Breathtaking Vermont Mountain Elopement

Anna & Sean’s Picturesque Vermont Elopement at Warren Falls, Mt. Mansfield, and Lake Champlain

SWELL & STONE / ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER / VERMONT & BEYOND

Anna and Sean’s gorgeous Vermont elopement came about after they had originally planned a much larger wedding, but when COVID hit they were excited for an opportunity to downsize and simplify. They wanted to spend their day doing fun things in beautiful places, and after a couple chats on the phone and a custom location guide I created for them, they knew exactly where that was.

We met at sunrise near where they live, a gorgeous place called Causeway Park. It’s a small strip with a hike/bike path across the water. It’s the perfect spot to watch sunrise or sunset, and it used to be a train track to Grand Isle. After exploring the area and experiencing sunrise we headed back to their place to freshen up and snag a few pics on their newly built back deck. Their entire house was gorgeously styled and their back deck was no different. Sean spent several weeks planning and building it out, and Anna styled it perfectly. It was their private oasis and it was incredible to get to see them enjoying it together as part of their day.

After a little relaxation we headed to Warren Falls for their ceremony. I’ve photographed many ceremonies at this spot, but I NEVER tire of seeing couple’s faces when they see the falls for the first time. The water is crystal clear and a deep blue/green color that looks out of this world. Most people who see the photos for the first time assume it’s from a spot out west. But it’s tucked away in beautiful Vermont in the heart of New England. I do love to recommend early morning ceremonies here, and in the summer it’s an absolute must because around 10 am the entire place is filled with swimmers taking a dip in the pristine waters.

Mid-morning we headed north up to the tallest peak in Vermont, Mt. Mansfield. Their are many trails up this famous peak, but we chose to take the Auto Toll road most of the way, and then hike a bit further to get those stunning views. It was at this point that I became a bit nervous because I was an integral part of a surprise for them. I had been scheming with Anna’s sister for some time now. Their families were going to meet us at the end of the hike on Mt. Manfield. I snuck away to text her and say that we were running behind, but on our way up the mountain. However, spotty phone service means I didn’t know for sure if that text went through, and it is imperative to not ruin the surprise by crossing paths on the way up. Apparently, Anna and Sean are notoriously hard to surprise, and other attempts had be messed up before. I couldn’t be the reason this surprise got messed up! Anna’s sister did get the text, but since it’s rude to be on your phone during your clients wedding day I didn’t get a chance to check her response. I needed to make sure I took enough time on the peak to give the families time to get into position.

Anna and Sean were starting to get hungry and were ready to head back. I made them do a couple more poses, and then we started on the trail back. As we neared the end Sean spotted someone else hiking the path in nice clothes. He said they must be doing the same thing they were doing, but little did he know those people in nice clothes were there for them! As we approached they started to recognize people, and their family burst into cheers upon seeing the couple! They were genuinely surprised and we were so happy to have pulled it off!

After some celebrations we all headed back to Burlington, and then Anna, Sean, and I headed out to a secluded spot on Grand Isle for sunset. With all the formalities done and surprised pulled out we all relaxed and skipped rocks, and enjoyed the beach and the weather. It was the perfect ending to Anna and Sean’s beyond perfect wedding day.

“When our original wedding plans had to be cancelled due to Covid, we began searching for an alternative. As soon as we saw Kat’s page and spoke with her on the phone we knew it was exactly what we were after. Now that all’s said and done, we couldn’t be any happier with the outcome - her photos are beyond incredible, worth every penny. Memories for a lifetime. She was so easy to communicate with, helped us plan our day down to every little detail, and even went out of her way to support a surprise celebration that our family had planned on top of VT’s tallest mountain. Beyond all of that, she is just super fun to hang with. Our day was perfect and we couldn’t have asked for anything more. Can’t recommend her enough!”

— Anna & Sean

Gorgeous Maine and Acadia National Park Elopement with Family

KATIE & ADAM’S ACADIA NATIONAL PARK HIKING ELOPEMENT

SWELL & STONE / ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER / MAINE & BEYOND

Katie and Adam originally planned an epic two day wedding in Yosemite National Park, but COVID and wildfires had other plans and they changed course to an equally epic two day elopement in Maine, including Acadia National Park. These two changed course with such grace, and while they were disappointed that their original plans were foiled, they quickly became just as excited about an Acadia National Park wedding.

We were lucky, as I was scheduled to be the original photographer anyway and they live in Connecticut and I live in Rhode Island. Also most of their family lives in New England, so it was a no brainer to pick an alternate spot within driving distance of the area. After talking over a few new location options they decided- Why not choose where the mountains meet the ocean? We found Grace on the Lake, a COVID friendly spot on a lake where each of their family households could stay in their own cabin, plus they had access to the beautiful lake-front with boats and other great perks. The actual ceremony took place right down by the lake, and the reception celebration was held just up the hill at a lovely spot overlooking the lake.

Katie & Adam shared beautiful vows, Adam was adorably and unsuccessfully trying to hold back tears through the entire ceremony. It was incredible to see how much they love each other and how perfectly their day fell together in the end. It was laid back, relaxed, gorgeous, fun, and full of surprise. The happy couple surprised their families after dinner with the news that they are expecting!

