Escape and Adventure - Elopement Photographer & Videographer

31/07/2024

There's something special about those quiet getting ready moments before your adventure begins.

Getting ready on your wedding day isn't just about putting on the dress or tying the tie—it's about the excitement and anticipation that lead up to seeing each other for the first time.

Capturing these moments means you get to relive the butterflies, the big smiles, the laughter, and the happy tears. Every detail tells a part of your love story.

29/07/2024

If you know me, you know that I always have my film camera with me to capture your special day.

In today's world where everything is digital, there's something uniquely special about having your photos taken on 35mm film.

Unlike digital images, which can be easily edited and reproduced, film photos are tangible and authentic, each frame a one-of-a-kind piece of art. You have to be intentional with each shot as it can never be replicated.

Film photography has taught me to slow down and take in each moment, to appreciate every detail in front of me and how it illustrates my couple's story. There’s a unique excitement in waiting to see how the images turn out, a sense of anticipation that digital simply can't match.

For me, film photography isn't a trend—it's an art revived from the past, an experience that creates and captures new memories. It's a way to preserve the raw, unfiltered beauty of life's most precious moments.

26/07/2024

Pauline & Ryan's Sedona elopement was nothing short of epic.

With their hearts set on off-roading for their elopement, they were ready for a sense of adventure and exploring together as a married couple.

🎥 This is one of my most recent elopements I've had the honor to document on video.

Being able to re-live your wedding day on film, listening to the nerves and excitement in your voice, and seeing the happiness in your smiles like it was just yesterday makes me love being an elopement videographer even more!

If you've been considering it, use this as a sign to hire a wedding videographer to document your special day... And to go on an adventure together to celebrate your marriage 😉💛

Send a message to learn more

25/07/2024

One of my favorite things about elopements is how they allow couples to break free from tradition and truly celebrate what makes them happy.

Take April & Hao, for instance. Their love for aviation made their day even more special as we captured their newlywed portraits around an airplane!

Your wedding day should be a reflection of you and your passions. Whether it's hiking up a mountain, exploring a cozy bookstore, or, like A + H, celebrating with something that makes your hearts soar—include what makes you happy.

Let your elopement be a true celebration of your love and the adventure you're embarking on together. Escape the ordinary, think outside the box, and let your day revolve around your happiness. 💛

24/07/2024

Throwback to last year's sunrise engagement session in the Sand Dunes!

I am not a morning person (at all) but the best way to beat the heat is to wake up with the sun and take some epic photos.

This is honestly one of my favorite locations for sunrise adventures and portrait sessions. You may get sand everywhere, but trust me.. It's worth it.

24/07/2024

Thank you for sharing!!!

28/05/2024

Their elopement day centered around one simple desire:

“We just want to have fun, not feel rushed, and get to enjoy the day.” 🤩

Brye and Greg knew from the start what their elopement was about: “The day is really just for us. It is more about being loved and with those we love than making it a huge exhausting day.”

Even though their day was full, it went by pretty fast while never feeling rushed.

For these two, it was about fun, adventure and laughter that included special moments with their people. So that’s what we did! 🥰

The day started with an elopement adventure activity at the Lava River Cave in Flagstaff, Arizona. 🌋

As we explored, we kept running into other hikers who were so excited for them and surprised to see a bride and groom in the lava tubes!

They returned for the wedding ceremony at the Arizona Snowbowl with family members surrounded by green grass and mountains in the background. ⛰

Originally from Wisconsin, it was this scenery that motivated them to choose a Flagstaff elopement!

22/05/2024

Sometimes, it’s my first time too.

For most of my clients, their wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. For me, this elopement was my first-ever 12-hour wedding day.

What I expected to feel like a longer day ended up flying by! 🏃‍♀️

Placing buffer time in between activities for this wedding day timeline allowed for a perfectly relaxed experience! 😎

These two were able to fit in so much into one day:

☑️ elopement adventure activity in the Lava River Cave
☑️ ceremony and portraits up the gondola at the Arizona Snowbowl
☑️ sunset photos in the Sedona desert

We planned a timeline that worked in all that they wanted and even allowed for the unexpected (like visiting a wedding guest in the hospital)!

There was so much to do and we traveled all over, but time was on our side with the buffers in place that served us well. ⏳

See this full wedding day timeline on the blog!

https://escapeandadventurecouples.com/full-day-northern-arizona-elopement/

15/05/2024

What’s the true heart behind my business? 💗

It’s not the time freedom, financial gain or artistic expression. I’m actually in it for YOU. 🤗

Even if you start the planning process without any idea of what your elopement will include, I will walk you through the steps to find the perfect elopement plan!*

*and that’s the part that I love

Through guided conversations and questionnaires, we will discover the adventure elopement that fits the two of you!

