Elopement Experience
There can be so many questions about eloping on Vancouver Island (or anywhere!). You may be wondering aout what it’s like to be photographed, or you may be wondering if eloping is the right choice for you. Read to see some common questions, my values, my approach, and what it could be like!
FAQ about Eloping on Vancouver Island!
Is it ‘less than’ a wedding?
Absolutely NOT. Eloping is about getting married on your own terms, creating your own traditions and moments around getting married, and meeting nobody else’s expectations other than your own. You can craft an entire day based around you as a couple: favourite activities, splurging on local vendors for the best of the best, having your ceremony almost anywhere you like, and making photos any way we like!
Aren’t elopements short?
My parents got married in 1977 with a few hours’ notice, one bottle of champagne, and a courthouse. They’ve been married 46 years. But … they have no photos. If you decide to go for 4, 6, or 8 hours together, incredibly easy to make a whole day happen!
Who do I invite?
Legally you need you and your partner, an officiant, and two witnesses. I can be a witness - so as a bare minimum, you need one friend or family or we can even stop a stranger out in the woods if needed. That said I consider intimate weddings under the category of elopements so less than 20 people, even if you have a fancy dinner with them, is still elopement territory in my books.
How to fill a whole day?
Oh boy, let me bend your ear on this one. We could photograph the anticipation of your morning (a cuddly morning in a beautiful hotel room bed? At home?), have a gorgeous brunch delivered (or go out), capture getting ready together or apart, a first look/reveal, make photos in the city or out in the middle of nowhere, say vows anywhere that makes sense to you (I can help pick!), and plan an epic sunset together so the photos reflect the momentous nature of your day. You could even end things with fancy cocktails downtown, on a rooftop, or around a campfire! So yeah, it’s easy to fill a day!
How much notice?
My shortest elopement notice was 12 hours. And it was awesome! So anywhere from the same day to a year in advance is awesome. The more notice I have, the more I can help planning is all. We can use the time to figure out where to elope, where to stay, how to make your ceremony unqiuely your own, how to make the photos really reflect you as a couple, hikes or viewpoints we want to reach, special activites, finding the right vendors for cocktails, a picnic, private concert, tiny cakes, special ceremony events, flowers, etc - if that’s what you want. Cause it’s your elopement - do it your way!
What about a party?
If you find yourself missing out on a celebration, have a party another day! I have had clients do it several times and the party is never, ever any less celebratory just because the couple is already married. You’ll save thousands having a reception that’s not tied to a wedding day, as well. Or, get married solo and have a party waiting somewhere. Or, have an intimate wedding of under 20 of your very best people.
What You Can Expect from Me:
Knowledgable.
A decade in this industry and I am here to be your guide through the day - photographically and otherwise. I assist in all your choices (if you want) and detail out what that will mean for your photos so you know exactly what to expect. The best thing about an Elopement is that everything is on your term - where, when, who, and what we do is all up to you with no one to tell you to do it differently!
By Your Side.
I am with you for the most important moments of your day, as much or little as you like. Your elopement photography could begin with having a nevous coffee together, followed by getting ready together and heading off to the location - or it can begin at the ceremony. It’s entirely up to you. But I am by your side to make it the best day of your life, photographically and otherwise!
Unruffled.
I have seen and done a lot in my life. Travel has taught me to be flexible in every possible way, and nothing phases. I’ve been stuck in monsoons, worked in the heat of the desert, gotten lost in big cities, been mugged once, you name it. I cannot be phased. If anything comes up on your big day, I’m good to go. Whether it’s weather, delays, a change in location, a ripped dress, nerves, a last minute idea - I’m ready to roll.
Funny.
I take your wedding very seriously but I am also here to take the edge off. It’s momentous but also giddy, joyful, romantic, gushy, cool, hip, and fun. I will crack jokes at appropriate times, occasionally roast you (and myself), and regale you with tall tales from the road, my life, or other weddings to put you as ease and laugh away any stiffness.
Cool.
Kind of like unruffled but, well, cooler. I am a cool person. I am passionate and dedicated but easy-going, relaxed, and chill. When I am doing what I love, I am in the zone, and it comes naturally. I roll with changes (but keep you informed) and generally am easy to be around. You probably will want to have a beer with me sometime. And I will say yes.
Invested.
Your elopement is more than just a calendar date to me. I might have gotten married a while ago but I still recall how deeply the details, the people, & the moments that made it magic. It meant something to me - your day means something to me too. I also limit the number of elopements I take on so that I can give you my all. I’d rather do 6 elopements I am fully invested in and produce amazing work, and be happier person with a reasonable workload, than take on 25 and burn out.
"I am blown away by the quality and attention to detail that Kate put into our wedding photos. Not only is she a skilled photographer but an awesome hostess during her photoshoots. Kate took us to the most amazing locations that made for some beautiful photographs. Her charm allowed for us to feel comfortable and relaxed, resulting in her stunning artwork. Thank you so much Kate for such a great experience and beautiful works of art that we can reflect on from our wedding day.”