The next day we met in Acadia National Park where we planned to do the “Beehive” trail, one of the “Iron Rung” trails in Acadia. So not only did Katie have to do a somewhat intense technical hike in a form-fitting wedding dress, she did it pregnant and in a wedding dress. She was so impressive through the whole thing, never missing a step and laughing and having so much fun the entire way. It was hot outside, so managing to climb the iron rungs without sweating off all of her makeup was a feat in itself.

As we topped out on the summit we noticed the marine layer was moving in over the ocean below. Clouds came and shallowed some of the landscape, but it was still sunny were we were. We planned to hike down to watch the sunset, and now I knew we might be socked in for the sunset. When we made it down we found a spot on the coast, but found ourselves in gorgeous misty fog. It was like we traveled through five different locations and seasons through their two day wedding. As the sun started to sink lower it burst through the fog and sent incredible color all across the atmosphere. A spectacular view that was perfectly fitting for their spectacular wedding days.

It is obvious that no matter what these two do together it will always be an adventure. I love the story of how they met. Here it is in Katie’s words “Adam and I both found ourselves on Bumble as many 30 somethings do. Adam down in Norwalk (the NY side of Connecticut) had set a 15-mile radius on his phone meaning we were never really in each other's "sphere". Adam's brother is really into ghost hunting and Adam finally agreed to go to one of his events - dinner and an overnight stay in a haunted building, now a restaurant. Ghost hunting was in Derby, Connecticut outside New Haven and in a radius of me in Guilford, Connecticut. We both swiped right and planned to meet. I write a travel blog and wanted to do some "research" on the best New Haven pizza joint so I suggested we meet at Modern Pizza for our first date. We hit it off over meatball and clam pizza and the rest - well it's history.”

Whimsical Vermont Fall Elopement

A.J. & David’s Autumn Mountain Elopement At Warren Falls & Stowe Vermont

Swell & Stone / New England Elopement Photographer

A.J. and David told me the story of their first date while they were enjoying a picnic in the colorful fall forest in Vermont during their elopement. They were munching on unicorn colored cupcakes and cut open a beautiful rainbow confetti cake. Suddenly everything came full circle- I realized that they were in the perfect place at the perfect time, and that some things were just meant to be. I’m beyond ecstatic that they chose me to be their Vermont elopement photographer. Want to see my list of the best places to elope in Vermont? Check it out here.

You see when David first reached out to A.J. he was drawn to how colorful she was- Her colorful hair, her colorful wardrobe, her colorful personality, and the zest she had for life. So he asked her out, but she wasn’t sure she wanted to go on a date yet. Not deterred at all, he told her to get ready for a colorful time, and took her to a graffiti park in Austin, TX where they proceeded to add their own graffiti using a custom created quote stencil David had made. As they spray-painted it together it was like coloring their bond in permanent ink.

Fast forward to where we were now, in Vermont at the peak of fall foliage colors, and A.J. donning her Hutton rainbow wedding gown by the Watters- her 2nd dress. Her first dress, which she wore for the ceremony, was a gorgeous Galatea, also by the Watters. It was certainly a colorful experience. When A.J. walked out in her 2nd gown, she exclaimed “I’m a rainbow!” and David, having no idea it was coming, smiled from ear to ear.

The day began at their idyllic cabin in the woods. A stream ran through the side yard, and fog lingered in the morning air. They got ready in the warm cabin with the fireplace providing the bulk of the light. I took David outside to position him for first look photos, and he was in awe of their surroundings. They had been running errands the whole day before and arrived at the cabin in the evening. He was just getting the chance to look around.

A.J. came out of the cabin and walked down the wooden staircase, pulling the fallen leaves down each stair with her gown. She reached David and they embraced and enjoyed the feeling of it all sinking in. They were eloping and this beautiful scene was just the beginning!

We headed to Warren Falls where we met the officiant. The trail to the falls is less than a quarter mile, but they soaked in the beauty the entire way, and carefully climbed down to the perfect ceremony location. By this time, A.J.’s gown had picked up some mud, leaves, twigs, and dirt. After words from the officiant, they read letters to each other and then read their vows. It was a special moment surrounded by moss, changing leaves, and some of the clearest water flowing right by.

Their ceremony was followed by a picnic at Texas Falls Recreation area and then we headed off to do something they hadn’t done before. We arrived in Stowe and drove up the Auto Toll Road to stand on top of Mt. Mansfield, the highest point in the state of Vermont. At the top of the mountain most of the trees were evergreen, but part of the way down we could see where the pine trees gave way to the colorful foliage. The weather was impeccable and the morning fog had burnt off so we could see forever. They danced in the wind and enjoyed the views. The temperatures were a little chilly, but the hiking combined with putting their coats on intermittently helped them stay warm.

Finally, we headed down the mountain and toward Lake Champlain where we caught the sunset. Light twinkled, the colors of the sunset were amazing as the reflected off of the calm lake in front of us. They were a little bit chilly and very tired, but A.J. smiled and asked sweetly if she thought there was a chance for star photos. I wasn’t very hopeful because we had a full moon rising behind us, and there were some clouds in the sky. But we waited until it got a little bit darker and I went down and tested the shot. I came back up to them, and said if we were going to go for it we needed to go now! They jumped into action, stood still for a while, and then headed back up the beach to pack up and head out. I said goodbye, hugged them, and sat on the beach letting my camera timelapse and thinking about what a day it had been. These are the days when everything comes together and I feel so lucky to be the person they trusted to capture their day.