*I can’t get enough of seeing my couples EXCITED for their elopement plans!

Even though it’s my job to do your timeline creation and planning, it’s still important for you to decide how you want to spend the day. ✔️

And then we make your marriage celebration happen!

Check out the blog for What an Elopement Means (to me!) AND The Secret to Planning an Elopement Timeline + more planning tips!

https://escapeandadventurecouples.com/blog/

08/05/2024

An elopement is so much more than NOT a wedding.

It’s an experience that doesn’t require following a script which is why no two elopements look exactly alike. 🤩

There are guidelines and tips that we can follow, but it’s up to you whether you want to keep or break the rules!

We can follow as many traditions as you choose while keeping the day completely tailored to you and your style.

The doors are wide open for what you wish to make of the day! 🙌

I will be your elopement planning guide as we form the day around your selected activity plans.

➡️ What do you want your day to look like? Let’s start dreaming it up TOGETHER!

29/04/2024

You should elope in Sedona! HERE’S 3 REASONS WHY:

FUN FACT: Sedona is one of the most popular spots to get married in Arizona (after the Grand Canyon!).

🌵 REASON #1

Surrounded by unique red rock formations, lush valleys and cliffs, Sedona 🏜 offers endless miles of hiking trails, hidden caves, off-roading adventures, and local shops.

🌵 REASON #2

For a family elopement, there are great restaurants and lodging around Sedona that can host a private dinner with guests. 🍽

🌵 REASON #3

Apart from the high heat of summer (June-August), every other season offers beautiful options for your elopement adventure from leaves changing in the fall 🍁 to winter snow in the desert ❄️ and blooming spring flowers! 🌼

With over 3 million visitors a year, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out a unique place to stay, where to share your vows, and what time of year to visit.

Find out how to plan your own adventure elopement in my complete Sedona Elopement Guide [link in bio]!

26/04/2024

Want to know what eloping in the desert is REALLY like? 🌵

This mostly depends upon one major factor: THE WEATHER. 💦

What determines the weather is THE SEASON when you go.

The best part about Sedona 🏜 weddings is that the weather is ALMOST perfect year round!

In my experience, the BEST time to visit is from October to December and late January to March when the weather is cooler and there aren’t as many tourists at popular spots.

OR if you’re into cooler weather and want to catch some snow ❄️ in wintertime, then December - February is the perfect time to elope [scroll to the end]!

For the best time of day, consider a sunrise! 🌅 There are usually few to zero people present even on some of the popular trails.

The point is that it’s up to you to decide a time and a place and I’ll be there!

19/04/2024

4 Steps to Cancel Your Wedding & Elope Instead [IN THE RIGHT ORDER] 👇

Did you make wedding plans you no longer love?

Do you feel like your wedding doesn’t resemble your relationship at all? 🤷‍♀️

If you’ve been planning a traditional wedding because of outside pressure or feeling unsure about what was most important to you–it’s still OK to switch!

🌟 HERE’S HOW TO PLAN AN ELOPEMENT INSTEAD! 🌟

➡️ Step #1 Check your contracts and insurance (if you have it)
➡️ Step #2 Get creative with what you’ve already reserved
➡️ Step #3 Share the update with guests
➡️ Step #4 Don’t feel like you have to give anything up!

REMEMBER: plan the wedding of YOUR dreams 🤩, not someone else’s!

*more tips for switching to an elopement on the blog!

11/04/2024

Let this be your confirmation to ditch the wedding plans and ELOPE INSTEAD!

If wedding planning has become too stressful or financially overwhelming then here’s what to do next: cancel your wedding plans!

I understand that this step is SO scary! There are many ramifications both financially and emotionally for making such a dramatic shift.

Take a deep breath. We’re in this together!
Let this be your confirmation to ditch the wedding plans and ELOPE INSTEAD!

If wedding planning has become too stressful or financially overwhelming then here’s what to do next: cancel your wedding plans! ✅

I understand that this step is SO scary! There are many ramifications both financially and emotionally for making such a dramatic shift.

Take a deep breath. We’re in this together! 💕

There IS a way to ditch your wedding and plan an elopement instead!

Planning to elope can help relieve stress as I step in as both your elopement photographer AND planner.

I’m here to take over your planning process and walk you through the steps to cancel your wedding and plan your elopement! 🧳

If you’re on the fence about your wedding plans, shoot me a DM and we’ll chat!
There IS a way to ditch your wedding and plan an elopement instead!

