Heather called me on Wednesday and they were getting married on Saturday. They were being spontaneous and fun, and doing something completely different from the norm. They were eloping and feeling excited for the adventure…

Luckily, it was a random weekend in March and I had no plans. The forecast was also calling for warm temperatures and sunshine, so things ended up being about perfect. Heather and I instantly clicked on the phone and our ideas started rolling as soon as Tolliver Falls came into conversation. She and Donnie chose Tolliver at Swallow Falls State Park for their exact elopement spot and I couldn’t have been more thrilled. Have you seen Tolliver Falls!? It’s this most special, unique spot in the park that can provide some quiet privacy, all while offering a small “swimming hole”, gorgeous sunlight (at the right time of day) and a beautiful waterfall backdrop.

So it was just me, their officiant, and the two of them. Standing in a beautiful forest with an even more beautiful backdrop. It was my first official elopement experience and I became hooked. The intimacy, the uniqueness, the freedom to create and be spontaneous. Heather and Donnie’s elopement was the start of what would become a new passion and interest for me. Their elopement, along with the others that I photographed last year, was incredibly special and fulfilling for me as a photographer and artist. 

Thank you, Heather and Donnie, for inviting me to be a part of your elopement, and for sharing such an awesome experience with me. We had such a beautiful day together and I’m so excited to share these! Yay for a new photography adventure!

Even though it was just the two of them, they still included some wedding day details like flowers and special outfits…

Their 10-minute ceremony left plenty of time for bride-groom portraits in the forest…

One of my favorites from the day!

Yes, you can get all cute and snuggly at an elopement. 🙂

I love a side hairdo + flowers on a bride…

Isn’t this spot just beautiful!?! Tolliver Falls certainly creates a magical atmosphere for pictures!

Another favorite of mine. 🙂

You can get a little moody for portraits at an elopement as well! 🙂

This spot is just inside the main trail entrance at the park and it’s one of my favorite picture backdrops!