“Forget traditional elopement packages—I create wild, intentional experiences built for couples who want the adventure to last.”
So you love the idea of a nature elopement but don't want to hike on your elopement day?
Have no fear. I have thousands of locations that are easy access including just a short walk from the car that are just as beautiful as if you hiked 10 miles up the side of a mountain.
Easy access Elopements
I know not everyone likes hiking and some are not physically able. As I was an avid hiker I got to explore every cranny and nook of Virginia and the surrounding areas. I was diagnosed with Intersitiail Lung Disease in 2024 and put on oxygen when I am moving. This made it hard for me to hike and I know there are so many others out there like me who either can't or just don't want to do the hike. I found so many locations along my journeys that are easy access and have epic backgrounds. I am so excited to be able to offer these unique lopcations to you. Some I have found by just driving around and seeing a pretty spot and tracking down who owns the land to ask permission to shoot on it. I have a very extensive list of locations that include; trees, mountains, rivers, creeks, waterfalls and so much more.
"You are my heart, my life, my one and only thought". —Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
-Claire Webber
“Once again, Janel has exceeded our expectations. Right from the get-go, she's excellent at communication and keeping us up to date with everything, made sure to get to the location early to help us find our way”
I m obsessed with elopements! There is just something about forsaking tradition and taking the road less traveled to forge your own path.
Being surrounded by nature and frolicking in the wild while living out your greatest love story is just the best time spent ever.
I love planning events almost as much as that. It really just fills my cup. I will be for you so much more than just the crazy lady taking your wedding pictures.
I will be your personal assistant, planner, cheerleader, therapist, travel advisor, elopement planner, hiking/trail guide, expedition leader, and so much more than just your expert photographer.
I cannot wait to help you plan the most epic, unique, personalized elopement you could ever dream of.
I'm Janel
Hey Ya'll
we're ready to book!
So why choose me?
10+ Years Experience
Travel Agent & Excellent Planner
All inclusive and accepting
Professionalism & Preparedness
- A developed professional eye
- Authentic posing & prompts to help you feel comfortable
- Emphasis on incorporating landscapes into portraiture
- A focus on client experience
-Learned tips and tricks through trial and error
- Extensive backup process making sure your photos are safe
- Legally binding contract that protects BOTH parties
- Backup camera gear in case of accidents on the job
- Detailed guides and resources
I pride my business on being accepting of all walks of life and a judgement free zone. I just want to share your love story honestly and let you both show up as you are. That is what matters most to me... authenticity!
I have been planning vacations for myself and others for years. I love getting to research places to eat, activities, and also much more to give all the options for your perfect trip. I am so excited to be able to share this gift with you now also.
-William Cathcart
“Janel was excellent to work and was very encouraging and helped to calm my nerves during the session”
I truly believe that these following qualities make me the perfect elopement planner and photographer. I have been an avid hiker for years and just love exploring new areas I have never seen before. I explored so many areas before I had lung issues that I already had a truly impressive library of locations to offer. I continue to hike even now that I have lung issues just now I bring along my oxygen tank. I am constantly location scouting looking for the next best spot for the perfect private ceremony. I have lived In Virginia my whole life and have a very large bank of location already that span all of Virginia and the surrounding states. My love of exploring coupled with all this previous knowledge makes me a great person to find the perfect location for your special elopement day.
Being an empath gives me the unique ability to feel what other people are feeling. I know that no matter how comfortable you are with your spouse and photographer sometimes it can be hard to voice what you are feeling in the moment, especially if you don't want to mess up the good vibes of the day. That is where I come in, picking up on how you feel throughout the day and using that to redirect the day as needed. For instance, we have been walking for awhile and the temperature continues to rise, we keep passing people who keep stopping to congratulate you... I can sense that you are getting overstimulated and need a moment. So I direct us to a private spot and step away to give you two a private moment alone together and time to have a snack, take a breath and get away from people on the trail, the mood is saved. There are many instances where this really comes in handy as I am great at detecting the subtle changes in mood and anticipating the needs of others.
This also plays into being a single mom for the last 21 years. I have had to be the ultimate multitasker, keeping all the plates in the air at the same time. While I have managed several schedules at the same time and at times had to be in multiple places at once while still paying attention to all the things. I have had to wear all the hats which really helped me in running an elopement photography business where I also wear all the hats. This assures I don't get stressed out over things not working out and I work really well under pressure. I will remain calm and offer up some solutions to the problem.
My OCD which I have done much therapy to be in a healthy place from and don't take lightly. I have learned to use those traits to benefit my life and improve it instead of holding me back. My disorder makes me expressly good at planning and paying attention to all the little details. I tend to overthink which makes me great at playing out all the scenarios and having a million back up plans in the back of mind at all times. While this does make me sound rigid and strict I can assure you that I have had to loosen my grip on that from being a single mom where I really have to go with the flow. I am adaptable to the plan and that is why having a million back up plans is so helpful. Paying attention to all the details really comes in handy during the planning, actually shooting and posing, culling and editing. While it may take a little bit longer to get your images back I promise its worth it after I have gone over every little detail.