This was their first trip to Vermont, neither of them had ever been before. I think that says something amazing about who these two are as people. They are up for anything, ready to new experiences, and make the best out of everything. They had the time of their lives, seeing the unique landscapes, dancing in the leaves, letting the wind blow through their hair, and I am so grateful to them for being up for anything. They trusted me to come to a place they had never been to do things they had never done, and then made the best out of every amazing moment.

As we drove down Mt. Mansfield A.J. shared a little with me. She said, “I used to not like if a hair was out of place or if I was the slightest bit cold.”

I replied, “I can’t imagine you like that- you just walked through the mud in 50 degree temps to get married. You stood on top of the highest peak in Vermont with the wind blowing in your hair.”

She responded that she knew she had changed. She had let go of a lot in her life, and the need for everything to be perfect was something she was letting slip away as well.

And in designing the elopement day she truly wanted- a muddy, ruffled, joy-filled day, A.J. and David had, dare I say- one of the most perfect elopement days I have yet to witness.

“I am still in awe of my wedding photos and I owe it all to Kat. Not only did she help me decide on a location, she gave recommendations on florists, bakeries, and lodging! There is no way I could have planned our out of state elopement without her. And Oh My God the photos! They are truly works of art, every last one, and believe me there are a ton. The words stunning & breathtaking have been used most by my friends and family. My wedding day was spectacular and my wedding photos show it. I’m already planning an anniversary vacation so I can have Kat capture that day too. If you need an adventure photographer then you absolutely need to check out Swell & Stone. I’m forever grateful that I did!”

— A.J. & David

Stunning Rhode Island Lighthouse Elopement

Samantha & Victor’s Canoeing and Sunset Lighthouse Elopement

SWELL & STONE / Adventure Elopement Photographer / Rhode Island & Beyond

Samantha and Victor reached out to me about 3 weeks before they wanted to elope in Rhode Island. It was the summer and Coronavirus had been taking over the news cycle. They wanted something simple and beautiful, and their 4 year-old daughter was going to join in on the adventure. I proposed a number of locations around the state in my Rhode Island elopement packages, and they ultimately chose canoeing on Wyoming Pond (part of the Wood River) because they knew their daughter would love it, and then enjoying a sunset ceremony and celebration at Beavertail State Park in Jamestown.

Both Samantha and I mentioned that the week before their elopement we looked at the weather forecast, and there was nothing but sunny skies, except of course for the day they had chosen for their elopement. There was one lone lighting bolt lingering on their elopement day weather forecast. But as the weather does in the summer, things changed and we had pretty much the perfect day for canoeing on the river and we watched an incredible sunset at Beavertail.

Samantha and Victor have one of the cutest, and longest-standing, love stories I’ve had the privilege of hearing so far. They met in the 5th grade. “Our teacher had to move our desks because we talked too much, but even that didn’t stop us. We started ‘dating’ in middle school and went our separate ways in high school but we always remained friends. In 2015 we decided the timing was right and we picked up where we left off and we’ve been together ever since,” said Samantha.

“No matter how much we tried to stay away from each other the universe always pulled us together! In 2015, we spent that year getting to really know each other. Walks on the beach, climbing a mountain, visiting waterfalls, and taking mini trips to NYC and Chicago. We even bought a decent DSLR camera and documented almost every adventure big and small.” Like magnets they were drawn to one another, and when you see them together, you completely understand why.

The only thing that was more obvious than their love for each other was their love for their sweet daughter, Annabella. And they were right, she did LOVE canoeing! She wanted to jump in the entire time. She was a fearless and adventurous little explorer, and honestly she made my job getting candid shots so easy because she was constantly running around, playing and having an absolute blast.

After the canoeing we headed over to Beavertail State Park on the southern end of Jamestown. It took us a minute to find a more secluded ceremony spot, but when we did they each read their vows. Victor wrote several pages, and stopped short of reading all of them because Annabella was wiggling in her mom’s arms ready to run again. Samantha mentioned that she most certainly would have cried had he kept going. It was Samantha’s turn, and Annabella held still long enough for her parents to finish their words and exchange rings, which was quite a feat while holding her. But the part Annabella was most looking forward to was cake, and that time was finally here.

We grabbed the cake and blanket and headed over to the lighthouse. Annabella dug right in, and they enjoyed the cake with out cutting pieces, because let’s be honest- cake really is better that way. When I stole her parents for portraits for a few minutes she placed her entire hand on top of the cake and exclaimed, “You guys! Come feel this- it’s so squishy!”

Before we knew it the sun was low on the horizon and we managed a few more photos before Annabella started getting sleepy. The crescent moon came out, and colors lingered in the sky forever. The perfect ending to a fun-filled adventure elopement day.

Elopement & Outdoor Wedding Planning Guide

Small Outdoor Wedding & Elopement Planning Checklist

SWELL & STONE / ADVENTURE WEDDING & ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER / UNITED STATES AND BEYOND

Ok, you know you want a different kind of wedding, one where the flowers are wild, and the decor is…grand, and happens to have naturally existed for millennia. 

Whether you choose an intimate destination wedding with friends and family or an elopement with just the two of you is entirely up to you, and the beauty of it all is that there are no rules! You can create a day that truly reflects your relationship. Congrats on being awesome, doing your own thing, and not playing by an obscure traditional rulebook.

