Elopement photography & planning assistance for wanderers, sunset chasers, road trippers & introverts.

Love Wildly is photography, officiant and planning assistance  for California elopements and small weddings.

Big Weddings aren't for Everyone.

Welcome!

I am so happy to find you here- somewhere along your elopement planning journey! I understand it might not have been an easy decision to elope, and I am so proud of you for doing what's right for you as a couple.


If you're testing the waters...wondering if an elopement or small wedding is right for you, I'm here to help. I've been a wedding photographer for 13 years, and I've learned there's no one-size-fits-all.


If you're in the "still not sure" phase, or the "we're all in" phase, I can be your sounding board, your encourager, and most importantly: 


I can help you find a balance between traditional & adventurous,

elopement & big event, private or public


I've witnessed over 300 couples say "I do," and my biggest desire is for your elopement experience to be the biggest blessing and the best memory. 


This day is worth celebrating in the way that gives you the most fulfillment & excitement. And for many, it can be a week long adventure or jumping off point to the best honeymoon.

Meet the photographer at Love Wildly

Marry your adventure buddy on an actual adventure.

Meet Love Wildly

Photographer, dress fluffer, dog person, 90's music enthusiast, tie-dyer, vanlifer, Sierra Nevada Specialist.

Hi, I'm Joleen! I'm an elopement photographer based out of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California. I live near the border of Yosemite National Park.  I've been photographing weddings for more than ten years. When a friend asked me to photograph her Icelandic elopement I had no idea the impact it would have on my wedding photographer's perspective.


Over the course of 10 days we drove around the country. My couple experienced so many slow, quiet mornings. They cabin hopped across story book landscapes. There was so much joyful anticipation that lasted days as they visited waterfalls, and hot springs, and caves. When they officially got married a few days in, their excitement  was not diminished in the least.  And the best part was, the adventure wasn't even over yet.


This experience put into words what my photographer's heart had been missing for my big wedding couples:


Time and space to react without an audience, while being in a beautiful location intentionally chosen for themselves.


After returning home I found myself seeking out moments of privacy for my traditional wedding day couples. I realized that a wedding day didn't have to be fully "traditional" and that my desire was to support and guide those brave enough to depart from tradition and dream up the way they wanted to mark the date.

Sierra Nevada & Yosemite Specialist

 I grew up in a tiny mountain town on the border of Yosemite National park. I've spent my whole life exploring every lake, meadow, swimming hole, vista, hot spring and mountain peak I can get to.

The Sierra Nevada region, including Yosemite National Park, The Sonora & Tioga Pass, Mammoth & June Lakes and Lake Tahoe are my most familiar stomping grounds and my favorite places.  Nothing makes me happier than setting off on a new forest service road and finding another place to share with my couples.

Find out how it works

How does it work?

Let the stress-free, true-to-you, wedding planning begin!

1. Get in Touch
Fill out the contact form with everything you know so far. It's ok if you don't have it all figured out yet! 
 I can help! 
2. Phone Call
We'll  talk about your elopement day inspiration & priorities. If you're undecided I'll make location suggestions after our call.
3. Reserve
Once you've decided on the date and general location, make it official by reserving 
Love Wildly.
4.   Day Of Plan
I'll get started planning your dream day, including more specific locations, timelines, and tips to make sure you're prepared.
5. The I-Do's!
Time to get married!  I'll be there to guide you through the day & document every little feeling. You're going to have the best day ever!
6. Relive & Share
I'll send a sneak peek a week after the wedding and you'll receive the full online gallery to download, print and share soon after!

Is an elopement right for you?

An elopement might be right for you if...

read more: is an elopement for you?

1. You've just started planning (or maybe you're a few months in) and the whole thing has stressed you out so much you're not enjoying the process. 


2. You are not inspired by the available venues for a big traditional wedding and you can't picture yourself there on such a life changing day.


3. You're beginning to realize there are so many "events" that happen throughout the day, that the time you get to spend with your partner is short 

4. Well meaning family members have started to weigh-in on what your wedding day should look like, but it's nothing like what you want or envision. 


5. The thought of being in front of an audience has given you some anxiety that is distracting you from the day’s true purpose. 


6.  You want your wedding day to be an adventure to remember, or a chance to cross off a bucket list travel location, possibly somewhere you can return to on anniversaries. 

read more: Is an elopement for you?

You don’t have to have the wedding other people want for you.

Sound good so far?

 I got your back!

You're in new territory here and I couldn't be more proud of you!  It can be a hard decision to depart from the "norm" and break a few rules. 


My passion for your elopement day goes for beyond pretty dresses and epic views. You as a couple are what matters most to me.


I support your decision and I do it whole-heartedly.  Your wedding day is personal to me.  It isn't just "another wedding."


