The fun of deciding to elope is you can do whatever you want! Dream up the best day ever - like a wedding and a honeymoon all wrapped up in one.
You can have a slow morning, celebrate your love with your favorite acitivites, explore the perfect spot to exchange vows, enjoy a private chef dinner, and end the night by the fire and under the stars.
You don't need a big wedding to go big for your wedding day! A full day experience gives you memories of the whole day, not just the ceremony.
You can have a day that's intentional, meaningful, and personalized.
You want a day that is intentional and crafted to center your love, not meaningless traditions or family pressure.
But I know by now you've realized that being free to do anything is starting to sound a little overwhelming.
You can intentionally create a unique day that feels right for you...so where do you even start?
I'm here to help! I want to be as much of a resource to you as you want - from picking locations, drafting a custom timeline, recommending vendors, and navigating permits - I would love to help you however I can.
- 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 eight 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"
sneak peeks!
This way you can share with family and friends right away!
I know I'm going to be so excited to show you and I'm sure you'll be so excited to see and share with the people back home that wish they were there with you.
Think: little polaroids! Physical prints in your hands, so you can go home and already reminice on your wedding day. Perfect for wallets, fridges, car visors, little albums or clear phone cases.
You can be aspirationally adventurous - nature lovers at heart but prefer a ten minute hike. There's no rules.
adventure-ish
You want an intentional, personalized wedding day - the kind that feels like an experience, not just an event. Whether it's just you and your love, or if you invite your favorite people - let's celebrate in a way that's wildly true to you.
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, with no sound.
"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
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