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Are Engagement Photos Worth it? | Idaho Wildflower Portraits

Educational, Engagement Photography

Are Engagement Photos Worth It? Answering your questions about engagement photos, featuring some beautiful Idaho Wildflower Portraits.

Having your photo taken can be scary, I know, but it doesn’t need to be! Actually, planning an engagement session can be an incredible way to start getting comfortable in front of the camera before your wedding day. It’s also a unique chance to document & celebrate your relationship and the way it changes & grows as time goes on. Don’t just take my word for it though – Brinlee & Alex are the perfect example!

Brinlee & Alex first met me for their engagement portraits and have since booked bridal portraits and their beautiful anniversary session amongst the wildflowers with me. It’s been such an immense pleasure to witness them grow together through photography. From the nerves & eager anticipation of their engagement portraits to seeing how comfortable and in love they are a year later for their anniversary.  

So, I wanted to take this chance to talk to you about engagement portraits! Are they really worth it?

ARE ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS WORTH IT? | IDAHO WILDFLOWER PORTRAITS

Are Engagement Photos Worth It?

If you’re on my site wondering, ‘Are Engagement Photos Worth It?’, I’m sure you already know that as a photographer, I’m a little biased and I’m definitely going to say yes! Engagement photos are absolutely worth doing.

There are so many reasons why it’s worth investing in engagement photos, even if that means stepping a little outside of your comfort zone. Actually, especially if it means stepping outside of your comfort zone!

Here are a few reasons why Engagement Photos Are Worth It:

  • Get comfortable being photographed before the wedding
  • Time to celebrate just the two of you
  • Portraits without the time pressure
  • A unique chance to document your relationship

Get Comfortable Being Photographed Before the Wedding

If the idea of having a photographer follow you around for the day makes you nervous, I’d definitely recommend booking an engagement session. This should help calm your nerves and show you that having your photo taken can actually be a whole lot of fun!

Time to Celebrate Just the Two of You

Whether you’re planning an intimate elopement or a big traditional wedding, you might find that it can be easy to get distracted by wedding planning. An engagement session is a perfect reminder of why you’re planning your wedding in the first place – to celebrate and commit to your love, officially! During your engagement session, the only thing you need to worry about is being present with your love. Focus on laughing, cuddling, kissing, and just enjoying the moment together.

I’ll be there to guide you whenever you need it, with fun prompts that make you laugh or smile. Your engagement photos will also give you a moment to remember some of your favorite memories together, as well as all the things you’re looking forward to doing together.

Portraits Without the Time Pressure

On your wedding day, it’s likely you’ll have other plans or someplace to be after your portrait session. You’ll have it in the back of your mind that there’s a reception or a dinner to get to and no doubt loved ones you want to spend time with. One of the things that make Engagement Photos Worth It is that you don’t have that time pressure! Instead, you can both just relax and really be present in the moment.

A Unique Chance to Document Your Relationship

We all change and grow as time goes on – that’s just the way of life! You’ll change as individuals and together as a couple, and engagement photos are a unique chance to document where it all began. This is a momentous time in your life that you’ll no doubt love to look back on as time goes by! And if you choose to book anniversary sessions later on, like Brinlee & Alex, it’s also a fun chance to remember everything that’s happened in the time between the two sessions.

The only question left is… where is the perfect place for your Engagement Photos?

Idaho Wildflower Portraits

Perhaps another day I’ll put together a post sharing some of my favorite Engagement Photo Locations, but for now, let’s talk about Idaho Wildflower Portraits. Idaho is truly one of the most underrated states in the PNW and it is well worth visiting for your engagement session! For Brinlee & Alex’s session, we headed to an open field filled with wildflowers and it made for the perfect backdrop as these two laughed and cuddled and danced together under the sun.

If you’d like to book your own Idaho Wildflower Portraits, I’d love to help you – just reach out to find out more and book it in!

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What do you think after reading this blog? Are Engagement Photos Worth It? Let me know if you have more questions ideas in the comments section below. I’d love to hear from you!

Best Places to Elope in the PNW | Eloping in the PNW

Miscallaneous

The Best Places to Elope in the PNW, listed by State, for adventurous lovers who dream of Eloping in the PNW, surrounded by the best the natural world has to offer.

There’s nothing quite like the Pacific Northwest, from its towering forests to its rugged coastlines, wild mountains to breathtaking glaciers. If you’re a fan of adventure and of the amazing natural spaces the US has to offer, you’ve no doubt visited the PNW (or dreamt of visiting!). The same things that make the PNW such an amazing place for an adventurous holiday are what make it one of the best areas to elope in the US. To help you plan something truly incredible, I’ve put together a list of some of the Best Places to Elope in the PNW, grouped by state.

BEST PLACES TO ELOPE IN THE PNW | ELOPING IN THE PNW

Eloping in the PNW: Idaho

Bride and groom eloping in the mountains. They facing each other smiling. She is holding her flower bouquet. They are standing on a dirt trail surrounded by pine trees and rocks.

Eloping in Idaho

Idaho might not be the first place that comes to mind when you picture yourself Eloping in the PNW, but it’s definitely worth considering! This beautiful state is home to wild mountain ranges, relaxing natural hot springs, alpine lakes, and so much more. You’re much more likely to have your chosen elopement location to yourself, as Idaho’s national forests and parks tend to be a lot less crowded than other areas of the Pacific Northwest.

If it’s a ‘true’ elopement you’re after, Idaho is one of only a handful of states that allows legal weddings to occur without a witness. Plus, in most counties, you can pick up your Idaho marriage license on the same day, as long as the County Recorder’s office is open. Just bring along your social security number, proof of ID and about $30 in cash.