Let's get down to what you really want to know...
What does the planning process look like?
I know you probably have a ton of questions about what goes into the planning process and why my particular method is superior to others so I want to go ahead and break some of that down for you here. If you have any questions at any part in the journey feel free to reach out so I can answer them for you.
Questionnaires and Other Planning Tools
I have quite a few questionnaires throughout the process that are specifically designed to get the information I need to really understand and tailor this experience specifically to you and your partner. I have really streamlined these to ask just the right questions so that you aren't wasting unnecessary time and energy. These have been tested and analyzed to really streamline this process and truly help me understand the essence of what you are looking for.
Welcome Pack
This ultimate pack includes all the tools we will use to plan the most epic elopement and not forget a single thing.
Thorough Research Packet
Let me help you create the most epic, fun, stress-free adventure Elopement while telling your love story and documenting your day.
Triple and Double Checking all the Details
I do this so that you don't have to. IO want your focus to be on your love and not the small minor details or every little thing that could go wrong. I will double and triple check all the details from the weather, road closures, park closures, the back-up plans, permits and every little thing that needs to be monitored leading up to the big day. This way you don't have to worry about a thing.
Here is what is included:
Elopement Planner- A Spreadsheet that keeps track of all the details
Travel Spreadsheet- This spreadsheet tracks: lodging, addresses, budget,
Budget Planner- Keeps all the budget pieces in one place so you can easily make sure you aren't going over
Elopement Guide- Very detailed PDF helping guide you while making those important decisions you will need to make
Checklist- Step by step checklist as you go through the whole process to keep you on track
Activity Guide- A list of possible activities you could possibly do on your special day to inspire you with possibilities
Here is what is included:
Personalized Location Guide- This will go over options that I think will work well for your special day based on your preferences. It will also include back up locations just in case we need them.
Vendor Recommendations- Including a list of all local vendors that you may want to look into; including florists, hair, make-up, food and drink, etc.
Lodging Recommendations- Places to stay depending on whether you prefer hotels or Airbnbs, something unique or where to park your tent for the night.
Elopement Guide- Very detailed PDF helping guide you while making those important decisions you will need to make
Checklist- Step by step checklist as you go through the whole process to keep you on track
Activity Guide- A list of possible activities you could possibly do on your special day to inspire you with possibilities
This is a book of all the research that I put together for your specific elopement day, this will look different for every single couple as it is very personalized for every little detail.
Handcrafted Timeline and General Shot List
This is such an important step. While we will not follow the plan to the very second and will def bob and weave some throughout the day, it is still very important to have a plan. We need to make sure we have included everything that you want and at least know what is the most important parts of the day for you. This way even if we get sidetracked we can still make sure you get what you want.
The shot list is also important to make sure that we have a plan for the most important shots that you want. While I do capture the whole day there will be bits and pieces of the day where I just let you have moments. I want to make sure that I am capturing the moments that are the most important to you so it's important for me to have a good grasp of what thaat looks like to you as this is different for everyone and very personal.
-Emily Allen
“Her website is super easy to navigate and she constantly checks up on you and keeps you informed through the whole process”
Let's Get Started
I'm so freaking glad you're on this page because I cannot wait to meet you and create magic together! The contact form below is a little long, only because I want to serve you in the best way that I can! The more details you give me, the better so I can get to know you super well right off the bat! My hope is that you guys are ready to have a wild adventure with me when you fill out this contact form! If you missed the "INFO" page then be sure to go back and read all about the experience and the packages info so you have a better idea of what I offer before you fill out the form! Also, feel free to ask any questions you may have!
What's Included in packages?
All
Unlimited Consultations
Reminder Emails, Double and Triple Checks
Customized Client Portal
Photo Back Up and Storage
All Images professionally edited
2 Week Sneak Peek Delivery
You are entitled to unlimited calls and emails during business hours. This will ensure you can have all questions answered.
I will check and recheck every little detail so you don't have to worry about a thing.
I will store every detail surrounding your elopement in my CRM where you can easily access with your password.
I back up your precious images in 3 different locations to fail safe protect t them. I also shoot on 2 cards in every camera.
Promise of sneak peeks being posted for you to see within a two week time frame.
Every image is carefully curated and edited within Lightroom and Photoshop. This ensures professional level for each image.
Effortless Gallery Delivery
All Hi-Resolution Images
Printing Rights
Password protected gallery with easy online downloads. The gallery will stay on the site for up to one year.
You want your images to be of great quality this way you can print them and put them on large canvases.
I will give you printing rights for the images this way you can print them on your own whenever you want years after the session.
Engagement Session $100 discount
Video Footage throughout the day
Gifs
Double Exposures
Video Slideshow of Images w 5 Songs
Drone Footage
After reception party
Pre/Post Elopement Session
Second Shooter
Here are some options you can add on to any package
-Felice Lu
“Janel is amazing. She responds very quickly, respects your wishes, and the pricing is very affordable.”