I know that eloping is the route less traveled for many, and I care deeply about the reasons you choose to elope. My sincerest desire is to support you first and then photograph you in an honest way.


Your elopement day experience starts long before the actual "date." I am here for you, to help you plan, share in your excitement, and to photograph your day. 


I will be your sounding board if you need me, your pack mule, your encourager and dream-sharer. I will take care of you as a friend, with full attention and also have snacks and a warm blanket at the ready.


You don't have to do this alone and you don't need to know how to plan an elopement either.  I will help you every step of the way. 


locations & packages

FAQs

Don't see an answer to your question?
Feel free to reach out by text: 209-768-6016
  • Do we have to hike?

    No, but you can! Yosemite and the Sierra Nevadas are home to so many beautiful locations accesible by car, 4x4, easy paved foot path, or forest service road. I can help you choose if you're undecided. We can also research some unconventional forms of travel together if a helicopter ride, gondola or ATV sound fun to you!


  • We don't like being in front of the camera...

    So many of my inquiries include the exact phrase, "We're shy and feel awkward in front of the camera."

    Social media has played a mean trick on us and taught us to be hyper aware of ourselves. I've been at this a long time, and I can tell you the secret to candid feeling images is through your excitment combined with easy prompts and direction. I will draw on your history as a couple, and I promise you will both feel like yourselves. You will have the freedom and confidence to react, and that makes the best images.  So much of your elopement day experience will be just that- an experience. As the day unfolds the photos won't be an instagram cliche, they will be YOUR DAY, and all the anticipation and emotions that come with it. 

  • How do we plan an elopement?

    Don't worry, you don't have to do it alone! 

    Once you decide on a general date and general location, I am ready to help! I can make location suggestions, craft an easy, stress free timeline, recommend local vendors, and assist with any neccesary permits. 

  • Can you help us pick a location?

    YES! This is one of my favorite parts! 

    I grew up here and I've been exploring the Yosemite and Sierra Nevada region ever since I got my driver's license. I have so many favorite spots. The amazing thing is there's still so much to discover, and I LOVE dropping pins on the map and researching new locations. It would be my delight to help you find a location that's right for you. 

  • Can you officiate our ceremony?

    Yes, in California and most states! I'm an ordained minister from the Universal Life Church. If you'd like someone to play a bigger role in your ceremony, I can recommed a good local friend. 

  • What locations do you serve?

    Yosemite and the California Sierra Nevadas. Including: the Sonora Pass, the Tioga Pass, Mammoth Lakes, June Lakes (I LOVE the Eastern Sierras) and Lake Tahoe.  I am located near the Big Oak Flat entrance to Yosemite National Park. I am ALWAYS up for an adventure, so if your location isn't listed, reach out. I'll pack up the VW camper and hit the road.

  • Are you a wedding planner?

    No, but I delight in helping as much as you need me. I always craft personalized timelines and location suggestions for all my couples. I also help explain the permit process (where required) and make sure you know what to do. I can also connect you with other friendly mountain local vendors who would love to serve you. 

  • Can we bring our dogs?

    I LOVE dogs! If it's legal to have your dog attend your ceremony, I would love for you to bring them! And if your ceremony is at a location where dogs aren't allowed (many in Yosemite are not allowed), let's make a plan to include them at a second spot.

  • Will you help us find other vendors?

    Defintely! I am so fortunate to be friends with like-minded, mountain loving, wedding pros who would love to help you with your day. 

  • Can we go to more than one spot?

    Absolutely!

    That's the beauty of an elopement...we can do WHATEVER you want. I love multi location and/or multi day elopements. It is so worth it to get every last second out of your elopement experience.

  • How long do we need a photographer?

    There are a lot of factors that play into this question, but consider that your day will likely be very private, meaning that how you relive and share your day will have a lot to do with photographs. Your story deserves to be told in the most beautiful and intentional way possible. Moments leading up to the vows are so full of emotion and anticipation. I can help you decide how much coverage is right for you. 

  • Can our family members attend?

    Absolutely! If family and friends can add to your experience then you should include them! 

    There are several ways to include your family, even if it's not for the day in it's entirety. I photograph elopements and small weddings of 25 people or less. If you have more, please inquire.

  • How do we book you?

    The first step is to get in touch. 

    From there, we'll have a really casual conversation so I can understand your priorities and vision. 

    Once you've narrowed down a date and general location (I can help), a signed contract and 50% deposit hold your date. 

  • What if we don't know all the details yet?

    Totally ok! In fact, I love being invited in at the beginning, TBD stage. If you're unsure of where you want to elope, how you want to elope, what date you want to elope,  if you need a permit or not, I can help right from the beginning.  I love brainstorming with you!

Marry your adventure buddy, on an adventure.

Let's Chat!
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