Best Places to Elope in Idaho

  • Sawtooth National Forest
  • McCall Idaho
  • Stanley Idaho
  • Island Park
  • Sandpoint
  • Boise National Forest

Best Places to Elope in Oregon

Eloping in Oregon

Oregon is one of the PNW’s most famous states and well, there’s good reason for that. From its wild coastline to towering forests, Oregon’s epic landscapes make an incredible backdrop for any elopement. While Oregon is famous for places like Cannon Beach and Mount Hood National Forest, it’s also home to other landscapes that might surprise you. The Alvord Desert is more reminiscent of drier Southern states, while the Painted Hills feel like something from another planet.

To elope at any of these amazing locations in Oregon, you’ll need to apply for your Oregon marriage license which you can do online. Be sure to pick it up 3 days before your ceremony though, as it will only be made valid after 72 hours. Alternatively, you can pay a $15 cash fee at some County Recorder’s office to waive the waiting period.

Best Places to Elope in Oregon

  • Smith Rock State Park
  • God’s Thumb
  • Oregon Coast
  • Crater Lake National Park
  • Mount Hood National Forest
  • Columbia River Gorge
  • Alvord Desert
  • The Painted Hills

Elopement Locations in Washington

A couple takes part in an intimate elopement in the Redwoods. They are hand in hand saying their vows to one another.

Eloping in Washington

Where to even begin for Elopement Locations in Washington… Washington, also known as the Evergreen States, is perhaps the state where you are most spoilt for choice. If you’re dreaming of an adventurous PNW elopement, you can choose between glaciers, mountains, volcanoes and more. Washington is particularly famous for its beautiful, moody landscapes, which I think are especially beautiful along the coast at elopement locations like La Push Beach and the San Juan Islands.   

If you’re eloping in the PNW, and you’ve chosen Washington as your destination, you’ll need to get your Washington State marriage license at least 3 days before your wedding – and there is no option to pay to have that time waived. Your marriage license will cost $70 and is valid for 60-days after it’s issued.

Best Places to Elope in Washington

  • Olympic National Park
  • Mount Rainier
  • North Cascades National Park, including Diablo Lake
  • Rattlesnake Ridge
  • La Push Beach
  • San Juan Islands

Adventure Wedding Destinations in Montana

Eloping in Montana

If you love the highest of mountains and crystal-clear lakes, then you’ll probably believe that the Best Places to Elope in the PNW are in Montana. Glacier National Park is no doubt one of Montana’s most popular elopement destinations, and for good reason. A day spent exploring the trails and the lakes along Going-to-the-Sun Road is always truly beautiful. That said, it’s worth checking out a few of the other elopement locations on this list – especially if you’re the kind of people who prefer to avoid a crowd.

To get married in Montana, you’ll need a marriage license from the county Clerk of the District Court. At the time of publishing, the license costs $53 in cash, but it’s available to use as soon as you get it! The only thing to keep in mind is that you’ll need two witnesses and an authorized wedding officiant to make it official.

Best Places to Elope in Montana

  • Glacier National Park
  • Kootenai National Forest
  • Flathead National Forest
  • Jewel Basin

Best Places to Elope in the PNW: Wyoming

A couple eloping in Jackson Hole Wyoming. The Grand Teton's are their backdrop.

Eloping in Wyoming

Unfortunately, one of Wyoming’s most popular adventure elopement destinations, the Grand Tetons National Park, has recently made it fairly difficult to get married there. (learn more about the park’s wedding and commitment ceremonies page here). That doesn’t mean you should discount this amazing state though! It’s still home to some seriously beautiful PNW Elopement Locations, especially Yellowstone and Jackson Hole. Wyoming’s mountain ranges are truly breathtaking, and are home to an abundance of wildlife and wildflowers which make it that much more special.

If you decide your Best Locations to Elope in the PNW are in Wyoming, then you’ll need to appear in person at a County Administration Building to get your Wyoming Marriage License. Bring photo ID, a completed Marriage License Questionnaire and $30 in cash.

Best Places to Elope in Wyoming

  • Jackson Hole
  • Schwabacher Landing
  • The Wedding Tree
  • Glacier View Turnout
  • Signal Mountain Summit
  • Yellowstone National Park
  • St. Alban’s Chapel, Medicine Bow National Forest
  • Lake Marie, Medicine Bow National Forest

Are you planning on eloping to the PNW and looking for more information about the Best Places to Elope in the PNW? I’d love to help you plan something incredible and unique to you, and photograph your day so you can look back on it for life. Just get in touch to find out more!

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Did I miss one of your favorite PNW Elopement Locations? Let me know in the comments below!

Adventurous Idaho Elopement • Island Park Wedding Photography

Miscallaneous

This Adventurous Idaho Elopement made for some seriously beautiful Island Park Wedding Photography, from razor rides to their ceremony in the cutest Town Hall. 

When Tayler & Nic decided to elope, they already knew the perfect spot – Tayler’s family cabin, which has been in her family for generations. This beautiful couple are both big fans of adventure and of the incredible nature Island Park has to offer, from razor rides to fly-fishing. And while the timeline didn’t go quite as planned, they were still able to include so many of their favorite things and favorite locations into their day, which was truly beautiful to be a part of. 

ADVENTUROUS IDAHO ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHY | INTIMATE ISLAND PARK WEDDING

Eloping: Your wedding, your way

One of the best things about eloping is that you’re able to break away from traditional ideas of what a wedding ‘should’ be. Instead of following a strict timeline and rushing from one spot to another, you’re able to relax and go with the flow of the day. For Tayler & Nic, this meant having time to get ready together, instead of apart, and to

visit their most loved spots near her family cabin. They were even able to take their side-by-sides out (also known as Razor ATVs) after our hike to their favorite fly-fishing spot. 

Adventurous Idaho Elopement 

Idaho is truly one of America’s most underrated states (in my opinion!), especially for lovers of adventure and adventure elopements. While I understand it’s probably easier to focus on well-known national parks, I’d really recommend taking some time to consider eloping to lesser-known wilderness areas like Island Park, Idaho. 

