My Why - Adventurous Wedding and Elopement Photographer

I can’t truly tell you how much it means to me that you are here, taking the time to read this. I wish I could squeeze you right now!

Yes I’ve started a photography business, but what that really means is that I’m putting my heart on the line for something i’m so passionate about and yeah...that’s kinda scary! So really, thank you, it means a lot that you're here.

But let's cut to the chase. Why am I doing this?

Well let’s backtrack. My mom decided that when each of her daughters turned 12 years old, she would take them on a trip anywhere in the world they wanted to travel. I chose Greece simply because at the time my social studies teacher was Greek and had pictures of her home country hung all over the room and I wanted to do some hiking. 

Even then, I knew the best way to remember all the beauty I was seeing and new things I was learning was through photographs. There was a desire to capture what I was experiencing - to bottle it up and save it, so I wouldn't forget. My mom taught me that because I didn't have a camera yet, but after her images were developed, seeing them weeks after our trip - it just made sense. Because that inexplicable thing happens, even now, when I look at those images from my first trip 13 years ago.

I suddenly remember the sweet smell of orange blossoms along the city street. How hot it was standing in the ruins of Acropolis. What french fries made with olive oil taste like. It all comes rushing back.

12 year old me in Greece, taken by my mom on her old 35mm Canon film camera. More below.

Since then, my mom and I have traveled a lot together and it has had biggest impact on my life and shaped so much of who I am. Traveling results in this comforting realization how big and breathtaking this world is and how much more there is to see. There's also this confirmation that this isn’t all a random accident. Sometimes that’s hard to explain to others because I don’t think you get it until you experience it for yourself and honestly, I’ve often felt isolated when I can’t connect with others about that.

So I’m just trying to find my people - that find peace and a genuine sense of home in nature. The ones who would rather spend their days getting their hands dirty, exploring new places and doing things they’ve never done before. The ones who seize any opportunity for adventure and probably, most of your friends and family think you’re a little crazy? But, you know the profound value it has in your life.

And then...helping them see that their wedding is the single greatest adventure they will be fortunate enough to embark on. Getting them to see amongst the hustle of day to day life how valuable it is in 10 or 50 years to be able to remember how it felt when it all began. Our wedding picture hangs in our home and seeing that image immediately transports me back to that day and the overwhelming feeling of unstoppable love. And to be honest, some days I giggle a little knowing how much more we love each other now, and other days it’s the reminder I need that despite what we’re going through, our love is deep.

Each day, my marriage is my greatest adventure and all that comes with it; growth, humility, dancing in the kitchen, patience, vulnerability, and a lot of laughing until you cry. Just like traveling, it’s this undeniable force that shapes you and changes you into a better person. Sometimes gently, sometime abruptly.

And I know some people may not get this. But for those who do, they deserve someone who doesn’t think they’re a little crazy. So I’m just carving my way into this world to remind couples what matters. To help them be confident in who they are together, and to help capture and preserve their love.

Gratefully,

Erika

P.S. While I'll be sharing plenty of couples and wedding work, for now here are some more photographs from that first trip abroad. (Please admire my exquisite fashion sense and chicken legs in those clunky hiking boots. Proud dork right here.)