Planning to elope can help relieve stress as I step in as both your elopement photographer AND planner.

I’m here to take over your planning process and walk you through the steps to cancel your wedding and plan your elopement!

If you’re on the fence about your wedding plans, shoot me a DM and we’ll chat!
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29/03/2024

If you didn't know (which you probably already did)..

Alpacas are my favorite animal ever!!!! These handsome boys are named Mac and Cheese and I couldn't get enough of them when we first met. Mac loves to give kisses but in this photo, they both were giving me kisses!

Casually planning another trip to Utah right now to visit so I can see them, Mac and Cheese, and her 3 new boys; Cheddar, Shake, and Bake!

30/01/2024

Why not turn your engagement session into a scene from ACOTAR?
Concept / Photographer: Digital Creative Media
Venue: The Abbey on Monroe
Couple: Katelynn & Brennan

18/10/2023

I'm going to be honest, I never imagined myself being a photographer. I've always imagined my career either swimming with sharks or working BTS on movies and live theatre.. Never photographing the most important day of strangers I've grown to love and become good friends with.

I've played around with photography & videography in middle school and high school, but it wasn't until 2020 (thanks COVID) that made me realize I enjoy taking photos and want to do more than work every night in the theatre and come home tired at midnight.

Since I started Escape and Adventure in 2021, I have photographed 50+ weddings and elopements. That may not be a lot compared to other photographers but I choose to not overfill my calendar because it would take away my time and energy from my couples to give them my full attention. I love my job because it is surrounded with such amazing and down to Earth people and I get to travel the world with them!

Each wedding and elopement I've helped plan and photograph is tailored to each relationship and their wedding vision. I'm not just here to just take photos or check off a to-do list. I'm here to dive deep into your love story, to understand your unique relationship, and to bring your dream elopement to life.

Every detail, every location, every moment is thoughtfully crafted to reflect your love and your vision.

It's not just about capturing beautiful images; it's about creating an experience that you'll cherish for a lifetime. I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of this journey with each of my couples, and I can't wait to see where our adventures take us next. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your incredible stories.

17/10/2023

Adventure is defined in many ways. For some, adventure means traveling to somewhere new. Others may think adventure is climbing to the top of a mountain like Frodo and Sam in The Lord of the Rings.

Adventure is anything you imagine it to be. It’s inviting different opportunities into your life. Going out of your comfort zone. Trying new things. Or even re-living your favorite memories.

No matter what your experience is, adventure is for everyone.

12/10/2023

Some sneakie peeks of what your day could look like captured on film. How cool is it to have your wedding photographed on a camera from 1977?!

Film has changed my perspective on photography. Although it is amazing to have a high quality camera that can take thousands of photos on a digital screen, on film you only have one chance to get that photo perfect. Which is what I love about having a film camera!

It has taught me to be patient and to take a step back from what I am photographing. How can I capture this moment perfectly to tell my couple's story? How can I make a photo instead of just taking a photo? (My favorite phrase at the moment).

Photography is timeless. It freezes moments in time that get to live forever.. Photos of people you may never get to see again. Emotions you might have forgotten about.

As time passes on we forget the little details and the big picture of what life really is about. Having beautiful memories to look back on is so important. Get your pictures taken, because you never know what you might miss.

*The photos from this roll of film was filtered so that's why the colors are so different. I can't wait to share the next roll of Kodak Portra 400 film currently in my camera!*

11/10/2023

Imagine having your wedding in front of amazing views, doing things your way, and not based on traditional standards. That’s exactly what Marina & Blake wanted for their elopement.

M + B wanted an intimate experience without all the headaches of planning a bigger wedding. They wanted to spend the day together experiencing the beauty of the Grand Canyon, just the two of them.

Their relaxing day started out in Flagstaff getting ready together and writing their vows side by side. Marina helped Blake get ready while she stayed comfy in her PJ’s hiding her wedding dress for their first look.

After a short drive from their hotel we arrived at Lipan Point. The sun shinning above us was perfectly hidden behind the light clouds in the sky. Blake’s reaction when he saw Marina in her stunning wedding dress was so precious a tear (or two) ran down my face behind my camera.

Their ceremony was hidden away from the other tourists taking in the beautiful views of the Colorado River, desert colors, and endless miles of the Grand Canyon. The wind blew through Marina’s hair and dress as they exchanged vows. The blue shadows of the canyon behind them light up as the sun leaked through the clouds during their first kiss. Cheering came from across the viewpoint as tourists found their way closer to the edge near our private ceremony spot. Everything about this moment was perfect.