For Tayler & Nic’s Adventurous Idaho Elopement, there was never any worry of bumping into people or finding crowds. Instead, we were able to soak in the moment and the calm intimacy of nature. At one point, we found ourselves in this beautiful meadow lined with dense pine trees when a thick fog suddenly rolled in. Being able to witness nature and the elements like this felt very quiet and peaceful, but at the same time, made us feel more open and alive. At this point, I told Tayler & Nic to just play and enjoy having this wide-open space all to themselves; to not even worry about me or the camera or anything else, but to focus on being together. They danced & celebrated freely, even popping a bottle of their favorite champagne – something I’m sure would have felt so different if we were in a more popular wilderness area. 

Intimate Island Park Wedding

Of course, it was still Tayler & Nic’s wedding day, and so between getting ready together and their epic Island Park portraits, we headed to the Town Hall so they could get married! Another bonus of choosing to get married somewhere like Island Park, Idaho, is that you’ll have the chance to enjoy country hospitality and charm. The Town Hall is really the perfect location for an adventurous but Intimate Island Park Wedding. It’s a cute little wood cabin and if you’re lucky, you might even get married by the mayor, like Tayler & Nic. 

Eloping was 100% the best decision we ever made. We wanted something intimate that really focused on us as a couple. All we had to worry about was each other and we wouldn’t change it for anything! It also allowed us to get married in such a beautiful location that is very close to both of our hearts. It was our perfect day ad we’re so grateful for the pictures, memories, and experience!

Tayler & Nic

Hair & Makeup: Emily Brodock

Florals: Morgan Cullimore / Olive Sage Floral

Are you planning your very own Intimate Island Park Wedding? I’d love to help you make the most of your time in Idaho, and to photograph your elopement so you can look back on it for life. Just reach out to start planning!  

LET’S START PLANNING

Did you love Tayler & Nic’s Adventurous Idaho Elopement Photography? Let them know in the comments below! 

How to Elope with Family

Educational, Elopement Planning Guides

Knowing How to Elope with Family, or How to Include Family in Your Elopement can be tough, but I’m here to make it a little easier with this guide to Eloping with Family.

Perhaps you never pictured yourself having a big wedding. Maybe, you started looking into what it takes to plan a wedding and thought, why not plan the elopement adventure of your life with an epic vacation afterward instead! Or you just want something small and intimate, unique, and special to the two of you. One thing’s for sure though – you are so darn excited to be planning your elopement! The only problem? You’d like to share at least part of your day with your family, you’re just not sure how.

Father of the bride is walking her down the isle in Lake Tahoe. The bride and groom's close family is surrounding them. The groom is smiling as he sees his bride for the first time.
Bride and groom are cheek to cheek smiling in Lake Tahoe. The brides veil is dancing in the wind. There is a beautiful lake with lined with pine trees behind them.
Bride and groom are shotgunning a beer in celebration of their wedding. They are in Lake Tahoe.
Bride and groom are side by side kissing. Bride is holding her flower bouquet. They are over looking gorgeous scenery in Lake Tahoe.

HOW TO ELOPE WITH FAMILY

Can You Elope with Family?

First thing first – does it still count as an elopement if you elope with family by your side? The answer – of course it does! An elopement is really just a small and intimate wedding, usually with less than 10 guests (but that number could easily stretch to 20). In my mind, the most important thing about eloping is that you plan a day tailored to the two of you. Ask yourself:

  • What do you both love to do in your spare time? 
  • If you were picturing the best day ever, what would that look like?
  • Who would you spend time with and how? 

Elope with Immediate Family

If your family is included in that, you should definitely invite them to join for the day! There is no right or wrong way to do this. It could be as simple as asking them to attend just your ceremony, or you could ask them to share a meal with you afterward. Or hey, why not both? Whatever sounds best to you! 

Suggested Timelines for Eloping with Family

The most important thing for your elopement is that the two of you plan a day centered around, well, the two of you! You shouldn’t be worried or stressed about pleasing others or living up to ideas of what a wedding ‘should’ look like. You’re choosing to elope, after all! 

A good way to ensure this from the beginning is to make sure you’re upfront with invited guests about what you want and your plans for the day.  

I know it can be hard to picture what the day might look like though without the usual ideas of a ‘traditional’ wedding to guide you. To help, I’ve put together a few sample timelines of what a wedding with family might look like. 

Suggested Timeline including a Family Dinner

A great way to include family while keeping your elopement intimate and true to your wishes is to organize a family dinner on the day. This way, you can share your vows privately, explore and enjoy time together. Then, at the end of the day, you can come together with your family to tell them all about it and celebrate your wedding! 

A nice way to do this is to break up the day into two parts. 

6.00: Preparations & getting ready 

7.00: Meet at the first location for sunrise portraits and to share your vows

8.30: Explore your next location. You could bring a picnic breakfast or include a stop for coffee somewhere along the way! 

11.30: Break for lunch and a rest

5.00: Meet your family and start with some time for them to admire you in your wedding clothes, congratulations & family portraits

5.30: Informal cocktail hour

6.30: Share dinner at a private location. You could even consider having a chef cater a dinner at an Airbnb or something similar. 

Optional inclusions: speeches, cake cutting, first dance, any other traditions you’d like (or not)

A Two-Day Elopement

You still want to have that elopement experience of celebrating your love without worrying about needing to be somewhere at a certain time or organizing your day around other people. But you want your family to be present, as well! A two-day elopement could be for you.

Day 1: Private Vows and Exploring

2.00: Get ready separately

3.00: Drive separately to the first location (one of you can come with me!), where you share your first look. It could be at an easy-to-reach mountain lookout, the start of a trailhead, by a lake, or on the coast. Whatever you like! 

3.15: Share your private vows with each other

3.30: Explore the location, go on a hike, drive to alternative locations. Just take in the view and enjoy celebrating your wedding! 