So if you’ve dreamed of running through the mountains with your dress flowing behind you, staying out beneath the stars, or getting hitched on the beach and paddling out on your surfboard for a “first surf” instead of a “first dance,” you’ve come to the right place. 

Define “elopement”

It can mean a lot of different things, and there is no one way to elope. It can be an adventure close to home with some family, or a faraway destination with just the two of you. Normally a couple decides what to do based on the things that are really important to themselves and their partner. Elopements often take place on public lands, and it is always important to inquire to see if a permit is needed for the ceremony. For my photography purposes, I define an elopement as an outdoor adventure wedding with fewer than 15 guests.

Define “Small Outdoor Wedding”

A small outdoor wedding often takes place on the grounds of an AirbNb, family home property, lodge, camp, or resort area, and occasionally on public lands. I define “small outdoor weddings” as weddings with 15-35 guests. Often couples want an adventure wedding but still want to include family. They will dedicate one day to activities with family and getting ready, the ceremony, and the reception, and the following day they go on an outdoor adventure with just the two of them.

What kind of planning is involved?

You can start planning anywhere from 1 week to 2 years in advance. Generally, couples plan 6-12 months out which gives you time to plan travel, inform family and friends- if they are coming along- and find the location that works best for you. Beyond that, you can include as many or a few things as you want. Most people hire a photographer, but you and choose to do video as well, hire a florist, get a cake, hire an officiant, book a train ride, hike a mountain, paddle a river, etc… or not! That’s the beauty of your adventure wedding day- it’s entirely up to you!

How much does it cost to elope or have a small outdoor wedding?

Compared to a traditional wedding, eloping is a fraction of the cost. The average wedding in the U.S. costs over $35,000. You can plan the greatest elopement adventure of all time for less than half that amount. Plan to spend 50-75% of your budget on photography, and the rest on travel, attire, rings, hair & makeup, your marriage license, attire, and food. For small outdoor weddings, expect to spend a bit more because you need to account for more catering costs and more in total reception costs.

Can family/friends come?

Of course! “Eloping” used to meaning running away from your family and getting married without their knowledge. You can still absolutely do that, but a majority of couples who elope now do so to keep things simple, focus on what’s important to them, and make sure they truly enjoy their day. For a lot of them, that means a few family members or friends are present for their day! 

Stages of Planning

1. Dream- What is your vision for your big day? Have you always imagined a spot in a secluded forest or an unreal journey through a sandstone slot canyon? Whatever it is, dream big! We can make it happen. 

2. Plan- What time of year is best in your dream spot? Find a photographer who can help guide you through location logistics and is experienced in this specialized style of weddings. Start to make your dream reality.

3. Book- Decide on a location. Find a place to stay. Arrange transportation. Put together any permits you may need. Book flowers, hair and makeup.

4. Finalize- Finish planning all details with vendors. Decide on attire. Plan activities, and finalize a wedding day timeline.

5. Enjoy- Enjoy every single second of the beautiful day. Remember inclement weather makes for the best stories (and photos) later. Relish the adventure.

Important Logistics

Here are a few things to keep in mind as you go through the process of working out the logistics of getting married.

1. What are the local marriage laws and requirements?

2. Do you want other people there?

3. What’s the weather like in your chosen location this time of year?

4. Is this location a popular and crowded or secluded?

5. How accessible is the location? How will you get there?

6. Do you need a permit to take photos or to have the ceremony?

7. Will you do a “first look”?

8. What kind of activities would you like to include on your wedding day?

9. Do you want a picnic, champagne, or another kind of celebratory drink/meal?

10. What vendors do you need? Is it easy for them to get there, or bring items before?

Marriage Laws

Marriage laws differ from state to state

Research the paperwork you will need to have before and after, and determine whether you need an officiant and witnesses in the state where you’ve chosen to get married. Every state is different, some require a waiting period, some require blood tests, and some don’t require anything. Do your research and find out what you need in your state.

But don’t let the paperwork throw you off track. The wedding day you’ve imagined is always possible. In fact, in the majority of elopements, the paperwork is completely taken care of either before or after the elopement. Often times couples wait to sign the official document until right after they say the vows.

Whatever you choose to do, you commit your life to your partner the day you say your vows…the rest is just legalities. Here is a great resource for what you need to know based on whatever state you happen to be in.

Weather

High & low season

During “high season” you are likely to find the nicest weather but don’t rule out the low season. I like booking elopements in a location “low season” because it means fewer crowds, easier transportation, and seeing a different side of a place. However, it also means potential road closures, restricted access, and bad weather. Contact a local, ranger, or guide service to find out what is possible in your location during the time frame you are considering for your elopement.

What if the weather is bad?

You can only do so much to avoid bad weather. Start by researching beforehand to determine seasonal average temps, rain/snowfall, and wind. 

If you want to go in the low season to avoid crowds make sure to research seasonal road and transportation closures that may impact your day. Also, think about extreme weather like wildfires, floods tornadoes, and hurricanes. 

There is always the chance of bad weather during an outdoor elopement. It’s best to be prepared with the right gear and mindset. Just like you prepare for anything when you plan to hike a mountain or go for any other outdoor adventure, make sure you have everything you might need from bug spray to rain gear to hand warmers, depending on the season. And remember, sometimes bad weather makes for the best story and photos.

