Planning a wedding that truly reflects who you are as a couple can be daunting, especially with all the traditions and expectations that come with it. A wedding photographer myself, and a couple who thrives on intimacy and simplicity, we knew we wanted to celebrate our marriage in a way that felt deeply personal and meaningful—without the pressure of a traditional wedding.

Instead of trying to fit ourselves into a mold, we chose to create a celebration that reflected us perfectly. Our journey included a courthouse elopement, a serene bridal session in the mountains, and a small reception surrounded by close friends and family.

Why We Chose a Courthouse Elopement

We decided to elope at our local courthouse, on the same date as our anniversary. This choice allowed us to keep a date already significant to us and avoid the anxiety of a big, traditional wedding. It was just us and our witnesses, making the day intimate, and relaxed.

The courthouse setting stripped away the formalities, letting us focus on the true essence of the day: our commitment to each other. And while we didn’t exchange personal vows at the courthouse, we planned a special moment for that later.

A Meaningful Bridal Session in the Sawtooths

To capture the beauty of our union in a more personal way, we planned a bridal session in the Sawtooth Mountains where we got engaged. This setting was not only stunning but also incredibly meaningful to us. We used this session to don our wedding attire for the first time, share a private first look, and exchange personal vows. It was an emotional and deeply personal moment, far removed from the distractions of a larger event.

The timing made this session even more special: just days after our photoshoot, wildfires swept through the area, forever changing the landscape. These images now carry even more significance as they captured a cherished moment in time.

Our Intimate Reception

For our formal celebration, we hosted an intimate reception at a cozy wooded venue with our closest friends and family. Without the pressure of a ceremony, the day felt relaxed and joyful.

We spent the morning together, a rare treat on a wedding day, which allowed us to savor the moment. My husband helped zip me into my dress, which was a meaningful moment that set the tone for the day.

Instead of traditional wedding formalities, we kept the focus on celebration and connection. Highlights included a first look with my dad, photos with friends and family, a cocktail hour that flowed seamlessly into a beautiful dinner under the apple orchard, and ended with everyone dancing the night away.

Why We Recommend This Approach

Looking back, we wouldn’t change a single thing. Our wedding celebration was deeply personal and perfectly tailored to us.

If you’re planning your own wedding, I encourage you to let go of tradition and focus on what truly makes you happy. Whether that’s eloping, hosting an intimate reception, or finding your own unique blend of the two, remember: your wedding is about your love story. Celebrate it in the way that feels most authentic to you—you won’t regret it.

Take A Closer Look Into Our Bridals & Reception

For a closer look at how we personalized our day, check out the full gallery to view our bridal session in the Sawtooths and our intimate Fall wedding reception.