5.00: Have a private picnic or meal set up somewhere, share a toast, or pop a bottle of bubbles

6.00: Sunset portraits 

Day 2: Family Ceremony, Photos, and Meal 

9:00: Get ready separately with your families

10.30: Ceremony

11.00: Family portraits

11.30: Short wedding portrait session for the two of you 

12.30: Shared lunch with you and your loved ones, including whichever elements you’d like to include – speeches, cake cutting, first dance, any other traditions you’d like (or not) 

If you’d like some help planning your own elopement timeline that includes family, I’d love to assist you as part of my elopement photography packages. Get in touch to find out more!

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Including Friends & Extended Family in your Intimate Wedding

Just because you won’t be inviting everyone and anyone to your elopement doesn’t mean they can’t be involved. It also doesn’t mean you don’t value and appreciate their love and support! Here are a few ideas for how to include family & friends in your elopement day, without inviting them:

  • Ask someone who is invited to your elopement to livestream the ceremony
  • Ask friends & family to record short videos with well-wishes for the two of you to watch on the day
  • Ask loved ones to write a letter or a note for you to read on the day

Did you find this blog post on How to Elope with Family helpful? I’d love to help you make your elopement memorable and unique to the two of you, and to document it for you to look back on for life. Just get in touch to find out more!

LET’S START PLANNING!

Do you have a question about Eloping with Family or do you just love the photos I’ve shared? Let me know in the comments below! Your comments always make my day.

7 Things to Know Before Planning an Elopement

Educational, Elopement Planning Guides

So you’ve ditched the traditional wedding for its more intimate cousin – the elopement. Congrats! And welcome to the cool kids club, friend. But before you start planning your big day, there are just a few things you should know.

Let’s talk all things elopement: florals, legalities, ceremony, and more. Here are seven facts about elopement that you should consider before eloping.

What is an Elopement?

An elopement is very similar to a traditional wedding – except more intimate. 

Just because you’re going for an elopement doesn’t mean you need to forego the more traditional elements of a wedding. Yes, you can still invite guests. Yes, you can make the cake-cutting a part of the celebration. And yes, you can still splurge on that dress, baby!

The main difference between a traditional wedding and an elopement comes down to a few things. 

First, the massive guest lists and seating charts are replaced with a smaller, intimate guest list. Or you could keep it a three-person party with just you, your partner, and the officiant. 

Second, you’ll likely spend less on an elopement because of its scaled-back nature. That’s not a guarantee, though – especially if you decide to splurge on an exotic destination or gorgeous dress.

Finally, you should still plan out your vendors and support team. I’m talking florals, venue, and photographer. You still might need a few helping hands to bring your vision of your big day to life.

An elopement lets you share your special day with an intimate group of family and friends

7 Facts About Elopement You Need to Know

Planning your elopement can be much more simple than a traditional wedding. If you’d rather invite just a handful of family members and close friends, an elopement ceremony will do just the trick. You can easily avoid the stress and chaos of a big wedding day by opting for a more intimate wedding instead.

But don’t let that fool you into thinking that you shouldn’t do any planning – you definitely should. Here are seven things you should consider:

Find a Solid Wedding Planner for Eloping 

Just because you’re scaling down the size of your ceremony doesn’t mean you shouldn’t include some of the more typical features of a traditional wedding.

Wondering how an elopement ceremony works and how long it takes to elope? An elopement wedding planner can help you iron out those details and customize your elopement to your preference. Plus, they can help guide you through the steps to elope depending on your destination.

Every state varies in the legal requirements for eloping. You do need a marriage license to elope in every state. However, only some states have waiting periods, and each state has an expiration date on that license. 

This expiration date is one main reason you really should take some time to plan out the details of your elopement. Make sure you know the legalities if you’re planning a destination elopement so that you don’t run into any hiccups on your big day.

Most Elopements Don’t Happen in Vegas

When you picture eloping, do you envision a shotgun wedding inside an Elvis chapel in Vegas? Yeah, you’re not alone. 

While that’s the most common perception of what an elopement is, in all reality, elopements don’t look that much different than a traditional wedding. You can go for a full-on destination ceremony or a simple county courthouse elopement – it’s totally up to you! That’s the beauty of it.

Don’t Skip the Photographer

Your wedding day is one you’ll never want to forget. Whether you’re planning a courthouse wedding or a ceremony on a mountain with a breathtaking view, hire a photographer to capture those incredible memories.

But not just any photographer will do. Once you narrow down your location and date, look for a photographer that specializes in elopement photography. It can be much trickier to capture those very intimate moments, so choose a professional elopement photographer that knows how to perfectly capture those often-missed moments.

Accept That An Elopement Isn’t Everyone’s Cup of Tea

Although elopements are increasing in popularity (partly thanks to COVID-19), you should be prepared for the possibility that family and friends won’t share the same enthusiasm.

And that’s ok. The important thing is to create a ceremony full of moments that bring you joy. Whether you head to Big Sur or Coeur D’Alene, you can make your day perfect for what you want!

Do Your Research

Elopements may be smaller in size, but you’ll still want to do your research before you finalize all of the details. I put together a planning guide on how to elope in Idaho, but many of the details are the same regardless of which state you’re eloping in. 

The good news is that you’re not the only one that’s eloping. Plenty of others have done it, so you can find elopement planning guides on just about every topic, including setting the mood (like boho or minimalist wedding style) and even how to pick the right vendors.

You Still Need a Budget

Sure, you might be saving some money by planning an intimate elopement for your special day – but you still need a budget. 

Even though your florals, venue, and reception are scaled back, they can still be expensive depending on which vendors you hire. Plotting out a budget (no matter how small) can help prevent any added stress from overspending. 

Capture Your Elopement Memories Forever with a Photographer Who Specializes in Elopement and Destination Photography

See, that wasn’t so hard, right? Now all that’s left is to book the perfect photographer that knows how to capture those beautiful, intimate moments.

