Category: Destinations

August 21, 2020

Intimate Elopement Package

Intimate Elopement Package in Ventura

This year has turned out to be quite different than we all expected. A lot of people had large weddings planned that are now postponing until next year or even the year after. Many weddings have been canceled altogether. Some couples are opting for small, intimate elopements in lieu of the traditional, big event. And then there’s couples who are having a micro wedding this year, and the large celebration later. There’s also couples that never intended to have a lot of guests at their wedding to begin with. They may have planned to have an elopement on a beach somewhere. Regardless of where you might fall in your wedding journey, this intimate elopement package can be a perfect option for you. Read more

July 13, 2018

5 Honeymoon & 5 Minimoon Destinations

Here’s a list of 5 great honeymoon and 5 perfect minimoon destinations to consider. Now that the wedding is over, it’s time to relax, kick your feet up, and let loose! Pricing will vary greatly between the options, but this will help give you a starting place, that’s a little more sophisticated than just throwing a dart at the map.

One thing you’ll want to do before you get started is make sure you have a current passport. There’s lots of amazing places to go in the US, but there’s also a whole lot of places outside. This world is big. Explore it!

1. Riviera Maya – With so many all-inclusives, many that cater to newlyweds, going to Mexico for your honeymoon is a no-brainer. They have a ton of couples only resorts that are stretched out on gorgeous white sand beaches. A couple of my favorites (and one I’m currently staying at) are: Unico Hotel 20º87º, and several of the Palace Resorts.
2. Hawaii – This is another fairly obvious choice, and rightfully so! Hawaii is beautiful and has so many varied places to go while enjoying the relaxation of the island lifestyle. Pro tip – don’t just go to Oahu! Check out the other islands, Molokai is awesome! It’s very private and you feel like you have the entire island to yourself!
3. The Caribbean – Jamaica, St Lucia, Antigua, there are so many islands in the Caribbean. The gorgeous, crystal clear waters, and the beautiful resorts make the Caribbean a frequent choice for newlyweds.
4. Europe – Warm air and sea water is great and all, but a European trip is something every American should do if they can! I haven’t been to all of the countries in Europe, but for my very first trip, I hit up Paris, France, Venice, Rome, & Naples, Italy, London, England, and Edinburgh, Scotland. I’d say that was a good start.
5. Iceland – This country is gaining popularity because it’s amazing, and there’s often some really great travel deals there. I loved Iceland! If you go, make sure you plan to check out Jokulsarlon Glacier. It’s about 5 hours from Reykjavik but well worth the visit!

Chances are you just dropped a whole lot of money on an extravagant, but utterly fun and amazing wedding. So spending a few more thousand on a honeymoon might have to wait. But you REALLY want to get away, and I don’t blame you! You should definitely get out of town for at least a weekend!

Here’s a list of 5 perfect little mini-moon destinations to go on until you can plan that epic trip you’ve always wanted.

1. Catalina – Why not go to a much closer and less expensive island? With lots of great little hotels and air bnbs, Catalina can give you that island getaway feel without making you have to getaway too far. And if you go on your birthday, you can get a free ferry ride!
2. Solvang – It’s only about an hour from Santa Barbara and it feels like you flew to Denmark. Plus there are a ton of tasting rooms and nearby vineyards for wine lovers.
3. Yosemite – Get in the car, pack some hiking boots, and check out nature. Go camping or stay at the lodge. Either way you’ll feel amazing being surrounded by so much natural beauty.
4. Big Bear – A bit closer than Yosemite, but still beautiful It’s a great little mountain town that’s only 2 hours or so from LA. Go on a hike, rent a kayak on the lake, or just hang out in town and relax.
5. Ensenada Cruise – There are lots of super affordable 3 day cruises from Long Beach to Ensenada and back. Cruise ships are perfect little getaways. You get the feel of being at a tropical resort, without having to travel as far, and often for much less money.

I always love using Airbnb when I travel since the choices are almost always so much more unique. Here’s a handy little search window for you to be able to find the perfect stay for your honeymoon or minimoon.

If you need help planning your honeymoon or minimoon, contact Julia with Two Nights In. She’ll help you plan the perfect trip.

And if you’re still in the wedding planning stages and you need a photographer, or if you’re planning a destination wedding, let me know, I’d love to talk to you!

