Gayle - Utah Elopement Photographer
March 7, 2023 — Educational · Elopements
CALIFORNIA INTIMATE WEDDING + ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER
photographs that feel alive.
This is your life… your love… in art form
When your smile lines are more pronounced. When life has written more chapters. When you want to remember where it all started. You'll reach for these photographs.
Let's capture the kiss me again butterflies, the palpable energy between you two, and just how easy it feels for you to love one another.
Catching feelings
That’s me—Abbigayle. Here to catch your feelings and give them back to you in one of a kind photographs.
I wouldn’t blame ya if you were surprised that all of these poetic vibes come from a midwestern girl that wears a fanny pack, jams out to Maggie Rogers, and uses finger guns unironically.
But hey, life is a heck of a lot more fun when you aren’t trying to fit yourself into a box. It makes room for experience, experimentation, and expression. And I’ll be damned if your photos don’t reflect that too.
“She has a way of really seeing people. Being genuine about capturing them. And honoring their uniqueness.”
TAKE IT ALL IN
How the tears roll down your lover’s cheeks and past their smile.
How your grandpa wraps a blanket around your grandma's shoulders.
How your joy and slight glances to each other speak a thousand words.
After the candles have all burnt down and your dress is unbuttoned and you’re overflowing with euphoria—you’ll settle into bed with the love of your life knowing that you made the most of every single moment.
And later on you’ll have photographs full of breath, movement, and love. Photographs that move you as much as the day itself.
"we were together, I forget the rest." – WALT WHITMAN
LOVE LETTERS
Let's Explore
As a California wedding photographer, I specialize in capturing the unique and intimate moments of your special day. I am here to document your love story in the most beautiful and meaningful way possible.
One of the things that sets me apart as a photographer is my love for adventure and the great outdoors. If you are planning a hiking elopement or an outdoor wedding, I am the perfect fit for you. I have a passion for exploring the breathtaking landscapes of California and capturing the beauty of nature in my photographs.
Whether you are tying the knot on a mountaintop, in a secluded meadow, or alongside a rushing river, I will be there to capture every moment of your adventure. I believe that the beauty of nature adds an extra layer of meaning and emotion to your wedding photos, and I strive to capture that in every image I take.
In addition to my love for adventure and the outdoors, I also specialize in capturing the intimate moments of your day. Whether it's the first look, the first dance, or the exchange of vows, I am there to document the emotions and feelings of the day. I believe that it's these small, personal moments that truly make a wedding day special and unique, and I strive to capture them in a way that is authentic and true to your love story.
If you are looking for a California wedding photographer who is passionate about adventure, the outdoors, and capturing the intimate moments of your day, look no further. I would be honored to be a part of your special day and to capture the memories that you will cherish for a lifetime.
In addition to my expertise in elopements and outdoor weddings, I also offer a range of other services to ensure that your day is everything you have always dreamed of. From engagement shoots to bridal sessions, I have the experience and expertise to capture all of the special moments leading up to your big day.
I understand that every couple is unique and that every wedding is special in its own way. That's why I offer a range of packages and options to suit your specific needs and budget. Whether you are looking for full-day coverage or a more intimate session, I have a package that will meet your needs.
So if you are planning an elopement and are looking for a photographer who shares your love for adventure and the great outdoors, I would love to hear from you. Contact me today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how I can capture the memories of your special day.
Yosemite National Park
Central California
One of those being Yosemite National Park. Luckily for me, the stars aligned and the universe told me to get my butt on over there and that’s exactly what I did. A beautiful Yosemite national park engagement to get you feelin all the feels.
Caitlyn and Cody are quite literally one of the sweetest couples I’ve ever met. I actually met Caitlin back in 2020 and believe it or not she is actually a wedding photographer too, so we were able to bond pretty quickly.
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree
These elopement portraits fully embodied a 70's style theme. Our beautiful couple, Abigail and Justin, were up for the challenge and let me tell you... they NAILED it. Of course when you think of a 70's theme , you immediately think of disco balls so naturally we had to incorporate that into these portraits. Abigail wore this gorgeous fringe dress by Raw & Golden Rentals with removable sleeves, so technically we got the best of both worlds.
Big Sur
Monterey County
Gemma & Charlie looked absolutely amazing for this elopement session. Gemma was wearing this beautiful white lace dress from Natalie Wynn Design. To contrast, of course we had to add a beautiful orange bouquet of flowers by Fowler Floral and Gifts. Charlie cleaned up so well and truly looked amazing with Gemma by his side. This elopement was absolutely breathtaking and you can really feel the love and connection between Gemma & Charlie - it practically screams through the photos.
Redwood National Park
Orick
If you're looking for a fairytale wonderland, then look no further. One thing that California has over the East Coast is the Redwood Forests. Large sequoia trees that seemingly tower you for miles are really only found on the West Coast. This makes it one of the most sought after locations, since it's not everyday that you get to stumble across these humongous trees. For Samantha & Robert's bridal portraits, we wanted to incorporate a ton of nature & greenery and what better place than the Redwood Forest.
Legally Eloping in California
If you're considering eloping in California, as an elopement photographer, I can offer some advice on how to make it happen. First, you'll need to obtain a marriage license from any county clerk's office in the state, but you must be married in the same county where you obtained your license. The good news is that there is no waiting period to get married in California, so you can get married on the same day you obtain your license.
Once you have your license, you can choose a location for your ceremony. California has endless possibilities for elopement locations, from beaches and parks to mountains and forests. As an elopement photographer, I can help you find the perfect spot that aligns with your vision and style.
You can choose to have a religious or non-religious ceremony, and there are many officiants to choose from, including judges, magistrates, and religious leaders. Just make sure your chosen officiant is authorized to perform weddings in California.
Finally, you'll need to file your marriage license with the county clerk's office to make your marriage official. Once that's done, you'll receive your marriage certificate, and I'll deliver your beautiful elopement photos that capture the magic and beauty of your special day in California.
CALIFORNIA ENGAGEMENT AT JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK
60's Theme
The theme of Nick & Emily's shoot centered around 60's vibes, so their outfits really played the part. We also were able to have a rented-out car which I also think helped tied the entire 60's laid-back theme we were going for. By the time we started shooting, golden hour was basically over so a good chunk of this shoot was taken during blue hour. Which if you don't know I am an absolute fanatic for blue hour and I think it doesn't get enough praise.
DESERT ELOPEMENT
Palm Springs, California
One of the best parts about photoshoots is that you can do them just about anywhere. Seriously, you can make almost any backdrop and any location work - it just takes a little bit of work and a tiny bit of a creative eye. For Maria & Patrick's session, we wanted to aim for a more effortless and grungy type look. If you haven't noticed this type of style isn't something I typically do, BUT I never stray away from an opportunity to get creative, meet new people, and just have fun.
PALM SPRINGS BRIDALS
1950's Theme
Typically when it comes to shoots like these, we have to think fast and think on our feet. Since we did have a large prop, aka the car, we pretty much needed to find the perfect location that not only was fitting for the car but for that 1950s theme that we were going for. We found the perfect spot just in a side street in Downtown Palm Springs that ended up being absolutely perfect!
CALIFORNIA ELOPEMENT IN PALM SPRINGS
ROARING 20'S
Normally I do a lot of shoots that are surrounded by nature or are a bit on the bohemian side, but not for this day. Jhordan and Julian were the absolute best pair to be in front of my camera and these photos are just breathtakingly beautiful. However if you don’t believe me, go see for yourself.