Hit the button below, and I’ll work my camera magic throughout your big day so you can take beautiful memories home with you and continue to relive those moments long after your wedding day!

LET’S GET STARTED

How to Make a DIY Veil & Inspo

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Now that you’ve narrowed down your wedding gown and photographer, it’s time to focus on that detail that tops it all off – the veil. Sure, you could easily buy a silk tulle veil from a bridal store, but making a DIY veil can save you money and elevate your wedding style with a piece that’s uniquely you. 

Here’s everything you need to know about DIY veils and a little wedding veil inspiration to get you started.

A DIY veil can complete your wedding look

Do I Really Need a Wedding Veil?

The veil you choose (or don’t choose) is as personal as any other wedding detail. Like your wedding dress, it sets the mood and completes your ensemble. Consider it the crowning jewel.

Learning how to make a DIY veil can give you a unique, custom veil that no one has ever worn before. But that doesn’t mean you have to have a veil. Wearing a wedding veil is a personal choice, and there are no hard and fast rules that say you absolutely must wear one. Break with tradition or go bold – the choice is yours!

Different Types of Bridal Veils

There are a wide variety of wedding veil lengths that you can choose from. A veil’s length can range from full-on Princess Di’s cathedral-length up to a simple (but classic) birdcage veil. 

Longer-length veils (like a chapel-length veil) tend to be more formal than their shorter counterparts. If you’re planning an adventure wedding or elopement, you should consider whether a longer veil might make getting to your ceremony destination more of a challenge. But, there are always ways to pack your veil if you are after that long, flowy vibe.

If you’re on the fence, consider a simple, short veil. Shorter veils pair well with modern, minimal dresses – in that delicious cheese and wine kind of way. Or, you can get fresh and funky with a birdcage veil or go for a youthful but flirty shoulder-length piece.

Find the perfect DIY veil to match your wedding style

Image via JoSaBi Mariee’s

Benefits of Making a DIY Wedding Veil

Let’s circle back to that Princess Di veil. Her cathedral-length veil was longer than her 25-foot train. It measured a whopping 153 yards long and cost over £9,000 – which comes out to about $34,750 in today’s dollars.

Long story short – the cost of a wedding can get quite pricey. From the wedding dress to florals, it can be hard to stay within your budget when there’s so much temptation to splurge on beautiful things! DIY’ing your wedding veil is one easy way to help stick to a budget.

The average cost of a bridal veil ranges between $250 and $400. Learning how to make a wedding veil isn’t complicated and should only take a few hours for a simple or mid-length veil. 

Plus, making your own silk tulle wedding veil can make your big day feel just that much more unique and special. Instead of opting for a store-bought veil, a homemade veil gives your wedding day extra character. 

No one else has ever worn that veil that you designed and created. You’ve got something borrowed and something blue – and now something made just by you.

How to Make a DIY Veil

When you’re ready to get started on your DIY veil, here’s what you’ll need and how to get it done.

What You’ll Need

  • Nylon or silk tulle at least 108 inches in width
  • Decorations (i.e. beads, pearls, sequins, lace, etc.)
  • Sewing machine (or needle and thread)
  • Sharp fabric scissors
  • A hair clip, wedding veil comb, or bridal hair comb

5 Steps to Make Your Bridal Veil

  1. Place your comb or clip in your hair
  2. Measure your tulle length. An extra set of hands can help you hold it in place to get a better idea of where the end length will fall once you’re done
  3. Trim to length with scissors. Cut the edge in an oval shape. The outer sides of the veil should be shorter than the bottom center portion of the veil. This will help create a natural drape once you’re done
  4. Add in decorations – or don’t! You might be surprised how it only takes a few lace details or small pearls to really up the wow factor.
  5. Once you’re ready to fix it in place, gather it at the flat top and lay a line of running stitches along the top. Try to keep the pleating as even as possible and gather the end to match the width of your bridal veil comb.
  6. Wrap a piece of tulle over the comb and through the teeth, secure the ends of the veil with a few stitches, and sew the veil to the tulle. And voilá, your DIY veil is ready for your big day!

Wedding Veil Inspiration

Not sure where to start? Here are some of my favorite bridal veil looks:

Capture Your DIY Veil in All Its Beauty

It doesn’t take much time or effort to create a DIY veil that you’ll never forget. Now all that’s left to do is to book a photographer that can perfectly capture you and your veil in all your beauty on your big day.

Ready to get started? Contact me today so I can help you capture all the intimate memories of your big day.

LET’S GET STARTED!

Minimalist Wedding Style & How to Perfect It

Style & Decor

Minimalism has been a growing trend thanks to COVID-19 and social distancing. The wedding industry hasn’t gone unaffected. While we’ve all been cleaning out our closets and parting with that old blouse (that you’ll probably never wear again), 2021 bridal trends have been echoing the KonMari revolution. So if you’re ready to say I do á la minimalist wedding, here’s how to nail the look.

Clean, classic wedding dresses are a staple of a minimalist wedding

Goodbye Big Ceremony, Hello Elopements

COVID ruined a lot of wedding plans. But it wasn’t anything a little creativity couldn’t fix. Instead of large ceremonies, people began to understand the value of eloping. Elopement rates shot through the roof last year, and that trend’s not predicted to change any time soon.

If you’re planning a wedding in 2021, embrace the minimalist approach and opt for a small outdoor wedding or elopement instead. Micro weddings and elopements are more intimate and embody the minimalist bridal trends of 2021.

Elopements come with some serious benefits. You won’t have to stress about the details of planning a large ceremony – like guest lists, the cost of renting a large space, and the sheer amount of work it takes to plan and decorate.

Instead, you can focus on yourself and your partner – without the burden of planning a large ceremony. Plus, you’ll be able to spend more one-on-one time with the few guests that do attend.