Permits

LEGAL RESTRICTIONS & ETHICS

When researching a location for the exact spot you want to say your vows, make sure it’s a legal and ethical spot to have a wedding ceremony. There are some locations that have laws against any type of ceremony, and some places where having a wedding ceremony wouldn’t be appropriate.

IS A PERMIT NECESSARY?

On most public lands and private properties, yes. Many also require a separate one for your photographer. The general rule is to assume you need to have a permit or ask permission unless you are told otherwise by someone with authority.

LEAVE NO TRACE

Make sure you follow all 7 Leave No Trace principles during your elopement. That means be careful where you walk, leave the beautiful place just as you found it, and make sure to not have your ceremony in a fragile environment.

FUN, ACTIVITIES, CELEBRATE

FOOD & DRINKS

Pack a picnic, get it catered, reserve the side patio of your favorite area eatery- whatever you decide to do makes sure it’s something you love. We will likely be running around all day so make sure you stay hydrated and well-fed.

FUN STUFF

Some people want to go on a hike, some want to stand up paddleboard, others skydive, go on hot air balloon rides, or surf! Your wedding day can look however you want! That’s the beauty of eloping.

If you are hiking to your ceremony location make sure to find a comfortable hiking pack. If going before sunrise, perhaps pack your attire instead of hiking in it, and change when you get to the location.

Bring extra layers, bug spray, sunscreen, headlamps, plenty of food and water, etc...!

CHAMPAGNE, CONFETTI, SPARKLERS

Celebrating is important, but we always do so in an eco-friendly way! We make sure to pick up the champagne cork, use local leaves as confetti, and check fire bans before lighting sparklers.

FINALIZE WITH A CHECKLIST

Elopement & Small Outdoor Wedding Checklist

I hope this guide helps answer questions you didn’t even know you had. It’s a beautiful thing when you realize your wedding day doesn’t have to follow the same framework that everyone else’s weddings do, it can be catered to you and your partner’s unique tastes. So keep the traditions you love, toss aside the ones you don’t care about, and let’s plan an incredible adventure for your wedding day and create memories and photos that will last a lifetime.

Moab Moonrise Adventure Session | Moab Elopement Photographer

Jenna & Mark Explore Moab for Engagement Session

SWELL & STONE / Adventure Elopement Photographer / Utah & Beyond

I met Jenna and Mark at a random pull out on the Colorado River outside of Moab for their adventure engagement session. It’s a spot I’ve been coming back to for years because of it’s unique viewpoint of desert towers backed by mountains. Up to our left was a treacherous looking slope littered with giant boulders in front of a sheer face. To our right flowed the mighty Colorado River, and there was an easy walk down to a nice beach. I pointed left and said, “we’re going up there.” Jenna and Mark got themselves in order and started hiking. Jenna in a dress and wedges made it up the steep, scrambling slope much faster than I did, and was less out of breath as well. They are both canyoneers and climbers and scrambling up a rock littered slope is an everyday affair for them. They didn’t think twice or hesitate when I directed them to a rock edge to perch on.

These two met rock climbing, Jenna explained. “We were bouldering at the local climbing gym and Mark fell off of a route that I was trying to climb and we just started chatting! We went on a trip to southern Utah the next week.”

They had so much in common that they just kept hanging out because who better than your best friend to go on all your adventures with? “We’re pretty similar as far as hobbies go. We both love rock climbing, hiking, running, backpacking, and canyoneering. I love to ski and snowboard, Mark hasn’t learned yet. We also both love to read.”

After we got some amazing tiny person landscape shots of the towers, mountains, and river we headed down to the river. Mark said he loves the way rivers rocks look, so I took some overhead shots of them laying on the rocks and exploring the beach area. They love all kinds of outdoor activities but mentioned that currently, backpacking was a favorite. “Backpacking is the current craze. We really want to get back to Escalante and go on a backcountry trip.”

As the sun sank lower we headed down the road to take in views of some different desert towers. Moab is such an unreal spot that driving just a few minutes in either direction can change up the scenery. We hiked, skipped, and explored, and as the sun sank lower a full moon rose overhead. Just being among the towers in golden light is a treat, but staying to see the moonrise and with temperatures still really comfortable was just spectacular. The shot of them dancing under a full moon rising ended up being one of my favorites of the whole session, even though it was one of the shots that I had given the least thought and planning. That slope that I was talking about earlier… I had hiked up and down that entire slope for hours to find the perfect rock for them to stand on for those shots as part of my location scouting process. And don’t get me I LOVE those shots. But something about the small details and the unplanned shots makes this job so much fun.

This shoot happened right before a lot was locked down for Covid-19. I’m so happy we were able to get out for a lovely evening in Moab, and Jenna and Mark spent the rest of the weekend exploring canyonlands. But they had a wedding scheduled for April, which they had to change and move several times before finally being able to elope with a few friends and family socially distanced in the great outdoors. I’m so happy they were able to make it happen because they are so clearly deeply in love!

I love staying out until the sun goes down with my couples, so if you’d love starry night sky shots or moonrise shots get in touch, and let’s make it happen.

