After years in this industry—photographing big wedding celebrations, dreamy styled shoots, and golden-hour portraits that could stop you in your tracks—one thing has become abundantly clear to me:

The most precious photo I can capture might be the last memory you have with a loved one.

Let’s have an honesty hour: I didn’t always feel this way. Early in my career, I used to think family photos were a little overrated. They took time, felt a bit stiff, and didn’t seem as exciting as the creative couple portraits I loved crafting. But life has a way of reshaping your perspective.

As I’ve grown older—and experienced loss myself—I’ve come to deeply understand the gravity of what I do. Preserving other people’s memories is sacred work. And within that, photos of family and friends, whether posed or candid, are some of the most valuable moments I can document.

That’s why when I help plan your elopement timeline, I always carve out time for family and friend photos after the ceremony.
It typically takes about 15–20 minutes, depending on how many guests you have and how much variety you want. Sometimes it takes a little longer—but the beauty is, we go at your pace.

One of my favorite additions to the day is leaving space immediately after the ceremony for hugs, tears, cheers, and congratulations. These unscripted moments of celebration—when your loved ones rush in to hold you, whisper words of love, or just beam with joy—make for some of the most beautiful candid images you’ll ever receive.

And once your gallery is delivered? Please don’t just let it sit in your inbox.

Print your photos. Create an album. Frame them. Share them.
I also love the idea of sending thank-you cards to loved ones featuring a print of you with them. It’s such a thoughtful gesture—and chances are, they won’t see many of the photos unless you go out of your way to share them.

The truth is, even the smallest elopement still holds space for big love.When I’m documenting your day—whether it’s just the two of you on a mountaintop or you’ve brought along a handful of cherished guests—I hold every moment with care.

I know how important these people are to you. I know what it means to capture a squeeze of the hand, a kiss on the cheek, a proud parent’s eyes shining with tears.

So yes, we’ll get those stunning couple portraits. But we’ll also capture your people.

Because one day, when time has marched on and memories begin to blur, you’ll be grateful to have them right there—in your hands, on your walls, and forever in your story.

I’d love to hear from you—if you could have one photo of a loved one, what would it be? A quiet moment? A big belly laugh? A simple hug? Drop it in the comments below.