Swap the Big Dress for a Minimalist Wedding Gown

If you’re going for that chic, minimalist wedding vibe, ditch the big poufy gown for a simple wedding dress. Instead of lacy puff sleeves or beaded details, keep your wedding gown streamlined and chic for that effortlessly minimal feel. 

If you’re planning a small, courthouse wedding, you can even branch out and go a little more casual than the traditional full-length, long-sleeve gown. Simplistic wedding dresses are a vibe, and we are here for it!

A modern, minimalist wedding dress can free you up to embrace your day with open arms. It can even give you the freedom to plan an adventure wedding or elopement, where you take your big day to the great, wild outdoors. Instead of tripping over a long veil or lengthy train, a minimalist bridal gown can let you hike over hills and through forests to elope in the most magical of destinations.

Stick to Simple Wedding Ceremony Decor

It’s time to say goodbye to the days of flashy decor and large reception halls. Instead, embrace simple wedding decorations. Because when it comes to the minimalistic marriage aesthetic, less is more.

Incorporating minimal flowers at your wedding ceremony doesn’t have to be boring. Minimal color palettes are filled with all sorts of neutrals. Add in some dark green foliage or moody burgundies for extra flair. You can also build yourself a bouquet that will last forever. with dried florals.

Or heck, be a rebel and plan your simple, chic wedding without decorations! Sometimes the scenery is all you need to create a stunning backdrop for unforgettable wedding ceremony memories.

A couple lets the breathtaking Oregon coast scenery steal the show in their beach minimalist wedding

Plan Your Minimalist Elopement Today and Capture the Memories Forever

A minimalist wedding is one of the most affordable wedding themes you can choose. From pared-down florals to a streamlined dress, you’ll free yourself up to focus on your day instead of all the planning details.


Ready to take the next step? Book a photographer that understands how to capture those special moments of your intimate wedding ceremony. Contact me today, and let’s get started on planning your big (little) adventure.

LET’S GET STARTED

An Idaho Elopement Planning Guide

Educational, Wedding Photography

If the idea of a big wedding filled with forced convos makes your anxiety kick in, then an Idaho elopement might be just the thing for you.

But understanding where to get started planning your elopement can feel overwhelming – especially if you’re not familiar with the process. Well, friend, you’re in luck because I put together an easy step-by-step guide on how to elope surrounded by the breathtaking natural scenery in Idaho.

Quick Links:

Why an Idaho Elopement?

You *could* elope anywhere. But not just anywhere will do for one of the most extraordinary days of your life. Eloping to Idaho checks all of the boxes: scenery, budget, and raw, intimate vibes.

It’s More Intimate

Imagine this: you, your partner, an officiant, and the surrounding landscapes of Idaho as far as the eye can see. There’s nothing more intimate than an Idaho elopement.

Unrivaled Natural Beauty

Sweeping plains. Majestic mountains. Serene lakes. Lush national forests. Idaho nature sure knows how to turn up for your wedding day. 

Break out of the event center routine and take advantage of the striking Idaho landscapes.

Budget-Friendly

Feel drawn to the vibes of moody Oregon and California but don’t love the costs associated with those destinations? Idaho delivers on scenery but with a budget-friendly price tag. You’ll feel like you’ve escaped to Narnia – but on a TJ Maxx budget. 

Don’t blow your budget on your destination. Save it for the florals or the dress.

Choose Your Idaho Elopement Destination

There’s an Idaho elopement location for everyone. From mountains to forests, you’re sure to find a spot that fits you perfectly.

You won’t necessarily need to “formally” book a natural location – like you might with other wedding venues in Idaho. But you might need permitting if you go for a state or national park. When you’re planning your elopement, check to see if there are any local permitting or licensing requirements to hold your wedding ceremony.

Here are a few of my favorite outdoor wedding locations in Idaho:

  • Coeur D’Alene Lake
  • White Cloud Mountains
  • Sawtooth National Forest
  • McCall
  • St. Anthony Sand Dunes

Pick a Date & Time

Spring? Summer? Winter? Fall? Idaho is beautiful year-round. Depending on where you live, the seasons of Idaho might vary slightly from your home state. 

The Spring season in Idaho peaks in April and May. For gorgeous florals and vibrant greens, plan a Spring wedding in Idaho. Early to mid-October is the best date range to capture those fiery sunset colors for beautiful fall foliage.

Keep in mind that peak wildfire season ranges from July to October, so there’s a chance that smoke (or even fire) can derail even the best-laid plans.

Idaho wilderness can be just a tad unpredictable, depending on what time of year it is. Always plan a backup location or date to make sure you’re prepared for any scenario.

How to Get a Marriage License for Your Idaho Elopement

Getting an Idaho marriage license is pretty straightforward. 

To apply for a marriage license, you’ll need to go to a county recorder’s office, so, unfortunately, you can’t complete the Idaho marriage license application online.

Idaho doesn’t mandate a waiting period, which is perfect for eloping because you can get married that same day.

The typical cost of a marriage license in Idaho is about $30 – but it can cost up to $20 more on Saturdays. Bring cash because many recorders’ offices don’t accept checks or cards.

According to Idaho elopement laws, you’ll need to provide proof of identity (i.e., social security number, state-issued ID, or birth certificate.) No blood test is required. 

Decide on the Details

Now that you’ve mastered the paperwork portion of your Idaho wedding license, you can focus on the details that will make your wedding. 

Attire

Pick attire to suit your vibes. Earthy, refined, boho. Whatever it is, this is where you get to express yourself. A great outfit sets the stage for unforgettable photos and indelible memories. 

Vows

Elopements aren’t your average wedding ceremony, so not just any old vows will do. 

Write your own. Or don’t. That’s the magical thing about eloping. It’s all totally up to you. Remember what brought you together, what you love most, and what keeps that fire burning bright.