Epic Engagement Session at Valley of Fire | Las Vegas Elopement Photographer

Maria & Kaden Explore Valley of Fire State Park for Engagement Session

SWELL & STONE / Adventure Elopement Photographer / Las Vegas & Beyond

Maria and Kaden reached out to me about 2 weeks before I was set to leave on a 3-week work trip around the desert, and in a matter of a few days, I was able to extend my trip a few days so that I could photograph them as well! They love last-minute trips and it ended up being great timing because Maria was going to be in Las Vegas for a work conference anyway. They are from Kansas City, so Kaden flew out at the end of the week, and we were able to go explore Valley of Fire State Park, which is only an hour outside the city, but packs a huge punch in terms of views.

The landscape is surreal and otherworldly, and to top everything off, it was their first time ever seeing the red rock. I love being there for people’s first experiences in the red rock desert. Like them, I’m from Kansas, and I drove through the desert for the first time in 2008 on my way to work at Lake Powell in-between years of school. I still remember hanging out of my best friend’s sunroof with my mouth hanging wide open. I couldn’t believe this magical place existed on earth.

Maria and Kaden’s first time seeing the landscape was similar. They loved the colors and shapes. We had incredible weather that was comfortable to hike around in, and even when I asked if they wanted to take off their shoes and walk through cold slot canyon water, they were game.

They met online, both swiping right. Maria said, “We talked for a week or so through texts and calls then decided to meet in person. We met at a tapas restaurant for our first date and talked for hours. Afterward, we decided to keep the night going as any mature adult would do — with hot cocoa at a local coffee shop. For our second date, I picked the restaurant. He hadn’t been there before, and admittedly I was testing him to see how adventurous he could be with food. The first thing he ordered was my favorite item on the menus — something that most people wouldn’t even think about ordering. I was pretty hooked after that.”

As we hiked we talked about life in Kansas, their dogs, and the Kansas City Chiefs. When asked about their relationship Kaden said, “It would be impossible to identify an exact moment (I fell in love with her). For me, it is everything that Maria is that made me fall in love with her. The way she cares for others, the way she cares for herself, and of course I see and feel how much she cares for me. I admire her work ethic and desire to succeed in anything she is doing. She makes me better and THAT is what I fell in love with.”

For Maria, the moment she fell in love with him was a little more concrete. “I realized how much I loved Kaden when he and I were renovating his rental property. We were on a tight deadline and it was early in our relationship. I’m a very handy woman (thanks to my mom) and took the lead of the work — Kaden was so proud and appreciative and helpful. No matter how hangry I got, he met me with patience and kindness and a burrito. I may have been the one helping without him asking me, but I felt like the lucky one because I had him.”

They both love dogs and have rescued many. They spend the weekends outside with their pups. “We love going to restaurants that have patios and hanging out during nice days. Dog park, dog-friendly bars, Jeep rides, and lazy afternoons at home make for the best weekends.”

And one of my favorite stories they told me was their engagement story. When they were telling it my hands were sweating just thinking about what Kaden was going through. “Kaden got the ring in September then tried to think of the best possible proposal. He even brought it to Iceland during a trip we took in October! Yet he couldn’t find the right moment...” That’s right, he took the ring all the way to Iceland and didn’t propose. He said he had to keep hiding and moving to different places so Maria wouldn’t find it. And he managed not to lose it or blow the secret! “Finally, on Christmas, we were in Colorado with my family and he had a chance to ask my mom and brother in law (patriarch of our family) for permission. He got on one knee after we all opened presents and popped the question. I happy cried a lot, he smiled a lot. I would also like to note that I never told Kaden a ring style I wanted, I don’t wear jewelry. But the ring he got is absolutely perfect.” And it is a beautiful ring, check out the pics below for evidence.

They are clearly very in love, I think you can see that through the photos, but they are also the kindest people. They were joyful and fun, and I’m so happy we were able to make the day work. And what an incredible afternoon/evening we spent hiking around one of the coolest parks. Thunderstorms had hit the area recently and I had planned on taking Maria and Kaden through a slot canyon, but it was filled with water. But that was no obstacle, we just took off our shoes and walked through it, and of course, they paused so I could take some photos. The stormy weather made for a lot of wind, which Maria handled gracefully, even though wearing a dress in windy weather is a hard thing to do. A lot of the images included her hair whipping around her face, which I love. Her hair still managed to look great through it all.

I’m so happy these two took the leap to get on a plane and come meet me where I was for their engagement shoot on such short notice. This was right before everything started to get locked down for the coronavirus pandemic, so the time spent outside in fresh air in a new place was really a precious memory.

“Not only is Kat an amazing photographer, but she’s an incredible person. Kat gave us an idea of what to expect, but as our first time doing a photo session, we were still a bit nervous/clueless. Kat made us feel comfortable and at ease. I never once felt rushed. She really is a professional who found her calling. Our photos turned out SO so great... I can’t stop looking at them. I highly recommend Kat and swell & stone to anyone who is even the slightest interested in getting some really cool and memorable couples photos outdoors.”

— Maria & Kaden

Arizona Saguaro Wonderland in Superstition Mountains | Arizona Elopement Photographer

Martha & Wil Wander Through Superstition Mountain Trails Outside Phoenix, AZ

SWELL & STONE / Adventure Elopement Photographer / Arizona & Beyond

Martha and Wil and their daughter, Lucy, met me in the Superstition Mountains in Lost Dutchman State Park outside of Phoenix, Arizona. We had a lovely sunny afternoon to explore some of the trails, and Lucy was excited to hit the ground running. I love how saguaros look in backlight, so naturally, I was hunting for the perfect saguaro for them to stand next to. We started by just trying to find some shade, which we managed to do, and I was able to capture some of the cutest family shots.