Starting Packages
Keep in mind all my packages are 100% customizable for your convenience. I want you to be able to have everything you want and nothing that you don't. Isn't that what eloping is all about to begin with? We will need to have a conversation to determine what each of these packages really mean if you want to customize them. This way I can make sure you are aware of what you are getting and not getting.
this is your day, claim it
When you contact me for a session I will send you the full price guide. From there we can figure out which package may work best for your needs. I'm sure that we will be able to find or make one that will work perfectly for you!
All in all my packages say starting at because I like to customize each package for each individual couple. I know some may want a mix of things and I like to be flexible. We can sit down and customize every single aspect of your session to cater to you. After all, isn’t that what it’s all about? Making you feel like a Rockstar. I can’t wait to meet you all and have the opportunity to tell your love story. Click the Book Now Button and fill out the short questionnaire for a more detailed pricing guide!
Not seeing everything you need in one package?
That is totally understandable. I get it there is no one size fits all package.
Contact me and we can hop on the phone and have a chat about what you truly need and don't need. We will really get down to the emotional aspect of your choices and go over them all. Then we will come up with a plan that is really unique to you and will get you everything you truly want. I can't wait to get to know you more!
-Rachel Whitley
“Janel went above and beyond to make sure we had all questions answered before hand. Helped me with organization of the day and did it all with enthusiasm and a smile on her face.”
ready to make some magic?
100% let's do it!
You will recieve the full gallery within four weeks of your wedding day. You also have the printing rights!
deliver day
I will edit all the images. You can expect to see a sneak peek within two weeks after your wedding day.
edit
Just show up and relax. We will have a great time and the most unforgettable experience.
Elopement day
You will fill out another questionnaire and I will do some research and deliver the planning book.
set a plan
Let's secure your date, time and pay the retainer to hold your date for the future.
Book it
Inquire through the short questionnaire or book a consultation call if you have more questions.
Inquire
process
The
What can an all day elopement look like?
Here is a timeline example for you
The beauty of an elopement is that it's a completely customizable day. Your dreams and experience are the priority, and I'll help you bring your vision to life. Curious about what an elopement day might look like?
Spoiler alert: it's not just a quick little ceremony and posing for pictures. It's a full-on adventure-a day specifically designed with your happiness in mind.
11:00 am
Photographer arrives and starts with Preparation and Detail shots
11:30 aM
First look and gift giving.
12:00 pM
3:00 pM
4:00 pM
5:00 PM
8:00 pm
Some shots with the dogs before we put them back in the house for the day and go on our adventure.
Some storytelling and portrait shots down by the water with the beautiful reflection.
A short canoe ride across the lake in a canoe filled with a beautiful bed of flowers.
Watching sunset over the mountains.
Some storytelling shots as we walk back to the car with our lanterns in tow during blue hour.
6:00 pm
Ceremony with the sun starting to set. Private vow reading included.
7:00 pM
A short walk up to the summit with the beautiful mountain view.
2:00 pM
Picnic by the water, pause at least 30 and let them really enjoy each other for a minute while eating some food.
1:00 pM
Taking an ATV ride down to the water and picnic area.
my promise to you...
For those couples who feel awkward and uncomfortable in front of a camera who want a safe space to be authentically themselves, I to help you overcome that barrier by using prompt posing, which allows clients to interact with each other naturally, letting me capture beautiful candid moments with their personalities.
promise
She has an eye for adventure, which is something not usually or easily conveyed through photography, which made our experience during the shoot and when we received our photos.”
McKenna Borton
Do you still have reservations?
That is completely understandable as this is a very big decision for you!
I would love to sit down and have a conversation about all the things that may be on your mind, questions, comments, concerns. We can just chat and get to know each other and see if we could be a good fit for each other.
-Hilary Dove
“Janel is excellent and gives her all to make your vision come to life.”
Many couples tell their families beforehand and share their day with a few loved ones; it's an intentional choice, not a secret escape.
Elopements are secret and shameful.
01.
Elopements are often planned for months, focusing on an intimate, meaningful experience rather than a rushed event
Elopements are quick and unplanned.
02.
Elopements can include parents, siblings, or best friends (often up to 10-20 people) or even a small wedding party.
You can't have any guests at an elopement.
03.
While they can save money, the primary driver is often a desire for an intimate, personalized experience focused on the couple's connection, not a lack of funds.
Elopements are cheaper than weddings.
04.
It's about creating a day that authentically reflects the couple's relationship, which is empowering, not selfish.
It's selfish to elope.
05.
You can elope in your own city, a local park, or anywhere meaningful; no extreme adventure skills are required.
You have to be an expert hiker or travel far away.
06.
misconceptions
Common
Still not sure yet?
Filling out this form won't lock you into anything, it will just send you a bunch more info and resources and get you in touch with me so that I can assist you in answering any questions or concerns you may have.
This guide will truly help you all the decisions that you will have to make along this journey and open your eyes to some possibilities you may not have known even existed.
With the elopement Guide
your shoot
Plan
Free download here
The Gram
that will last a lifetime
It's about raw emotions, natural connections, having fun and creating memories
Learn More
