Hey you!!
Yeah, you… I’m gonna let you in on a few secrets.
My biggest advice as a non-traditional wedding and elopement photographer…
…is that wedding day actually doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.
#1: Your wedding or elopement is about YOU and only you.
It’s actually not about your parents, or your friends, or your great aunt Sharon who insists she should be there even though you haven’t seen her in 10 years. Your wedding isn’t just a glorified family reunion, and you shouldn’t feel bad about wanting to keep it small.
#2: You get to do literally whatever TF you want.
Like, anything. From hiking to zip lining to biking down the beach before jumping in the sea in your wedding clothes - as long as it’s a hell of an adventure and you end the day married, I’m in! ;) With you in mind, I made all of my packages super customizable so you can pick and choose exactly what works for you.
#3. There’s no “right way” to have a wedding.
While I’m all about breaking tradition and just doing what you want, I’m more about you doing what feels best for you - whatever that looks like. If that means sticking with a tradition that’s really important to you, I’ll be right there supporting you in that choice. However, if doing a first look (for example) stresses you TF out because you can’t stand the thought of spending so much of such an important day apart from your person…. don’t do one! Think a first look is actually kinda cute if you put a lil’ queer spin on it? Make it yours, bestie! There are no rules, and you’re perfectly allowed to pick and choose what elements of tradition and non-tradition feel good to you.
#4: You actually don’t have to get married in your hometown “so everyone can make it.”
You are not obligated to blow your entire budget on feeding and accommodating 200+ people if what you really want is an epic experience with your forever person. If having a destination wedding or elopement feels right to you, that’s what you should prioritize. It’s not “selfish” if someone you love can’t make it, and you can always throw a reception back home at a later time.
#5: Your wedding shouldn’t be the best day of your life just because you’re getting married.
I know, I know. That’s rich coming from a wedding and elopement photographer. The idea that your wedding should be the best day of your life is what keeps me and other luxury wedding vendors in business. But I’m over the idea that getting married is the end goal. People perceived as “brides” especially are constantly fed this messaging that weddings have to be big, traditional, and involve everyone you know - and it’s implied that life is kinda downhill from there.
What if I told you that YOU get to take charge of the narrative? You can make your wedding one of the best days of your life by ditching traditions that don’t feel meaningful and doing what you actually want. Weddings aren’t the end goal, but the start of your next adventure with your love. You get to kick it off in whatever way feels good - pretty cool, huh?
So go ahead, make it a big deal… because it is a big f*cking deal! Just remember that “the best day of your life” only happens if you’re doing something you actually love, and that it will be one of many more best days together.
How it WorksAll travel costs are included in my package prices - I don’t believe in “gotcha” moments and hidden fees. What you see is what you pay. If your wedding will be within 300 miles of Minneapolis, you can choose exactly the number of hours you need with all expenses included. As a destination wedding and elopement photographer, you can totally bring me along if you’re planning to elope or have your wedding out-of-state. If that’s more your thing, you have the option of paying a custom travel and lodging fee or upgrading to either my all-day “anywhere in the USA” or international package - whichever makes more sense for you!
All wedding and elopement packages include:
Planning assistance including permit research,* guides, location scouting, support calls, and questionnaires
“Weather insurance” for outdoor ceremonies: a non-booking policy for the day after your wedding, and no extra fees to reschedule by one day if inclement weather interferes with your outdoor wedding or elopement.
Six to eight week turnaround time, with sneak peeks delivered within a week
Private online gallery of all quality edited images and a few GIFs of your day
Your full gallery on a USB mailed to your home as a built-in backup of your images
A print release to print your gallery yourself
Proof of insurance (certificate with venue listed as additional insured upon request)
All associated travel fees
A complimentary engagement session, fine art album, or second photographer as a gift from me!
Complimentary officiant services, where applicable
*I’m here to help you dig through the weeds, but you’re ultimately responsible for purchasing any required permits.