June 27, 2018

Wedding Elopement in Oxnard Shores – Jacquie & Melanie

Wedding Elopement in Oxnard Shores, Channel Islands.

A couple months ago I photographed a last minute wedding elopement in Oxnard Shores, Channel Islands area. Jacquie & Melanie are from Canada and they had planned a long vacation exploring California. When they got to the airport, they decided this trip would be the trip where they’d finally get married. They decided to tie the knot in Ventura at the Courthouse, and then have their wedding photos taken back at their hotel in Oxnard Shores. They stayed at the Mandalay Beach Resort, and we took photos there and on the beach right in front of the property.

Melanie and Jacquie got to experience some of California’s breathtaking sunsets during their session. They’re a beautiful couple and their love for each other really showed in the photos! I had a great time working with them!

Elopements are a great idea for those that don’t have the time or money to plan a full wedding. I love photographing wedding elopements. I usually get more one on one time with the couple since theirs usually a lot less people involved. Also, elopements tend to have more focus on just the couples photos, which is my favorite part of all weddings. Contact me for special rates on elopement or destination weddings.

June 27, 2018

Pittsburgh Destination Styled Wedding Shoot

Pittsburgh Destination Styled Wedding Shoot I photographed late last year while I was still living in the city. I wanted to visit as many areas as possible that capture the essence of this unique and vibrant, steel city. Pittsburgh, PA has a great, edgy charm, yet there’s so much elegance and class. There are so many cool backdrops for wedding photography.

The beautiful bride wore a gorgeous gown from Blanc de Blanc Bridal. It had an old world, vintage feel. We paired it with bright, royal blue platform heels, that popped against the pewter gown. The bouquet from Sapphire & Lace added to the look with an earthy, vibrant feel. The bride wore a handmade headband and later replaced it with an equally chic handmade hair clip from Eva Elderkin Creative. The groom’s final touches were compliments of Jack’s Tuxedo.

I loved how this styled shoot turned out and really think it gives a good idea of the amazing architecture and scenery you can get having your destination wedding in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania! I have so many ideas and recommendations on the best areas for wedding and engagements in the area. Planning a destination in Pittsburgh can be a great location for your wedding elopement. Check out the photos to see some of the cool and unique places we went to complete the scene.

Venue | The Pennsylvanian, Primanti Bros

Bridal Boutique | Blanc de Blanc Bridal

Florist | Sapphire & Lace

Make-up Artist | Face By Grace

Bride’s Hair Accessories | Eva Elderkin Creative

Groom’s Accessories | Jack’s Tuxedo

Invitation Design | Exhale Events

2nd Photographer | Low-Key Love LLC

Bride | Brooke Brakeman

Groom | Gage Martin

June 27, 2018

Tara Country Inn Wedding Photography – Nicole & Ryan

Tara Country Inn Wedding Photography

Tara Country Inn Wedding Photography. Nicole and Ryan celebrated their wedding day at Tara – A Country Inn in Clark, PA. It’s a beautiful venue about an hour outside of Pittsburgh. The ceremony was right on the main lawn with the building creating a perfect backdrop. The property is right next to the Shenango River Reservoir, we were able to take a short walk and get gorgeous sunset photos right on the water.

Nicole planned most of the wedding herself, and it really looked perfect! I loved her gown, it reminded me of frosting on a cupcake and who doesn’t love that?! Did I mention Nicole wore the coolest friggin shoes, and walked with more grace and balance than I managed in my flats! I totally love how she had the old glamour look with a cage veil. She paired it with a beautiful diamond clip with a feathered flower in her hair. She was such a breathtaking bride! One of the most easy going couples, Nicole and Ryan never turned down a photo-op, and were up for anything I’d suggest.

Bridal Session at Nicole’s Family Ranch

The following day I met them at a ranch just outside of Lake Erie for photos with Nicole’s prize show horse, Roger. My allergies were really not too happy during the session, but the ranch was worth it and I am so excited with the pictures! The weather was everything we hoped for! The sky was sunny and we ended the evening in a field of yellow flowers with a colorful sunset.

I feel like they quizzed me on what kind of wedding I like photographing the best, and designed their whole day based on me! I’m just gonna go ahead and assume that’s what they did. ?

And the moment you’ve all been waiting for… here are my favorites from their wedding weekend!