After some portraits and oohs & awes we adventured to another private spot of the Grand Canyon for a picnic! We found a perfect shady spot under some trees near the edge to pop open a bottle of wine (and catch the cork) and snack on a charcuterie board while the sun sets.

Once it became golden hour we packed up our picnic and chased the sunset for their private first dance and more portrait that captured the canyon and their happiness.

If I had one word to explain how Marina & Blake’s elopement was I’d describe it as lightening. Everything about their day was peaceful, freeing, and magical. It truly felt like time stopped when we were together celebrating their day. All stresses from the world weren’t thought of. We didn’t want to leave after Blue Hour approached!

This day was truly an Escape and Adventure.

09/10/2023

"We want to get married in a beautiful location and take photos with beautiful scenery".

This is what one of my amazing couples said to me during our consultation call. While eloping in a beautiful location and having amazing photos is important, what matters most on your wedding day is the experience you and your partner have together and say "we're really doing this".

Any time you see a couple standing in front of a mountain, they're experiencing seeing that mountain up close for the first time. The shared moments, the laughter, the promises, and the adventures you embark on together are all elements that complete your love story. As one of my amazing couples said any time something unexpected happened during their elopement "it's a part of our story".

Your elopement is an adventure, your love story written with each step you take and every smile you share. It's more than just taking photos in epic locations, it's moments of your journey as a married couple. The start of the biggest chapter in your life.

02/10/2023

HAPPY SPOOKY SEASON 🧡🍂🎃

If you haven't thought about putting on your wedding attire and a pumpkin on your head, this is your sign!!!

Tag your partner you'd want to do this with 📸

30/08/2023

Can you still experience your own adventures if you're having an intimate wedding? ABSOLUTELY!

For Heidi & Cody, they wanted traditional wedding vibes with an adventure around Sedona.

Their ceremony was at the beautiful Sedona Golf Resort followed by brunch. They were able to socialize with their closest friends and family and still experience what a traditional wedding feels like.

Classic old school music playing in the background. The sounds of their guests laughing and enjoying mimosas from the bar. The morning rain shining behind the head table.

Everything was perfect.

After their brunch and a plate full of cinnamon rolls we adventured to two locations around Sedona. H + C wanted an adventurous experience with a short hike and stunning views.

Because it was raining on and off during their chilly wedding day the lighting was perfect for photos and the trails were empty - creating the intimate experience Heidi & Cody were dreaming of.

Just because you enjoy wedding traditions doesn't mean you have to eliminate them completely from your wedding experience!

That's the joy of eloping.
- You have no rules to follow.
- You get to choose unique activities to make your day special.
- Your experience and happiness comes before anything else.

Remember, this is your day where you can unapologetically be yourself.

28/08/2023

Summer is here! You know what that means?

Triple digit heat (especially in Arizona), clear skies, sunny days.. The only way to escape the summer season is either going up to North or adventuring out of state to play in the ocean (my personal favorite). Last summer I was able to adventure to Florida and take photos of Emilie & Jeremy in the crystal-clear waters of the Florida Springs!

This adventure was seriously soo much fun! Emilie’s hair flowing through the water, the vibrant red color shining off her dress, the blues and greens contrasting with their outfits. Everything was so perfect!

This location is one of my favorites and is great for those who don’t want to do a lot of swimming. If you can’t travel to nature’s natural springs and are interested in a unique way to capture your love story there are other options available!

🐟 The ocean with clear water
🕶 Your own backyard swimming pool

Capturing your love and movements flow together through the water is so magical. I love the forest and the mountains but there’s something about the ocean and swimming underwater that hits home for me.

Highly recommend giving underwater photography a chance if you haven’t tried it already. It is a once in a lifetime experience you’ll never stop looking back on.

24/08/2023

Have you ever considered skydiving after your wedding ceremony? That's exactly what Naomi & Jamie did for their elopement. They took a huge leap of faith and did exactly what their hearts desired - LITERALLY!

N + J knew that a traditional wedding wasn't for them, so going the adventurous elopement route was a must! It was Naomi's idea to do it on their wedding day after talking about it ever since the start of their relationship. What a great way to celebrate their marriage, right?!

Choosing to elope means you're open to unconventional wedding experiences. Although skydiving may not be every couple's desired activity, if there's something else on your bucket list then why not do it on your wedding day?!

Embrace the extraordinary and create an experience together you'll be sharing for a lifetime. Your wedding day is one of the most important days and biggest adventure of your life. It's the day you say 'I do' to your best friend however you want.

That's exactly what N+J envisioned for their day.