Add-ons available:
Prints and albums available for purchase through me
Multi-day coverage
35mm film coverage
Second shooter
Just-what-you-needWedding & Elopement Packages
“the voyageur:” Minnesota and Midwest elopement & intimate wedding packages
You’ve probably already gathered that I love to travel new places. However, I’m a Midwest elopement photographer at heart (there’s a reason I stuck around!). There are soooo many hidden gems where you could elope in the Midwest, and I’m here to share them with you. <3
What you get:
Customized hours of photo coverage by yours truly, including:
Sneak peeks within one week, and all edited images available in a private online gallery within 8-12 weeks
Your full gallery on a USB mailed to you as a built-in backup of your images
Options to print through me and full printing rights to do it yourself
Comprehensive planning assistance:
In-depth guides about how to plan a day that is true-to-you, meaningful, and low-stress
Personalized questionnaires to help you choose locations and prompts that are accessible, affirming, and true to YOU
Unlimited planning support calls leading up to your day
Permit research, and virtual and in-person ceremony location scouting
Weather insurance for outdoor ceremonies: non-booking policy for flexibility to reschedule for the day after your wedding day at no extra cost to you
All travel fees included up to 300 miles from Minneapolis
Elopement officiant services where applicable
A complimentary engagement session, second photographer, or fine art album!
Midwest wedding & elopement packages
Average investment 3200.00 - 4000.00
“the acadia:” anywhere in the U.S.A adventure wedding and elopement packages
Let’s get you married somewhere cool! Whether you have somewhere in mind super meaningful to get hitched, or you need help picking a spot - I’m here to help you navigate the ins and outs of elopements and intimate weddings anywhere in the United States.
What else you get:
Full-day (up to 10 hours) photo coverage by yours truly, including:
Sneak peeks within one week and all edited images available in a private online gallery within 8-12 weeks
Your full gallery on a USB mailed to you as a built-in backup of your images
Options to print through me and full printing rights to do it yourself
A beautiful, hand-designed album or complimentary engagement session as a gift from me
Planning assistance:
In-depth guides about how to plan a day that is true-to-you, meaningful, and low-stress
Personalized questionnaires to help you choose locations and prompts that are accessible, affirming, and true to YOU
Unlimited planning support calls leading up to your day
Permit research, and virtual and in-person ceremony location scouting
Weather insurance for outdoor ceremonies: non-booking policy for flexibility to reschedule for the day after your wedding day at no extra cost to you
Elopement officiant services where applicable
All travel fees included (plus tons of travel tips from your travel-savvy photographer)
United States destination wedding packages
All travel included at 4800.00
“the dolomites:” destination adventure wedding and elopement packages
I will follow you literally anywhere in the world. I’m with you for the whole shebang, start to finish, to witness & document the launch of your next adventure together.
What else you get:
Full-day (up to 10 hours) photo coverage by yours truly, including:
Sneak peeks within one week, and all edited images available in a private online gallery within 8-12 weeks
Your full gallery on a USB mailed to you as a built-in backup of your images
Options to print through me and full printing rights to do it yourself
A beautiful, hand-designed album or engagement session as a gift from me
Elopement planning assistance:
In-depth guides about how to plan a day that is true-to-you, meaningful, and low-stress
Personalized questionnaires to help you choose locations and prompts that are accessible, affirming, and true to YOU
Unlimited planning support calls leading up to your day
Permit research, and virtual and in-person ceremony location scouting
Weather insurance for outdoor ceremonies: non-booking policy for flexibility to reschedule for the day after your wedding day at no extra cost to you
All travel fees included (plus tons of tips from your travel-savvy photographer)
International elopement packages
All travel included at 5200.00
things you’re maybe wondering but are too afraid to ask…
You specialize in elopements and “intimate weddings.” What does this mean to you?
