Frequently Asked Elopement Questions

Chances are you have ditched the dream/stress of having a big wedding and have decided to tie the knot with an intimate ceremony on Vancouver Island!  As an elopement photographer on Vancouver Island, there are many amazing locations and options to take advantage of to elope!  From mossy mountain sides, rocky beaches and endless skies to local vendors, we can work together to create a magical and adventurouse day for you and your partner to remember forever!  I have created a list of the top frequently asked questions I get from couples planning their elopements on Vancouver Island!

“What does it mean to elope?!”

• Do not look this up in the dictionary!  I did this and the origin of eloping is rooted in torrid love affairs and secrets from your parents and friends… which, actually, maybe this is your reason!  Eloping/to elope means ditching the stress of planning a big wedding and opting for something much smaller and intimate for the two of you (and possibly a few guests)!

“We had to cancel our big wedding but have no clue where to start with planning our elopement!” 

• My first suggestion is to decide on a budget. Once you have settled on a budget, I recommend you choose your photographer and/or location!  If you don’t have a location chosen, I guarantee your photographer can help with that.  Once those items are taken care of, the rest will fall into place. I help with the planning (celebrant/officiant, location scouting, vendors, etc) to ensure your day is filled with ease and lots of love and laughter!

“How do we choose a location?!”

• This is one of my favourite parts because I am always scouting for new elopement locations and let me tell you, there are some beautiful spots on Vancouver Island!  Together we will choose which part of the island is special to you, or calls to you, and we can go from there.  I have a list compiled of some of my favorite locations that I am always happy to share and I always have new places I am dying to shoot at!

“What if we only want a couple hours of coverage”

• This is totally fine! This is your day and you get to call the shots!  I generally recommend 3-4 hours for your elopement because we get to capture a bit of you both getting ready, hiking or driving to our ceremony destination, portraits and then a little celebratory cake, charcuterie board or champagne toast to the two of you! Then you get to spend the rest of your evening sitting around a fire, staring at a beautiful storm rolling in or eating a heavenly meal (don’t worry, I won’t third wheel for that)!

“Do we need a planner?”

• A planner is always sooooo nice to have as they have specific training in this! However, if it is not in the budget then lucky for you I offer elopement packages where you don’t have to do a thing… except buy a dress or suit, and say “I do!”.  I will help you source a celebrant/officiant, bouquet and even cake!  We will work together to make your elopement special and unique!  I even bring along music so you can put on your favorite playlist!

“If we want to hike into our spot, do we change there or before?!

• This is totally your choice!! It is sometimes nice to get to the location and get dressed, so then you’re not all sweaty in your outfits!  Then you can hike back in them and we can capture that part!  I always love images of the journey to/ from the elopement destination!  Just keep in mind…. there may be other hikers present but we can find a tree to hide you behind while you change 😉

“What if we forget to write our vows?!”

• Don’t even sweat it!!!  I anticipate this and we work it into the day (I always have a notebook and pens with me)! We can take 20 minutes before your ceremony and capture you both writing out your vows… personally I love doing it this way anyways!  That is the beautiful thing about eloping, because the day is truly about you two and does not need to be rooted in tradition with a rigid timeline… unless that is what you want!

“This is our first time getting our photos taken… what if we are super awkward?”

• I totally get it! Chances are this is your first time eloping as well… I’ve got you!  To be honest, I love when people hate being in front of the camera because it gives me a lot to work with, surprisingly enough! We get to know each other quickly by telling funny stories, jokes and pumping your favourite playlist! It will feel like you’re hanging out with an old friend and not a stranger with a camera!

“Why should we chose you?!”

• Well, if you have read this far, then let’s do this!!  All jokes aside though, let’s schedule a facetime/skype meeting and answer any more questions you may have and discuss next steps!  We can get to know one another better and make sure it is a great fit!  I love what I do and making your day extra special is so important to me!

 

 

Special thanks to Willow and Orchid for the stunning last minute bouquet!