Liz Ruth Photography

Educational

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!

GET IN TOUCH

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!

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!

GET IN TOUCH

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

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