Let’s get one thing straight: elopements are so much more than just running off to the courthouse or a “shotgun” wedding. They are just as real and special and a big deal as traditional weddings. So, while I do take on the occasional larger, more traditional wedding: send me your backyard weddings, your adventure elopements, your cozy celebrations of love in the living room. The more intimate and wacky, the more fun I’ll have. There’s no magic number to this. If you’re committed to celebrating your love authentically just the two of you OR by having a party for you and your favorite people, I’m in!
Will you photograph a “straight” wedding?
LOL! Yes, I’ll photograph your wedding if neither of you are queer. I just require that you be a queer ally 110%.
How many details do I need to book with you?
Literally, just a date and general region. If you’re planning on getting married in a traditional venue or a specific spot, I would urge you to book them first to make sure they’re available on your date. But if you need help deciding where to elope, I’m here to help you every step of the way. And if you initially opt for a Minnesota package but change your mind later on, we can chat about upgrading your package.
Do I need to be non-disabled and an experienced hiker to elope?
Hell nah!!! Soooo many of the best places to elope don’t even require a hike in. Of course, some of these spots come with their own challenges to work around as they tend to be pretty popular. If you want to elope somewhere without a strenuous hike in or out, it’s probably a good idea to plan for a weekday or sunrise elopement. My questionnaire will ask you about any physical mobility limitations and how far you’re comfortable hiking so we can decide on the perfect spot together.
You might want to book another photographer if…
You’re looking for a traditional photographer to direct you into all the classic “cake topper” poses.
Your wedding will be indoors, traditional, and have a large guest list.
You want to remember your day through posed photo ops instead of candid moments.
…but we might be a dream team if….
You are intentional, thoughtful, and inclusive.
You’re planning to elope and want a photographer who’s on the entire adventure with you, and can talk you through packing lists, travel tips, and ground rules for respecting the outdoor space we explore together.
Your wedding is on the smaller side, outdoors, or otherwise unconventional.
You usually feel awkward in photos and want to work with someone who will guide you using prompts rather than direct you into stiff (and often gendered) poses.
You want your photos to truly capture how it felt to be there.
Are you ready to abandon the “shoulds” and any traditions that don’t speak to you…
…and instead embrace a wedding experience that celebrates you for who you are individually and as a couple?
(even if you’re still figuring out how to break the news to loved ones who didn’t get an invite… I got you, bestie)
Humor me for a second. Close your eyes and think about what a perfect day with your partner looks like. Okay, got it…?
What came to mind? Paddleboarding on the lake in your neighborhood? Having a picnic by an alpine lake in the Rocky Mountains? Sipping drinks with your favorite people on your backyard patio? Maybe you see where I’m going with this…..
Do THAT on your wedding day. Because why the hell not, right?
For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health…
Ahem. Erm, yeah, I think you get the point.
I vow to...
…use non-gendered, un-stuffy prompts instead of rigid poses so you feel like YOU on your wedding day
…truly get to know you as a couple so I come prepared to capture your authentic relationship dynamic in a documentary style
…be your biggest advocate for you to do exactly what you want and not take sh*t from anybody
No travel fees on the following schedule!
May 2024: Charlotte NC
June 2024: North Dakota
July 2024: Madison WI
October 2024: Wisconsin, Ohio, Pennsylvania
In between: Minnesota’s North Shore
Abi’s favorite places: New Hampshire/Vermont, Ireland, the Pacific Northwest, Arizona, Nevada, bucket list national parks & travel destinations
upcoming travel!
upcoming travel!
soooo... what's next?!
STEP 1. You fill out my inquiry form with as much detail as you can.
STEP 2. We connect in-person or on a video call to make sure we’re a great fit.
STEP 3. We make it OFFICIAL, and I become your new wedding bestie.
Once you’re all in, you’ll gain access to a unique portal with all your contract and invoicing information, a comprehensive welcome guide, a detailed questionnaire about your day, and a scheduler link for video calls to support you leading up to your day.
Inquire about your wedding or elopement!
We were from out of state and Abi worked with us to make our dream micro wedding come through. She made my four year old niece feel beautiful, captured our love and our crazy beautiful blended family.
