This was such a beautiful elopement at the beach!
It featured so many fantastic moments, including a sunrise photoshoot, a first look between the bride and groom, moonlight photos, and a lovely excursion with their family and friends, this elopement in Delaware is filled with happy memories and I’m very lucky to have been a part of it.
Sunset Photographs
We started the afternoon at Mitchell’s family vacation home, where Haley and a couple of close friends were there to assist her in getting ready as she opted to do her own hair and makeup.
Once Haley was ready, we headed down to the beach just before the sun was setting. With the moonlight shining through and the waves crashing on the shore, this setting was nothing less than magical for a ceremony location.
If you’ve been following me for a while, you know how much I love a beach elopement, it offers so many spectacular opportunities for photographs. In particular, when the bride and groom see each other for the first time, surrounded by sand and the beautiful shoreline, it always makes for a fantastic photograph and a memory that will last forever.
As Mitchell was arriving to the beach, we hid Haley so they could partake in a first look prior to their ceremony. I positioned Mitchell facing the ocean where Haley could come from behind and tap him on the shoulder to reveal herself. Both of them were filled with excitement to finally see each other after the day apart and Mitchell’s reaction to his beautiful bride was the sweetest.
The Ceremony
I was honored to be the one to officiate for their special evening. Many times the officiant is a local minister, friend/family member, etc. As an ordained minister through the ULC, it allows me to not only photograph your elopement adventures, but officiate your special day simultaneously. This is always a special privilege for me, as I get to be the one to make you legally married!
Mitchell & Haley wrote their own vows to share with each other. Their vows were full of love and growth together, with nothing but happy tears flowing and their closest friends there to support them in their newest adventure. What a magical moment!
Once we wrapped up the ceremony, we did a few photos with their dear friends who traveled to be with them and continued photographing until it was dark, creating some beautiful moonlit shots.
This was a lovely, and unique way to end the day. One huge advantage of an elopement is being able to do things your own way. Mitchell and Haley got to write their own vows, and planned the entire day according to their own schedule
The Following Day
One of my personal favorite parts of an elopement wedding is the option to add an excursion to your package. This allows you to get additional photographs doing something you love together, or even with your whole group! For their excursion shoot, we met prior to sunrise and watched as the colors of the sky changed from beautiful pinks, reds, oranges and blues. No matter which direction you looked, you were surrounded with beauty and the ever-changing colors of the sky.
We photographed until the sun was up (and the beach quickly filled up with people) and caught some of the most beautiful shots of the newlyweds the morning after their wedding.
As part of the excursion, we were also able to get some photos from above by using the drone. Adding drone photography at your wedding or elopement can really add something extra, and allows me to capture the couple in ways that are impossible from the ground.
Haley’s Follow Up
After the wedding, I received a lovely message from Haley which she posted on her Facebook wall. Needless to say, her kind words meant so much to me and I’m so happy to have been a part of this lovely couple’s first day as Mr and Mrs.
One last post, with all my favorites! I dedicate this one to Rachel. You the most amazing kind hearted sould we have ever met, and we are SO beyond grateful you traveled to our favorite place to officiate and photograph our little wedding ceremony. You really helped make this perfect for us and kep me sane throughout all the planning! I will 100 million percent stay in touch with you and I am so happy to call you a lifelong friend after this!! If anyone is looking for a photographer who is laid back and easy to work with, we recommend Rachel! She is a traveling photographer and as you can see, knows what she’s doing! Thank you so much Rachel Sue Photography! You are incredible!
I really can’t show in words how much it means to me when I hear such lovely testimonials. Thank you Haley!
Elopement Photographer
If you’re considering an elopement, whether it be in the United States or elsewhere in the world, please feel free to get in touch with me. I’d be happy to have an informal chat with you to discuss your plans, and offer any help I can based on over 10 years of experience as a traveling elopement photographer.
If you need a little bit of help with the planning of your special day, you can grab my free guide below which will offer some useful pointers on getting sorted for your own elopement.
