Intentional is the word that comes to mind when I think back to Mikaila and Chance’s elopement.
They built their day around the people, places, and things that have been part of their relationship all along. It’s one of the things I love most about photographing elopements in Palm Beach—there’s room to build the day around what actually matters to you.
The day started at home with their parents, closest friends, Mikaila’s brother, and their dog. There was no need to make getting ready into more than it was. I photographed what was happening around me, we made time for family photos in the backyard, and then everyone climbed aboard the Brew Cruiser and headed to North Palm Beach.
Their ceremony was just as personal. Mikaila’s dad officiated, and their families and friends gathered around them as they got married.
Afterward, everyone got back on the cruiser and the celebration continued.
A Place That Was Already Part of Their Story
We had talked about possibly going to Worth Avenue for portraits. It’s beautiful, but it didn’t mean anything to them.
Brass Ring Pub did.
During their long-distance relationship, when Chance would come into town from Georgia, the pub became one of their places. It was where they would go for beer, burgers, and time together.
So instead of choosing a location simply because it would make a beautiful backdrop, we stayed somewhere that was already part of their story.
They had beers, spent time with their friends and family, and enjoyed being married. And I photographed it.
Your Wedding Photos Don’t Need a Different Life
There is nothing wrong with wanting portraits, traditions, beautiful details, or any of the things we typically associate with weddings.
But your wedding doesn’t have to become something else for the sake of photography.
Sometimes the better photograph isn’t waiting at the prettier location.
Sometimes it’s at the neighborhood pub where you always went for burgers and beer.
It’s at home with your dog. It’s your brother arranging rose petals before the ceremony. It’s your dad officiating your wedding. It’s your friends singing along to a familiar song on the ride over.
Those things may not exist on anyone else’s wedding-day checklist, but that’s precisely why they belong in yours.
Mikaila and Chance’s photographs tell the story of the day they actually wanted to have.
And that’s always the story I’m looking for.
Planning a wedding day that feels like you?
Whether you're planning an intimate elopement or a full wedding celebration, I'd love to hear what you're creating.