Sierra Nevada Elopement Photographer
A carefree, windows down, summer vacation kind of wedding day...
You chose an experience over (other people's) expectations.
A big wedding wasn't for you.
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 15 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
Just you and your vows in the freedom of nature.
Meet your Sierra Nevada Elopement Photographer
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?
You decided to get off the big wedding train when:
1. You 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 began 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.
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.