I love to include couple’s kids in their anniversary or engagement shoots, and of course, you include them on the actual wedding or elopement day as well. It makes the experience so fun because as a photographer I just think- what would be fun for a kid, let’s do that. So Lucy went up on her dad’s shoulders and held hands with her parents while swinging back and forth. She thought it was so much fun that she didn’t want to stop doing it. So if you can just create a fun experience and environment, that’s literally most of the battle. At one point Lucy and Wil went back to the car to grab her stuffed bunny, and that made for some really cute photos as well.

After a bit a fun family playfulness we were able to distract Lucy with an iPad and a good friend who kept an eye on her and we snuck away for some more sunset shots and a few outfit changes. The Superstition Mountains are such a cool spot, but where we were the sun was directly on the mountain, so I waited until it dropped a bit to put them against that amazing backdrop. We were able to hike far enough away from most of the people and it really felt secluded. On top of that, the weather was absolutely perfect even as the sun dropped the temps were comfortable.

The golden hour is one of my absolute favorite times to shoot, and I just revel in the amazing golden light as it’s happening. Martha and Wil were amazing and ran around like kids, spun, kissed, and twirled to their heart’s content. Every time I get to photograph a couple in these amazingly beautiful places, I love when the moment when they really take in their surroundings- how amazing the light is, how gorgeous the views are, how lovely their partner is, and they almost always say something like- we should do this more often. And the truth is most people should do this more often. Go for a hike where you have a nice view and watch the sunset. Feel your feet in the dirt and smell each flower or plant that you pass. Martha and Wil commented on how it was less than an hour's drive for them, but with a child at home and a list of obligations piling up it was something they hadn’t made enough time for. It’s so easy to let that happen. even though this is my job, I let it happen too. But my favorite part of the job is- often after the sun has set and the couple had an amazing time and their daughter is worn out from running and playing and we are hiking back to the cars- when they say something like what Martha and Wil said, which is that they will make getting outside as a family more regular. And they have a satisfied, very content-disposition and you can tell that everyone is truly happy.

Sunset Adventure Session at Dead Horse Point | Utah Wedding Photographer

Janessa & Brandon Explore Dead Horse Point State Park in Celebration of One Year Anniversary

SWELL & STONE / Adventure Elopement Photographer / Utah & Beyond

I met Janessa and Brandon on a secluded dirt road somewhere outside of Moab. I wanted to pack in the views during their adventure session, and the dirt road had stunning views of the La Sal mountain range as a backdrop. They were approaching their one year anniversary of marriage, and Janessa had told me she was excited to get some great nature photos with her dress, because on their actual wedding day she was more nervous about tearing it up. But now, a full year after their wedding she was excited to drag it through the desert dirt and spin freely on the hiking trails.

She also brought along an amazing white jumpsuit, so she started out wearing that, which allowed her to be playful and be mobile. So naturally running down the dirt road was a must, and we enjoyed the incredible mountain views for a while.

Janessa and Brandon met on a dating app and as Janessa explains it, “Our first date was for lunch at a pho restaurant. What was supposed to be a casual date ended up being way longer than either of us planned because we were having so much fun. We were laughing and telling stories and I probably overshared but everything felt so natural. Brandon told me about breaking his foot wake boarding, I told him about prepping to hike the PCT. He drove me back to my apartment and I knew I had to see him again. We still go back to that restaurant frequently, we even have our orders memorized and sometimes they'll seat us at that same table.”

Janessa fell in love with Brandon quickly and said, “I was on the phone talking to a friend, telling them about Brandon and they said, ‘So what, do you think you're gonna marry this guy?’ And I was like, ‘You know, I might.’ That was almost two months after we started dating. I knew really soon that I could never be bored with Brandon in my life.”

And in Janessa, Brandon knew it felt right from the start as well. “My family always complained that I never went out with a girl more than twice. When I met Janessa, I broke the rules I had set for myself about length of dates, texting, and everything else. It felt right from the start, and we saw each other almost every day after maybe our third date. I kept looking for red flags, but green means go!”

They share a mutual love for adventure activities which brought them closer together and really crystalized the special bond they share when they were dating long distance. “We lived several hours apart but made special trips to see each other on the weekends. When Janessa came to Utah Brandon would plan our adventure, and when he came to Idaho Janessa would plan it. We hiked in the Tetons, went to hot springs and did our very first canyoneering trip together. I think it showed both of us how far the other was willing to go in order to see something new with someone we loved. It feels like that's been the theme of our whole relationship. We are always looking for the next adventure, location or activity to do together. Someday maybe we'll get a dog or adventure cat or bird or something. Janessa wants something small to love.”

Next we drove just a few miles down the road to Dead Horse Point State Park. It was their first time in the park and for a while they just took in the view and gasped at how amazing it was. The cool thing about Dead Horse Point is that you have two fairly different views on each side of the park, and it’s up on a thin plateau, so you can walk from one side to the other quickly. We started looking down at the Potash Evaporation Ponds- bright blue sections of water at the base of tall orange mesas. It’s a strange sight for sure, but really cool to see from above. There is an info plaque in the park with more info on why this exists, but the short explanation is that a company is mining salt, and the way they do that is by pumping water into the rock, dissolving the salt, and pumping it back out into the ponds. They dye the water various shades of blue so that it evaporates more quickly, and then a machine gathers it.

