The Elopement Guide
Welcome to Sarah Haley Photography
I am so excited that you are here and that I am going to be documenting one of the biggest days of your life. This guide is to help you think of a few things while planning out your dream elopement. I have been able to experience so many different elopements over the years and I am here to help you every step of the way!
Getting Ready Photos
Getting ready photos are some of my absolute favourites. People sometimes skip them for various reasons but I always recommend getting a few! It is such a special part of the day and creates beautiful photographs with your friends and family.
Choosing a space: When choosing a space to get ready try to find somewhere with as much natural light (windows) as possible. Also making sure it is uncluttered and has bright and neautral walls. You can ask your venue if they have a bridal suit! As much as possible try to stay away from rooms with no windows, fluorescent lighting or small spaces. Try to make sure that you and your bridal party do your best to keep the space clean of messy makeup stations, hair products etc. The cleaner the space is the more you will all stand out in photos!
The pre first looks: I always think it is really special to do first looks with bridesmaids and/ or family members! It means so much to them and creates really special photos.
The Details
When I arrive the first thing I will often ask for is your details so I can grab some shots!
I try to make sure that this part is not rushed, they may not be the most important photos of the day but they still mean a lot. If you prepare these beforehand it will help things run smoothly!
SOME DETAILS INCLUDE:
Both wedding bands and engagement ring
Wedding bouquet
Official wedding invitation
Both pairs of shoes
Groom’s tie, socks, belt, etc..
Wedding dress/ veil
Handwritten vows
Anything else that you might want in the photographs!
The First Look
First look ideas and tips:
A first look means taking a moment to see your partner face to face alone before the ceremony (and I will be there to photograph it).
It is totally up to you whether you want to do this. If you are keen, I will help you plan it out for your day. It has helped couples in the past calm down before the ceremony when they see their partner beforehand as well. Also then we can travel together to the ceremony location.
If you are writing your own vows and are feeling a little nervous to say them in front of everyone. You could always read your vows to each other at your first look or you could bring a note to read to your partner during this moment.
Choosing the best location:
I will be sure to scout out the best locations for your first look, couple photos and bridal party photos on the wedding day. If your venue doesn’t provide the perfect spot we can always look at what is close by. Maybe an open field, beach or forest is a quick walk down the road, we can always fit the travel time in!
Bridal Party & Family Photos
This is a rare moment when you are with all of your favourite people so don’t forget to take it all in!
Typically during elopements there will only be a few people attending so it is easy to make sure we every photo you want. But it can be helpful to write me a list of every combination and send it to me before the elopement.
The Ceremony
The moment we have all been waiting for! This is a time to be completely present with the people you love and I will be there to capture every moment of it.
I am here to help you find your perfect ceremony location! Whether it be on the top of a mountain, in the forest or by a river, we will find a beautiful location together. One thing to think about when it comes to the ceremony is finding a large enough location to fit the two of you, your officiant and your guests (if you are having anyone there).
The Experience
From start to finish heres what to expect as we work together…
Today (Booking Day)
Your day is officially booked on my calendar and I am so so excited about it!
Now until Elopement Day
This is the time to come to me with anything about your elopement. Send me your Pinterest boards and mood boards, photos of your dress, ask me about my favourite vendors and any other questions.
Engagement Photos
Have you booked an engagement shoot with me? We can get that date booked in and start thinking of a location and wardrobe for the shoot!
3 Weeks from the Elopement Day
I will schedule a meeting with you, either in person, over video chat or on the phone to chat about all of the details and figure out the timeline for your day.
Elopement Day!
I will text you the morning of to let you know that I am so excited that is finally your big day! Then we will run around together and take the most beautiful photos.
72 Hours after your Elopement
I will send you the first previews from your elopement gallery so you have something to enjoy from your day!
6 Weeks after your Elopement
I will send you the full high resolution gallery with all of your photos! I promise to put everything into them and will be so excited for you to see them.
Then what?
I always encourage my clients, if you loved working with me, to reach out when you need a photographer again! I love shooting anniversary photos, maternity shoots or family photos for past clients. It is so fun seeing your name pop back into my inbox!
Engagement Photos
Have you booked an engagement shoot with me?
If you haven’t yet, I couldn’t recommend it more! Engagement shoots are such a good way for us to get to know one another, get comfortable shooting together and it makes elopement photos so much less intimidating.
One of the first questions I have for couples is whether they have a vision for the shoot. If you have something in mind that you would like to make a reality! Even just a few inspiration photos you have seen off of insta or Pinterest is a great jumping off point.
Either way I am here to help! I typically will only do engagement photos in the early morning or late afternoon to make sure we get the best light. If you don’t have any ideas in mind for the shoot don’t worry! I am here to help you through the process of finding a location and your outfit. Either way my biggest piece of advice is to make it feel like you. I always like to get my couples in their element so they feel comfortable and like themselves.
A few common questions:
WHAT IF IT RAINS ON MY elopement DAY?
I actually absolutely love the rain! It creates the most stunning photographs. The only thing that would make my job more difficult is if couples are unwilling to take photos outside. We can grab umbrellas and make sure we aren’t trying to take photos when it is absolutely pouring. Rain is actually so romantic and beautiful if you stay positive. Some of my favourite photos come from rainy days, so there is nothing to worry about!
WHAT IF I AM REALIZING I NEED YOU THERE FOR MORE HOURS?
No problem! I have more than likely dedicated the entire day to your wedding, so if you need me for longer we can add hours as late as day of!
WILL MY DRESS GET DIRTY FOR THE PHOTOS?
That is completely up to you! But, honestly, I would say don’t worry about getting it a little bit dirty! This is probably going to the one day if your life that you get to wear this beautiful dress. Don’t be afraid to walk through the forest or tall grass. People are never looking at the bottom of your dress and it won’t get as dirty as you think.
HAVE YOU SHOT AT MY VENUE BEFORE? AND HOW DO YOU KNOW IT WILL WORK FOR YOU?
For every wedding venue I haven’t seen yet I will show up early to scout the location. But, that being said, I have worked at so many different locations and I know fairly quickly which locations are best with a short scouting walk.
