to share as a sneak peak. I hope Dana and James (and their family- hi MOM!) enjoy these 10 teaser images…

Locationgasm

You do? Me too!

Looovvveee this…

Oh Hello, Favorite

Ring shots (Behind the scenes)

And bam- guest star!

Bring on the rain…