Need some inspiration? You can find a whole trove of examples scattered across the internet. 

Accessories & Florals

When in doubt, add florals and accessories. 

Just keep in mind that if you’re going to be doing any hiking or walking to your destination, you don’t want to be weighed down with a bunch of extra accessories. 

Photographer

As time moves on, memories can fade. But photos can capture your intimate day in a way that the mind can’t.

Hiring an Idaho elopement photographer might be one of the most essential steps in planning your elopement day. 

This is one place where you don’t want to skimp on the budget. A skilled Idaho elopement photographer can work with you to capture your favorite memories of your elopement wedding.

Post-ceremony celebration

The party shouldn’t stop after the ceremony. Plan some post-ceremony festivities, even if you opted out of a big wedding. Make it a party of two. Or three. Or ten.

Make it your own. Whether you want to grab burgers at an iconic local fast-food joint or rent ATVs and explore the mountain adventure, find a way to celebrate your union in a way that’s meaningful to you.

Book Your Travel & Lodging

Last (but not least), you’ll need to book your travel and lodging. If you’re from out-of-state, book those flights early! If you’d rather take the scenic route, you can even book train trips throughout scenic Idaho.

One secret to a stress-free elopement day is finding lodging close to your ceremony location. With an elopement, you only need to worry about accommodations for yourself – and maybe your officiant or photographer. Get off the beaten path with local stays or remote cabins.

Plan Your Idaho Elopement Today!

So, are you convinced that elopement is for you? 

With an elopement, you don’t need to worry about all the messy details that often come with planning a big wedding. Idaho’s sweeping landscapes are the perfect place to plan your intimate elopement. Just use this checklist to make sure you’ve got everything you need for your big day.

Contact me today so we can walk through your Idaho elopement journey together.

LET’S GET STARTED

Summer Couples Session in Lake Tahoe

Engagement Photography

Lake Tahoe Engagement

Nick and Jadyn are the most adventurous couple I know. A few years ago, they decided to quit their 9 to 5 jobs to travel across the US. They renovated a trailer, packed up, and just went for it!

Not only are they always up for an awesome time, Nick and Jadyn are also my BFFs! I have known Nick since junior high, then met Jadyn in high school and we became close friends. The two started dating after high school and have been inseparable ever since!

Nick & Jadyn in Lake Tahoe

Nick and Jadyn accompanied me on a work trip and we had to take full advantage of this beautiful lake! Lake Tahoe is just so gorgeous and creates some super memorable photos.

Jadyn accidentally forgot her swim top, and I still remember the look she gave me when she realized what she had done. We had to improvise so she wore her lingerie top instead. It totally works!

A Lake Tahoe Elopement to Remember

Wedding Photography

A bride and groom kiss at their Lake Tahoe Elopement

This couple chose an adventurous outdoor elopement in beautiful Lake Tahoe. While this didn’t look anything like their original wedding plans, COVID forced them to think outside of the box just a little. Because of quarantine and social distancing, they had to go back to the drawing board and reimagine all of their wedding plans.

With a little imagination, Loren and Stu completely reimagined their wedding. They started by narrowing down their wants and needs. That’s how they knew that a Lake Tahoe elopement would be perfect for their wedding ceremony.

Despite their original plans to have a bigger, more traditional wedding, Loren and Stu kept it small. They invited just a handful of immediate family members to witness their ceremony.

And it turned out perfectly!

THE MOST PERFECT LAKE TAHOE ELOPEMENT

Would you have guessed that Loren and Stu didn’t originally consider elopement when they were first planning their wedding? This is the case with most of my clients. Despite that, they confessed that they considered it one of the best decisions they ever made. Plus, Loren and Stu absolutely loved the way their wedding turned out – they couldn’t have imagined it any other way!

One of the big plus sides to eloping: you can get married in your honeymoon location! And instead of having to pack up and travel to another location, eloping lets you settle into your current surroundings and enjoy everything it has to offer. With eloping, you won’t need to add extra travel because you are already there!

And that’s exactly what Loren and Stu did.

After their Lake Tahoe elopement, they transitioned right onto their honeymoon, all in this stunning area. With gorgeous mountain backdrops and shimmering waters, who could blame them? Lake Tahoe gave them everything that they needed to get the most out of their beautifully intimate elopement wedding.

Ready to plan your Idaho elopement? Use this step-by-step guide to get started.

A stunning elopement bouquet of burgundy and cream flowers at a Lake Tahoe Elopement
A small circle of friends and family celebrate during a Lake Tahoe elopement
Family gather in a line around the bride and groom after their Lake Tahoe elopement ceremony
An image of the bride and groom holding hands, displaying her stunning diamond wedding ring
A mountain vista

Oh hey! It’s me and my little family!

Miscallaneous

Hey there! It’s your wedding and elopement photographer, Liz!

My husband, Jake, and I celebrated 4 years together this last September! Like most couples, we have been through quite a lot. Health issues, starting a new business, all the ups and downs. I’m so grateful for Jake and all the love and support.

To celebrate, we (I) decided (more like forced Jake) to take photos for our anniversary!

We wanted to include the things we love the most: our pups and horses! I am so happy we were able to capture everything we love the most in one photo.

Liz Ruth Photography & Family

I love our little country life here in Idaho. I wouldn’t want it any other way. Our pups’ names are Rigger and Moose, and I think you can tell which one is which!

Jake and I met at a rodeo through mutual friends. He asked me out about 6 times over the course of 6 years. I was never interested and he said, “man, I usually get the hint after the first ‘no,’ but I just kept on asking for some reason!”.

It paid off because the last time he asked, I said yes! And here were are today, 5 years later!

Jake was born and raised in Preston, Idaho. So, once we got engaged we decided that we would move me up from Ogden.  Our horse pasture is in our back yard. We have about 10 horses. We love the simple, Idaho country life. Jake also raises black Angus cattle with his dad and grandma on their 350 acre ranch. We love the outdoor life, whether it’s on horseback, razor or snowmobiles. We love being in the mountains apart from that, we love being with our family. 