We laughed, ate, cried, and left friends.
Gabrielle & Cierra
more nitty gritty deets for the anxious souls like me-
My gear is weather-sealed, so I’m not stressed about a little rain. However, “weather insurance” is built into my pricing in the case of severe weather that’s dangerous to shoot in. For all bookings moving forward, I won’t book another wedding the day after your date. This is in part to give you my undivided attention in the week leading up to your wedding, and in part to offer more flexibility for outdoor weddings and elopements without an obvious rain plan. For all weddings booked with pricing updated on September 26th, 2023, I won’t charge you an additional fee if you need to move your outdoor ceremony to the day after your wedding. This optional add-on is included in all Minnesota or out-of-state packages over six hours, and can be purchased for custom packages under six hours. If you have to move your ceremony by more than a day, you will have to submit a new retainer for a new date.
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My non-refundable retainer fee starts at $1,000 to hold your date, plus the estimated costs of all associated travel. This is to pay me for prep work I’ve done, and to ensure that I have some guaranteed income in the event of a cancellation for a date I’ve turned other couples away for.
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I get why you want to know this. You don’t want to be so excited to see your wedding photos, then be disappointed by a small number. BUT I no longer guarantee a specific number because it is soooo dependent on the flow of your day, how many unique events you have planned, the time between big things. I can say that on average 40-50 images per hour make it into a final wedding gallery, and I promise I don’t hold any good ones hostage. You get anything that I take that’s up to my standards.
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I will have your full gallery to you within 6-8 weeks. I always send out sneak peek images as soon as I am able to - this generally happens within 3 days, but can take up to a week depending on my work and travel schedule at the time. I know this is longer than some other photographers offering 24 hour sneak peeks, but I hand edit all images myself and it’s important to me to deliver work I’m proud of. I also am a human who likes to sleep after a long wedding day, so I no longer guarantee uber-fast sneak peek images.
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Sure do! If needed, I’m able to provide proof of insurance and get a certificate listing the venue as additional insured. Please let me know ASAP if this is needed - I can usually get them same day, but it’s easier for everyone if I have a heads-up.
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If I have an emergency and can’t make it, you’ll get the choice of an “associate” photographer who I hire to shoot images that I’ll edit later or a full refund of all money paid. I don’t bail on weddings if something cooler/more lucrative comes up, and I don’t have an associate team for non-emergencies. So unless something crazy happens, I will be the one to show up and photograph your wedding.
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It’s intense (lol). I record to two memory cards on each camera, so when I leave your wedding I put one of them in a waterproof SD card case to have on my person. The other stays in my camera ‘til I’m home. Then, I back up all the RAW images to two hard drives. One of them goes in a fireproof safe along with one of the SD cards from your day. Once your gallery is edited, I upload the edited images to the cloud and back them up to two physical hard drives before clearing the SD cards. While I keep all the RAWs and edited images pretty much forever, I encourage you to also back them up to several safe places in case something crazy happens to all of my copies (not likely, but not impossible).
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I generally don’t use photos for marketing unless I have a signed model release from everyone in the photo. So, oftentimes that means the photos I share from weddings are of the couple only. However, if you reach out I am more than happy to share full galleries with you!
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The short answer: yes. The long answer: it depends. I am technically ordained and am happy to submit the paperwork to marry you in whatever county, but my ability to do so does depend on where exactly you’re planning to get married, how soon your date is, and your guest count. This offering is typically reserved for elopements - it’s very challenging to photograph a wedding and officiate at the same time. However, I’m more than happy to sign paperwork and say the magic words if you want to have a friend or family member who isn’t ordained perform a symbolic ceremony.
Whenever I hire anyone to do anything for me, I ask a million questions. I always get a bit self-conscious about it and wonder if I’m being annoying. Consider this your formal invitation to send me whatever questions pop into your brain - I promise you you’re not being annoying for turning over every rock, and I am more than happy to chat with you as much as you need to be 110% confident in your decision to hire me!