On the other side you look down to see the classic Dead Horse Point view. We hike along the rim for a while, and it’s truly best to take in this view from absolutely every possible direction. As the sun sank a little lower, Janessa changed into her wedding gown, and Brandon into his suit. It was the first time they’d seen each other in their wedding clothes since their wedding, and they were so cute when they saw one another again. We moved to a different section of the park and Brandon in particular had no problem standing close to the edge of some overhanging cliffs.

We watched the sun go down, and Brandon’s playfulness came out when he picked up Janessa and threw her over his shoulder. When I was going through the images I could see the full range of emotions play out on Janessa’s face. From surprise, to shock, a little bit of fear, to full on laughter. It was a great way to end the session after witnessing an incredible sunset in one of the most beautiful places on earth. Through it all their love for each shone bright, and I walked away so happy to have had the opportunity to spend an afternoon with these wonderful humans.

“Kat is awesome! We took anniversary photos and she was so helpful with giving us ideas for poses, keeping the mood light and capturing our love for the outdoors and each other. She was awesome with communication and answered our questions quickly. Also, she’s super cool! I’d book her again just to keep talking with her.
”

— Janessa & Brandon

Couple Go Canyoneering for Engagement Shoot | Utah Elopement Photographer

Saoly & Benjamin Descend a Technical Canyon for Epic Engagement Shots

SWELL & STONE / Adventure Wedding Photographer / Utah & Beyond

I met Saoly and Benjamin in an unassuming dirt pull off on the side of the road outside of Zion National Park. The spot didn’t look like much, and to the untrained eye it looks much more spectacular than the views you will find by just driving an additional 15 minutes into Zion. But a short hike reveals one of my favorite short canyons, and Saoly and Benjamin were up for a technical canyoneering adventure for their engagement photos.

Saoly is a canyoneer and climber, and Benjamin is a climber and mountaineer. They both have a ton of rope work experience, all the necessary gear and safety training. It should be noted that I also have a ton of rope work experience, and I’ve completed around 100 canyons. I don’t guide couples down canyons, but it they have the technical experience to do it on their own I will certainly photograph them doing it. For other couples interested in a similar experience, but have zero or only a few canyons or climbs under their belt I highly recommend they hire a guide and I would be happy to photograph and come along for the journey. It’s such a fun experience, but safety is definitely the number one priority when descending a technical canyon, so it’s great to have a guide to worry about all the safety, and then I am able to focus on the photos.

When I asked about how they met and started to date Saoly explained that they met at the climbing gym in Las Vegas, but were only acquaintances for a while. Benjamin eventually moved to Salt Lake City and after Saoly ended a relationship they both ended up on an online dating app. Saoly said she had extensive filters set so she needed to expand her range to include more cities outside of Las Vegas, so when she saw Benjamin pop up on her screen she remembered him from the climbing gym. The rest, as they say, is history. They began seeing one another on the weekends and they love doing the same things, mostly climbing and skiing.

I picked this spot for their engagement photos, and we didn’t see a single person the entire day even though it was a weekend day. We had the whole canyon to ourselves to enjoy, and both Saoly and I laughed at how Benjamin pointed out and climbed the bottom of every climbable crack along the way. If you’ve ever taken a climber through a canyon you’ll know what I’m talking about.

Saoly developed a system of tying her dress in a knot while down climbing (AKA GOWN CLIMBING, HAHAA!) and rappelling and then untied it for photos and just walking. She was really the MVP of the day, because as you can tell from the photos, there was still a little snow on the ground and it wasn’t exactly warm outside. And let’s face it, it’s never warm inside of a canyon. Luckily, we only had to avoid a few puddles, so no wading through potholes in a white dress. That would have been a first for my shoots.

It was such a fun day, and I’m so happy they were able to experience a canyon they had never done for their engagement photos. They plan to get married on a mountaintop and I can’t wait to capture that special day!

“My fiance and I had the pleasure of working with Kat on our engagement photoshoot canyoneering just outside of Zion. We are a very adventurous couple who loves rock climbing, skiing, canyoneering, and mountaineering, so naturally it made sense for our engagement photos to be during one of our adventures. Of course, I wanted the photos to be not only epic and adventurous, but also still pretty and “weddingy” with a white dress and all. In other words, I still wanted to feel pretty, so we couldn’t do anything that was TOO strenous, be on an adventure, and also be in a remote location where we wouldn’t run into anyone else who might be in our photos. Kat has been around the block and suggested the perfect location for us that was picturesque, yet also remote (we didn’t see any other people that day), adventurous enough for epic photos yet not TOO strenuous so that I could still look somewhat put together and not all sweaty LOL. It is very difficult to find a photographer who 1) knows of locations that would even meet all these criteria 2) is in good enough shape to go on said adventure 3) can scramble and do sketchy downclimbs while risking possibly damaging their photography equipment 4) is comfortable with ropework and can do technical canyoneering and/or rock climbing 5) makes you and your significant other feel completely comfortable in front of the camera and knows how to pose you 6) take amazing photos 7) deliver them to you quickly, and actually gives you a HUGE number of photos! Kat fits the bill in all regards, and we are so lucky to have found her to capture our special day. Can’t wait to use her again for our wedding!
”

— Saoly & Benjamin