Greenhouse Engagement Photos at Edward’s Floral

Engagement Photography

This lovely couples session took place inside the cutest greenhouse in Idaho, Edward’s Floral. Greenhouse engagement photos are perfect if it’s raining outside, muddy, or wet, or if you have to shoot in the middle of the day. There are several hours of the day where the lighting is just too harsh and unflattering, but a greenhouse serves as a big, giant soft box. It smoothes the light to create a beautiful, even glow, and the lush colors make your photos POP! I truly love shooting in greenhouses!

At this greenhouse, there wasn’t an abundance of space to work with, so we had to slow it down a little. No running around and no piggy-backs like usual. But don’t think we still didn’t have fun. Whispering sexy little things into her ear. Biting his ear. Pinching bums. I mean, that’s pretty dang fun to me!

Greenhouse Engagement Photos
Cute Couple At Edward's Floral Greenhouse
Greenhouse Session in Idaho
Greenhouse Engagement Session

Skye & Jordan’s Sunrise Couples Session

Engagement Photography

Skye and Jordan brought their pup, Macro, to their sunrise photography session and it was dog heaven! Macro ran through these golden fields like a little bunny. And, of course, he found the only mud puddle in the entire field and plopped right down in it (hence the dirty paws in some of the pictures!).

A Sunrise Couples Session in Preston Idaho

I knew both Skye and Jordan before they started dating, so it was super fun watching their relationship develop! Both of them recently enlisted in the army. After their wedding, they’ll be apart for about six months for training.

We got up early for this sunrise session in Preston, Idaho, and it was totally worth it!

Sunrise Engagement Session in Golden Field
Adventure Engagement Photography in Idaho
Goldendoodle Running Through A Golden Field

Shaelyn and Remington’s Engagement Session in Boise

Engagement Photography

Shaelyn and Rem are an extremely outdoorsy, adventurous couple. They love the van life and traveling to new places, and I really wanted to capture their adventure-loving vibe during their session. This golden field made the PERFECT location for their engagement photos. In some shots, you can even see the Boise skyline in the background!

Boise Engagement Photos

Shaelyn and Remington were an absolute dream to work with. When I first spoke with Shaelyn, she told me “I like his beard, he likes my butt!” I laughed so much and in that moment I just knew we would be the perfect fit!

Unique Engagement Ring - This ring used to be Remington's grandma's and was previously painted all black!

Shaelyn’s ring was Remington’s grandma’s ring. It actually used to be painted allllll black. With a little TLC, this beautiful gem was uncovered. It’s one of the most beautiful & unique rings I ever did see!

When we were planning their Boise engagement photo session, Shaelyn told me about these fox pelts that she wanted to incorporate into their photos. Turns out, there’s a fun story behind them: right after the two got engaged in Banff (amazing, right!?!), they decided to get them! I love little mementoes and the stories that go behind them, and it’s even more fun when we can incorporate them into sessions like these!

Boise Idaho Engagement Photography

This couple is just the sweetest. Shaelyn even told me: “We wanted a photographer who could capture the color and brightness in our life and at our wedding. That’s something that definitely stood out to me when I saw your photography.”

Shaelyn & Remington's Boise Engagement Session

Shaelyn & Rem are planning to get married at a beautiful, secluded property in Idaho City, just a little over an hour outside of Boise. When she sent me pictures of the location…photos did not do it justice! I’m so excited for their big day!

Boise Idaho Engagement Photography - Golden Field With Boise Skyline in Backgruond

Congratulations on your engagement, Shaelyn & Remington! Thank you so much for letting me capture these special moments for you!

Did you like this post? View more of my engagement photography or learn more about my photography services!

Senior Session on a Warm Spring Night

Miscallaneous

Running through a lush, green field on a warm spring night looks just as beautiful as it sounds! Jade and her sweet mom drove all the to me in Idaho from provo. They made a day trip out of it. They have family on the way here and they wanted to see and they for sure said they needed to hit up Kripsy Kreme after. (Yum!) This beautiful senior session couldn’t have gone any better. Basically, everyday before this was kinda crappy weather. So we hit the jack pot! We stared at my mother and father in-laws house with their big tree that had just bloomed. It was too pretty to resist. After that, we headed over to Jake’s grandma’s farm. It was so picturesque with a blanket of purple flowers and cattle grazing in the back ground. It looked like we were in a green meadow in the middle of no where! My dad picked me a bouquet of lilacs the day before this session and I thought I would bring them along to Jade’s session for a fun prop! It was a hit! Jade looked absolutely stunning and rocked her session as you can so plainly see!

Great Saltair Engagements

Miscallaneous

Brinlee and Alex are the sweetest humans you’ll ever meet. Brinlee wanted something unique and a little different. So, we chose the Great Saltair. We made the long trek down to Salt Lake City, Utah. And boy, was it worth it! It sets the most beautiful picture with the mountains in the background, sand like beach and of course.. two of the cutest people! It was pretty much perfect!

Hawaiian Sunrise Beach Session

Miscallaneous

    If you have ever been to Kauai Hawaii then you know how freakin gorgeous it is. Like, I mean jaw dropping. So, I was so excited when I ran into Loren and Jake! It was so random because we are from the same home town. We all decided we needed to document their time spent in Hawaii. We got up before the sunrise and headed down the beach from my hotel. We ended up on ShipWreck Beach. Per usual it started to rain. Ohhhh but that didn’t dampin’ our spirits (no pun intended lol) It only made things BETTER! We kicked our shoes off, jumped in the ocean and danced around in the rain. Loren and Jake are the most fun and adventures couple. And I love them for it! They were up for anything! I’m so glad that we ran into each other and were able to capture these unforgettable moments in the beautiful Garden Island.