What You Can Expect from The Experience:
Planning.
Whether you live here or are coming to Vancouver Island to elope, you will be guided through planning your elopement. I can advised and coach through deciding timelines, locations, and other elopement vendors that suit your style. When you are on the fence about a decision, you’ll be given tools to help decide what you truly want from the day, and images.
Guidance.
When it’s time to shoot, I am your guide. I will tailor the experience to your personalities and hopes for the images - while bringing my experience to the table. I will not leave you hanging in awkward silence or wondering where to look - and I will be cheering you on from whatever bush I’m behind or tree I’ve scaled to get the best point of view.
Troubleshooting.
On your big day, you will have a professional to turn to if anything comes up and we work together to adjust. Rain? Late? Road closed? Feet are freezing? Noshed pizza and got a stain? You will have a guide to pivot, adjust, and ensure the day is still as amazing as you hoped no matter what comes your way. I’m not a wedding planner, but I am here to help.
Laughter.
Almost everyone says they’re awkward in photos, so you’ll be surprised to see how quickly I can put you at ease with jokes, stories, questions, and prompts. We will laugh. You will feel cool and I will look ridiculous crawling through trees or striking some pretty extreme lunges to get the best angle. It doesn’t meant we won’t get to some serious, romantic, and intimate moments but you will laugh as we work our way towards that.
Cheerleading.
Your biggest fan will be front and center cheering you on the whole time - me! You will feel gorgeous and seen and admired by me, receiving just the right amount of encouragement that you are doing amazing, look amazing, and the photos are therefore also amazing. You will be hyped up and your confidence should be through the roof, and it will show in the photos. And if you’re the quiet type, I will pull back a bit so you have time together to just enjoy the peace and intimacy.
At Ease.
When you combine all these things, the experience is meant to simultaneously make you feel on top of the world and then completely at ease. You are worthy. you deserve to be seen. your love story is valuable and unique and deserving. It’s not just about looking pretty in the woods, it’s about you feeling confident and romantic and relaxed so that you can truly be yourself in the best light possible.
Kate repeatedly went above and beyond for us – wading into the ocean for our engagement photos and braving dark and snowy mountain roads for our wedding! We never expected to feel so relaxed and at ease on our wedding day, Kate was so helpful at providing guidance through the planning and then keeping the day moving smoothly, along with being professional and hilarious the whole time. Our friends and families are still talking about how fun and easy to work with Kate was, and of course how beautifully all our photos turned out.
Choosing Kate as our photographer was easily the best decision we could have made for our day, we could not be happier! 😍
What You Can Expect from The Images:
Quality.
Call me old-school but I want to get the best pictures, not just the most pictures. I’d rather you have 10 images you actually print, hold, cherish, and pass along as an heirloom than 1000 photos that die a digitally dusty death on your desktop. While I do still aim for variety, I hold quality of the image and moment above all else.
Vision.
I get a vision of a couple and I have the skills and knowledge to execute that vision. I get to know my couples - values, hopes, goals, history - and get a feel for what their journey would look like in an image, and I strive to bring that vision to life. I don’t just ‘snap’ photos aimlessly. I am focused, intentional, and deliberate in what I am aiming for.
Contemporary.
I strive to provide images that will stand the test of time, but i do not want them to be generic. Instead I aim for contemporary, cool, and timeless. I am inspired by my favourite analog films but edit with modern taste in mind. I also value originality - I keep an eye on trends for inspiration but don’t just mimic what everyone else is doing.
Westcoast Vibes.
Vancouver Island is the third wheel on our adventure, in the best way. She makes for a brilliant backdrop. Let’s embrace the ocean, the forest, the mountain tops and bring this place into your story as loudly or subtly as you feel suits you.
True Colours.
I could never undo the beautiful colours mother nature has provided here on Vancouver Island. I work hard on nailing the most beautiful tones that are true to van isle but modern, contemporary, and cool. I am inspired by the tones and depth of analog films and it shows in my style - but never anything trendy, hip, or “filter-y.”
Genuine.
I will work hard to capture the best version of you - in beautiful light, from beautiful angles, and guiding you into genuinely beautiful moments. I don’t do intense photoshop on bodies because I believe all bodies are valid and worthy - but I will touch up your skin, eyes, and clothes to give you that easy, nature beauty that you already have.
"My husband and I have had a not so average journey from day one. Despite timezones and pandemics, Kate was extremely knowledgeable, creative, and accommodating. Her willingness to help and her positive attitude made it easy us to be ourselves. Her fun personality allowed us to open up, laugh and truly be in the moment. I cannot wait to collaborate with her again and would recommend her highly to anyone. Thank you so much Kate for capturing our beautiful wedding photos and for giving us something to look back on and cherish together forever!”
Where to Next?