11/08/2023

Your wedding day isn’t just about photographing picture perfect memories to hang up on your wall and print in a photo album. Your wedding day is a reflection of your true, authentic self.

You will have moments in your day to relax, embrace each other, and focus on the little details you've spent months planning together. You will have moments to be one with nature and cross off your crazy bucket list goals.

But what matters most is this is your day. This is your time to not give a care on what anyone thinks.

You have permission to be weird.
You have permission to laugh and have fun.
You have permission to adventure.

Celebrate your wedding day how you want. Create a unique experience that you and your partner will look back on and think 'we did that!' Because traditions are optional. No two weddings will ever look the same, so why do what everyone else is doing?

Choose to escape the normal.
Choose to adventure the endless possibilities eloping has to offer.

Because at the end of the day, no one can stop you from choosing how you can celebrate your love story.
Planner:
Wedding Dress:
Bride & Groom
Camel: Utah Petting Zoo

25/07/2023

Jayne & Nate’s wedding day was the most put together and outgoing wedding I have been to this year. Their wedding was what felt like the middle of nowhere decorated with such detail and elegance. Because this desert farm venue wasn’t near any cities or busy streets there were no distractions to disturb their beautiful day.

Regardless of the party vibes, J + N remained inseparable the whole night just as so it was an intimate gathering. Their focus was to make sure their guests had a good time celebrating their wedding with personal touches from their relationship. A mechanical bull was set up right outside the reception area to invite guests to enjoy the outdoors and experience a thrilling event that literally throws excitement in your face.

My favorite part of their day was during sunset. Nate refurbished his mom’s old school mustang to take portraits together. If you’ve considered having an old school car at your wedding day, this is your sign! The emotion captured between Jayne and Nate during their intimate time together was whimsical. It felt like we were frozen in time.

Every minute of J + N’s wedding day they had something special happening. Whether it be a private last dance, grand sparkler exit, or Jayne’s sister singing during the reception, their day was centered around their relationship and everything was perfect.

20/07/2023

Imagine time slowing down. Your face glowing with happiness and bliss. Butterflies in your stomach as you envision everything you've planned coming together.

Those are the feelings you experience when you take a moment to breathe and take everything in as you get ready for your best day ever.

Capturing those nervous jitters, bursts of laughter with your friends, and happy tears before your day begins are my favorite moments to document during your wedding. Some couples may think they don’t need their getting ready moments captured.. This is a sign for you have those moments frozen in time.

Having a photographer with you while you get ready isn’t a photoshoot! We don’t tell you where to look or what to do. We embrace the moments that are happening and capture everything from the details of your rings to you admiring your wedding dress as you put it on.

The time before your ceremony, before your first look, is one of the most vulnerable times of your wedding day. It’s when all your emotions you’ve been holding back are released. This moment during your wedding is as important as the rest. It’s the beginning of your story. Without it, it’s like a chapter is missing.

As time moves on we forget some of the most important moments and details in our lives. Having photos to look back on reminds us ‘oh, I completely forgot that happened. I am so happy I have this photographed to remember this forever’.

Photos are important. Just like every part of your wedding day. From beginning to end you deserve to have every emotion, event, and detail captured.

18/07/2023

It has been a while since I’ve shown my face on here.. Hi, I’m Kelcee!

I’m the smile behind Escape and Adventure. I created this adventurous photography business to connect with adventurous couples who love to explore the beautiful world we live in and show them the endless opportunities to have a unique wedding experience that is true to you.

A few fun facts about me:
💙 My favorite color is blue.
💧 I dyed my hair blue with Kool-Aid and it stained my hair for 3 years (can’t you tell I love the color blue?).
🦙 My favorite animals are llamas & alpacas.
🌕 My life long dream is to be a stormtrooper.
🚁 I am obsessed with riding in a helicopter although I have never been in one (yet).
🥾 When I’m not photographing elopements I am playing video games or board games, hanging out with my animals, and adventuring to new places outdoors.
✨ You will hear me say “I am so excited” and “Oh my goodness soo cute” probably 1000 times from when we meet to after your elopement day.

Your wedding is the most important day of your life. It’s your biggest adventure yet and I want to help you & your partner create the best wedding experience ever! A wedding day that is a true reflection of your relationship.

Welcome to your Escape and Adventure. I can’t wait to meet you!

11/07/2023

Big Sur is the perfect beach if you're wanting a moody elopement location with cliffside beaches, a beautiful sunset reflecting off the waves of the ocean, redwood forests, a bridge to drive over in a classic convertible car.. You name it, Big Sur has it all!