If you're skipping stiff traditions and creating something more intentional, you're in the right place. My elopement experiences are built to support a wedding day that feels personal, beautiful, and fully yours.
You want a day that is intentional and crafted to center your love, not meaningless traditions or family pressure.
- Lydia and Bre
"We are so thankful for you, Samantha!!!
I tell people all the time that we have the pictures we do because of how comfortable you made us feel!!"
After nine years in this industry, I've seen too many cookie-cutter ballroom weddings, unsupportive families, and couples not choosing themselves.
I saw so many of these types of weddings in a row that I got burned the fuck out - and made the pivot to exclusively working with eloping couples who want an intimate and purposeful celebration.
I'm here to help you think outside the box. To guide you toward a more intentional, personalized wedding experience.
And out in nature? Even better.
outdoor enthusiast, bookworm, and photographer
- Jennifer and Jeff
"She is not only an incredible photographer but she is so sweet and patient and really became part of our family"
my approach
My encouraging approach when guiding you through your photos helps you feel confident and cared for so that your memories are preserved without stress!
I am transparent when it comes to posing - I'll show you what to do. I'll direct you for the most flattering photos that still look and feel like you so that you can focus on each other and whatever stunning location we're in.
My perspective blends a documentary style with posing that feels natural for authentic storytelling.
I'll help guide you through your day when you need it, and be hands-off when you don't.
Okay but where should we go??
Classic Arizona desert, the red rocks of Sedona, slots canyons of Page, the lush greenery of the White Mountains, or the rocky playground of Chiricahua National Monument?
You'll get customized location ideas to help you decide on the best spot for you - if you need it! I'm happy to help as much as you want, from ceremony + portait locations, to nearby places to stay.
We can chat about what you're thinking in regards to accessibility, vibe, and views.
I spend my free time researching online and building up my list of awesome location options, or going in person to hike aorund and try out new trails. My aim is to know what spots are more popular and which are more secluded. And which spots work best at sunrise vs sunset! I'm here to help figure out logistics like trail length, parking, permits, bathrooms, and backup plans to save you time and stress.
- Christiane and Patrick
"Wow! Sam was able to coach my (awkward) husband
and my (insecure) self into fun poses, coax out
real laughs, genuine smiles, and giggles"
EVERY ELOPEMENT EXPERIENCE INCLUDES:
H
H
H
H
H
H
So you get stunning views without the stress of figuring it out alone.
So your day flows naturally and never feels rushed.
So you can share the magic with family and friends almost immediately.
Thoughtfully curated, with unlimited downloads and personal printing rights - so your memories are easy to share and keep forever.
I guide you in ways that feel natural but look incredible - from what to do with your hands to how to move, when to lean in, and when to just be. You'll feel like yourselves, just on your very best day.
So you can self-solemnize with ease if that's the route you choose.
You can be aspirationally adventurous - nature lovers at heart but prefer a ten minute hike. There's no rules.
adventure-ish
Split between two days: If you're dreaming up a destination elopement to the Southwest and want to experience all that place has to offer in one epic adventure, from different activities to different views.
Perfect if you want a day with guests and a day to yourselves.
-Up to 12 hours of photo coverage
-Online gallery of fully edited high-resolution images that you can easily share
-Unlimited downloads
-Personal printing rights
-Natural posing + prompts to help you feel confident + cared for
-Location recommendations + help
-Timeline creation
-Sneak peek photos within 48 hours of your wedding day
-Instax photos of the day
-Album design
-Travel throughout the Southwest included
We could start at sunrise, take a break, and meet back up around sunset. This splits the day between the best lighting here in the desert and lets us explore two landscapes.
Having guests? This is the length of an average wedding day.
-Up to 8 hours of photo coverage
-Online gallery of fully edited high-resolution images that you can easily share
-Unlimited downloads
-Personal printing rights
-Natural posing + prompts to help you feel confident + cared for
-Location recommendations + help
-Timeline creation
-Sneak peek photos within 48 hours of your wedding day
-Instax photos of the day
-Album design
-Travel throughout Arizona included
Your elopement deserves as much photo coverage as couples having a traditional wedding. This gives you time to not feel rushed as your adventure unfolds.
-Up to 6 hours of photo coverage
-Online gallery of fully edited high-resolution images that you can easily share
-Unlimited downloads
-Personal printing rights
-Natural posing + prompts to help you feel confident + cared for
-Location recommendations + help
-Timeline creation
-Sneak peek photos within 48 hours of your wedding day
-Instax photos of the day
-Album design
-Travel throughout Arizona included
Short and sweet! This typically covers some of the getting ready before we head to your ceremony, followed by sunset portraits, and ending the evening with a toast.
