THE JOURNAL
Location Guides + Real Weddings + Planning Tips
Welcome to my journal!
Here you’ll find resources and tips when it comes to planning a wedding in North Carolina, Colorado, and a few of my other favorite destinations.
You can also explore galleries of real clients on their wedding day or adventure session!
The San Juan Mountains are a lesser-known area in southwestern Colorado, boasting epic scenery (some of which you don’t even have to hike for!) that makes for the perfect Colorado elopement backdrop. As a San Juan Mountains elopement photographer, I find that many of my couples come to me looking for an adventurous wedding day without too much intensity; I always recommend Colorado in the summer as the perfect place to find absolutely beautiful views that are still easily accessible. Besides the natural beauty of the San Juan Mountains, the surrounding areas offer fun activities, delicious food, and comfortable lodging options–so you can turn your intimate Colorado elopement into a weekend experience filled with both adventure and refined details. If you’re ready to dream up your perfect Colorado mountain elopement, read on.
North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains have long been known as a breathtaking wedding backdrop, with nearby venues serving as a great option for couples seeking to include close friends and family and have easy access to beautiful views without having to do too much extra work. After the devastation of Hurricane Helene, people are understandably unsure whether this region is open and in shape for events--and while parts of Western North Carolina were unfortunately devastated, the good news is that there are still many options in this area that would love to welcome you. Several stunning Blue Ridge Mountain venues have weathered the storm, and are ready to host 2025 weddings with all their scenic charm intact.
Boone is a charming mountain town tucked away in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, making it an incredible North Carolina elopement destination. Boone is surrounded by beautiful views and full of adventure, perfect for couples who are looking to make an exciting experience of their wedding day! Read on for tips on planning your Blue Ridge Mountain elopement, straight from your Boone elopement photographer.
I may be a little biased, but I think that the Blue Ridge Mountains are one of the most romantic places to say “I do.” with A LOT of options so I created this ultimate guide; walking you through places to stay, eat, hike and so much more.
As a fellow dog mom, I wanted to share seven ways to incorporate your dog in your wedding! Many of my couples want to include their furry loved ones on their wedding day but don’t know how. In this blog, I’ll share unique ideas on ways to incorporate your dog into your wedding day, even if they can’t physically be there!
Planning your elopement but don’t know where to start? Here is a step by step guide to planning your elopement.
While planning your wedding, you're going to hear a lot of things you should do on your wedding day. But rarely do you get any guidance on the things you really shouldn’t do on your wedding day. I’m here to help!! In this blog I share about 3 things NOT to do on your wedding day!
Should you do a first look at your wedding? That's what so many engaged couples wonder, which is why I wrote a blog all about that topic. Read my blog to learn what I believe to be the pros and cons of doing a first look on your wedding day!
If you want to have an intimate wedding in Colorado, then you need to check out my blog, all about the 5 Best Small Wedding Venues in Colorado! I know wedding planning can be overwhelming, so I hope this helps you get excited about the planning process and see all the amazing venues out there!
These wedding venues in Southwest Colorado are the perfect option for your intimate wedding in the San Juan Mountains.
Just because you’re eloping doesn’t mean you can’t include your family! Here are some tips for including family on your elopement day.
Did you know it was even possible?! IT IS. I’ve seen so many weddings done so many different ways so here are a few tips to help you have a stress free wedding day!
Silverton is a tiny western mountain town nestled in the San Juan Mountains. In the southwest corner of Colorado this town sits just above 9,000 feet and is a home base for many epic adventures in the surrounding mountains. Due to its access to such incredible scenery it is becoming more and more popular for weddings but at this time still remains a bit of a hidden gem. Tucked on the main street of this old mining town where you’ll feel like you were dropped onto an old wild west movie set, is one of the best wedding venues.
Douglas Ellington House wedding venue is a historic stone cottage, just 5 minutes outside of downtown Asheville. The ivy covered walls and trickling creek whisper a quiet romance the second you arrive even though you're conveniently minutes from town. The house was literally built by hand out of local materials and is studiously cared for. Thus it is only available for smaller weddings and receptions to respect the home and the property’s capacity. Douglas Ellington House is the perfect venue for an intimate wedding in Asheville for those seeking an enchanting setting for their celebration. As a local Asheville wedding photographer I can attest to this being one of the most unique and romantic wedding venues in Asheville.
Woods Walk in Crested Butte is the perfect location for an intimate wedding ceremony with guests. Nestled in aspen trees with a stunning backdrop of the mountains, it’s easily accessible right in the mountain town of Crested Butte.
Boone is a charming mountain town tucked away in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, making it an incredible North Carolina elopement destination. Check out Kate and Kyler’s all day elopement for inspiration and tips for planning your own elopement in Boone!
Dreaming of an intimate wedding in Crested Butte during peak wildflower season? Check out this wedding for some inspiration for a crested butte wedding.
Amanda and Carter gathered a handful of guests and traveled to Banner Elk, NC to have their wedding at Grandfather Mountain State Park.
Julia and Kyle rented this incredible luxury cabin nestled in the mountains for their summer wedding where they could celebrate all weekend with their family.
This Ouray Jeep Elopement Guide will help you plan the most incredible adventure elopement in the San Juan mountains. This blog includes how to elope in Ouray, get to locations only accessible by 4x4 vehicles, and so much more!
If you’re looking for a wedding venue near Asheville, the Crest Center and Pavilion is a perfect option!
“If you have even had a passing thought about not having that traditional wedding, you owe it to yourself to explore an elopement. My wife and I are so happy that we chose to have the wedding we wanted to have, and we will never regret hiring Erika. You won't regret hiring her either.”
Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest is the ideal location for a dog friendly elopement.
We went from a simple courthouse ceremony to an epic sunrise elopement in the Linville Gorge Wilderness in North Carolina.
Little Molas Lake is the perfect location for big reward with no effort, and especially convenient if you want to get out on the water. Given the accessibility of the campground, once you park and step out of your car, you have ample picturesque spots to choose from and every direction offers amazing views.
Ever considered rock climbing for your engagement photos? After seeing this adventurous engagement session, you might!
Read all about my experience at Great Sand Dunes National Park with sandboarding and how to plan your trip to the park for your engagement photos.
Colorado is the perfect place for a trip, and to make it even better? Plan an Adventure Session to document your epic travels!
Garden of the Gods is one special backdrop of red rock formations for your engagement session or wedding.
The best part of hiking to a waterfall for your summer engagement session? Jumping in the water!
Point Reyes National Seashore is the perfect place near San Fran for nature inspired engagement session.
Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado is the perfect backdrop for an adventure session! Find ways to plan your trip and what to expect.
5 years may not seem like the typical anniversary for a vow renewal, but we wanted to take time to reflect on those 5 years.
I don’t know two people who can make each other laugh and smile more than these two. SERIOUSLY.
The sweetest adventure session in Yosemite Valley National Park and perks of visiting in the off season.
Rough Ridge is a hike along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina, and fall is one of the most beautiful seasons there! This Rough Ridge engagement quickly became one of my faves of the season!
Usually, I’m spending my weekends photographing weddings in the Asheville mountains, but this time we got to switch things up a bit for this super fun adventure session at Asheville Glamping.
Asheville is a small town nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and makes for the perfect North Carolina wedding location; with breathtaking views and so much opportunity for outdoor activities, this is one of my favorite places as a Blue Ridge Mountains wedding photographer to take couples who are looking for adventure! Read on for lots of helpful information to support your Asheville wedding planning.