-Up to 4 hours of photo coverage
-Online gallery of fully edited high-resolution images that you can easily share
-Unlimited downloads
-Personal printing rights
-Natural posing + prompts to help you feel confident + cared for
-Location recommendations + help
-Timeline creation
-Sneak peek photos within 48 hours of your wedding day
-Travel within two hours of Phoenix included
Nostalgic, fun, laid back, and a little messy. The medium is inherently playful and chaotic, adding an upbeat energy that I absolutely love! It feels casual and cool in a world of highly produced, cinematic wedding videos. It's shot on a vintage camera and actual film.
In Arizona, it's easy to legally marry! Many of my couples love to keep things intimate and lead their own ceremony, with me signing as the officiant.
This is included complimentary in all of my packages as it's so special to get to sign. ♡
Need an officiant? I'm ordained!
Sedona, Arizona
Gold Canyon, Arizona
Sedona, Arizona
"Sam is beyond amazing. We're so glad we found her to capture our special day. From the very beginning, she was friendly, professional, and incredibly attentive.
Before our first call, we had completed a questionnaire and noted we were thinking about an intimate morning wedding and brunch afterward. During the call, she had already done research on the venues we were considering and when the sun was set to rise (hint: it was about 5:30am - and the lighting was amazing).
She also went above and beyond by taking the time to meet up with us for a small rehearsal a few days before the ceremony.
The photos we received are stunning.
She provided more than we ever would've thought for the few hours we were together, but there isn't a bad one in the lot. It's hard to choose favorites.
My mom, who isn't the biggest fan of the Phoenix area, commented that she didn't realize the desert could be so gorgeous until she saw our photos. We had about 20 people at the wedding, and several of our guests commented on how impressed they were with Sam.
If you're looking for a photographer that puts you at ease, doesn't force poses, and captures all of the wonderful candid moments, I truly cannot recommend her enough. She's well worth the investment."
- Rebecca and Luke
We are SO thankful for Sam for capturing our small wedding. Prior to our first meeting she had already spent time looking at our wedding location on Google Earth to find nearby trails that would be great for sunset photos.
Sam was very flexible in the planning process and during the day itself. This was such a relief compared to other photographers we considered who overstressed an itinerary before we were ready.
The way she balances knowing exactly how to navigate the day with absolutely zero (visible) stress/panic is incredible.
She knows when to speed things up (e.g. to catch the sunset) and when to reassure us that there is plenty of time.
All throughout our wedding day we kept getting comments about how amazing Sam is, especially her way of putting the more camera-shy and insecure folks at ease during formal photos.
Book Sam for your events immediately, if not sooner! <3
- Ashley and Ben
"Sam is beyond amazing. We're so glad we found her to capture our special day. From the very beginning, she was friendly, professional, and incredibly attentive.
Before our first call, we had completed a questionnaire and noted we were thinking about an intimate morning wedding and brunch afterward. During the call, she had already done research on the venues we were considering and when the sun was set to rise (hint: it was about 5:30am - and the lighting was amazing).
She also went above and beyond by taking the time to meet up with us for a small rehearsal a few days before the ceremony.
The photos we received are stunning.
She provided more than we ever would've thought for the few hours we were together, but there isn't a bad one in the lot. It's hard to choose favorites.
My mom, who isn't the biggest fan of the Phoenix area, commented that she didn't realize the desert could be so gorgeous until she saw our photos. We had about 20 people at the wedding, and several of our guests commented on how impressed they were with Sam.
If you're looking for a photographer that puts you at ease, doesn't force poses, and captures all of the wonderful candid moments, I truly cannot recommend her enough. She's well worth the investment."
- Rebecca and Luke
We are SO thankful for Sam for capturing our small wedding. Prior to our first meeting she had already spent time looking at our wedding location on Google Earth to find nearby trails that would be great for sunset photos.
Sam was very flexible in the planning process and during the day itself. This was such a relief compared to other photographers we considered who overstressed an itinerary before we were ready.
The way she balances knowing exactly how to navigate the day with absolutely zero (visible) stress/panic is incredible.
She knows when to speed things up (e.g. to catch the sunset) and when to reassure us that there is plenty of time.
All throughout our wedding day we kept getting comments about how amazing Sam is, especially her way of putting the more camera-shy and insecure folks at ease during formal photos.
Book Sam for your events immediately, if not sooner! <3
- Ashley and Ben
If this feels aligned, the next step is scheduling a no-pressure consultation zoom call.
We'll get to know each other, walk through your vision, and make sure we're the right fit.
If this feels aligned, the next step is scheduling a no-pressure consultation zoom call.
We'll get to know each other, walk through your vision, and make sure we're the right fit.