Elope and Capture:
Let's frame yourLove!

Submit

Can't wait to chat! 
I'll reach out within
24 hours to connect! 

Back to home page

Booking is straightforward! Reach out to us via the get in touch tab and we’ll schedule a discovery call to discuss your vision, location and preferences. I recommend booking 6-12 months in advance to ensure availability, but please reach out for any time availability because you never know! 

Booking is straightforward! Reach out to us via the get in touch tab and we’ll schedule a discovery call to discuss your vision, location and preferences. I recommend booking 6-12 months in advance to ensure availability, but please reach out for any time availability because you never know! 

What is the booking process like, and how far in advance should we secure your services? 

What is the booking process like, and how far in advance should we secure your services? 

FAQ's

FAQ's

Absolutely. I will guide you on obtaining the necessary permits and adhering to any regulations, ensuring a legal and responsible elopement. 

Absolutely. I will guide you on obtaining the necessary permits and adhering to any regulations, ensuring a legal and responsible elopement. 

Do you provide information on permits and regulations
for eloping on public land? 

Do you provide information on permits and regulations
for eloping on public land? 

FAQ's

Yes, I do! I can help you secure permits, pick an epic location, suggest reputable local vendors, and anything else required to create a seamless elopement experience for you. 

Yes, I do! I can help you secure permits, pick an epic location, suggest reputable local vendors, and anything else required to create a seamless elopement experience for you. 

Do you provide elopement planning assistance? 

Do you provide elopement planning assistance? 

FAQ's

No worries! Your elopement is my priority, rain or shine. A little dance in the rain can create some enchanting moments. If the weather turns dangerous, that’s when we’d talk about rescheduling. Clear umbrellas can also add a touch of whimsy to photos, so I like to embrace whatever Mother Nature brings. Your love will shine through, no matter the weather! :) 

What happens if it’s supposed to rain? 

What happens if it’s supposed to rain? 

FAQ's

Preserving the natural beauty of Northern California is always a priority for me. I have a blog post dedicated to answering this question, you can find it under the blog section!

Preserving the natural beauty of Northern California is always a priority for me. I have a blog post dedicated to answering this question, you can find it on my website under the blog section!

How do you incorporate Leave No Trace Principles into your outdoor elopements? 

How do you incorporate Leave No Trace Principles into your outdoor elopements? 

FAQ's

I specialize in elopements, meaning this is my main focus. Many photographers mainly shoot large weddings and do elopements on the side. I focus on elopements so that I can offer you the very best experience. Having eloped myself only 7 years ago also gives me a unique perspective most other photographers don’t have. I also don’t slap “trendy” filters on your photos. I want your photos to be timeless. When you look back on them in 30 years, you won’t know we we were in the “bright and airy” phase or the “highly saturated” trendy phase. I shoot documentary style because I want the colors of your images to truly capture what we witnessed on your special day. 

I specialize in elopements, meaning this is my main focus. Many photographers mainly shoot large weddings and do elopements on the side. I focus on elopements so that I can offer you the very best experience. Having eloped myself only 7 years ago also gives me a unique perspective most other photographers don’t have. I also don’t slap “trendy” filters on your photos. I want your photos to be timeless. When you look back on them in 30 years, you won’t know we we were in the “bright and airy” phase or the “highly saturated” trendy phase. I shoot documentary style because I want the colors of your images to truly capture what we witnessed on your special day. 

What sets you apart from other elopement photographers?

What sets you apart from other elopement photographers?

FAQ's

Short answer, no. It just makes things too complicated. But they ARE discounted once retainer fee is paid for the elopement! Don't forget to ask me about it during our discovery call!

Short answer, no. It just makes things too complicated. But they ARE discounted once retainer fee is paid for the elopement! Don't forget to ask me about it during our discovery call!

Do you offer engagement sessions as part of your elopement packages?

Do you offer engagement sessions as part of your elopement packages?

FAQ's

If I had a dollar for every person that shared they were camera-shy...Let me tell ya, everyone gets nervous with a camera in their face! This is why I consult with my couples BEFORE the big day. We can plan shots that are from far away taken with my 20mm lens for a wide angle shot, we can do detailed shots or photos from behind. There are so many ways to warm people up to being around a camera. And because I shoot documentary style and do less posing, more candid, you likely will forget I’m even there for parts of it! Seriously. I’ve had people tell me that before. Please don’t let being camera-shy stop you or your partner from documenting your magical day. We will make it work in a way that feels best for you, however that looks. 

If I had a dollar for every person that shared they were camera-shy...Let me tell ya, everyone gets nervous with a camera in their face! This is why I consult with my couples BEFORE the big day. We can plan shots that are from far away taken with my 20mm lens for a wide angle shot, we can do detailed shots or photos from behind. There are so many ways to warm people up to being around a camera. And because I shoot documentary style and do less posing, more candid, you likely will forget I’m even there for parts of it! Seriously. I’ve had people tell me that before. Please don’t let being camera-shy stop you or your partner from documenting your magical day. We will make it work in a way that feels best for you, however that looks. 

Do you have experience working with folks that are camera-shy or nervous?

Do you have experience working with folks that are camera-shy or nervous?

FAQ's

Absolutely. I believe everyone deserves to have quality photos on their wedding day. The 50% retainer fee is due at booking, but then we can be flexible about setting up a customized payment plan option for you leading up to the elopement. Entire fee is due BEFORE elopement day. 

Absolutely. I believe everyone deserves to have quality photos on their wedding day. The 50% retainer fee is due at booking, but then we can be flexible about setting up a customized payment plan option for you leading up to the elopement. Entire fee is due BEFORE elopement day. 

Do you offer
payment plan options?

Do you offer payment plan options?

FAQ's

I aim to deliver your photos within 4-6 weeks through a secure, online gallery.
Sometimes even sooner! 

I aim to deliver your photos within 4-6 weeks through a secure, online gallery.
Sometimes even sooner! 

How long will it take to receive our photos?

How long will it take to receive our photos?

FAQ's

"She makes you feel so comfortable in front of the camera!"

"If you want lasting memories caught on film, Melissa is your girl! She is an amazing photographer who makes you feel so comfortable in front of the camera! I usually feel very awkward having my photo taken, but with her I did not! Melissa snapped gorgeous photos of me, my boyfriend and our one year old son. It got me excited for future shoots! Thank you so much for the beautiful photos you captured of our family!!" -Celeste B.

"I always leave shoots with her feeling more confident in my own skin and energized by the creative energy she instills." 

"Melissa is a passionate and talented photographer. I always leave shoots with her feeling more confident in my own skin and energized by the creative energy she instills. She always makes me feel really comfortable in front of the camera and has a nice way of interacting with you throughout the shoot so that it feels more like you're hanging out with a friend and gives gentle directions that can make a world of difference in the final product. She is completely devoted to getting you the pictures you envision and has the ability to help you with a vision if need be. I highly suggest her for all your photography needs!" -Maddy C.

"She made me feel beautiful in every photo..."

"Working with Melissa as our photographer was such an amazing experience! She was professional, kind, and has an incredible creative eye. She made me feel beautiful in every photo and my husband and I will cherish each special moment she captured for the rest of our lives." -Emily A.

"We were able to flow through our morning activities despite a camera being around."

"I really can't say enough good things about how these photos came out. My vision was to capture some of our day to day life; the moments that easily slip away, yet make up the foundation of our lives. MeliRae did a truly incredible job and I will treasure these photos forever. Her attention to lighting and detail is exceptional. She made us feel very comfortable and we were able to flow through our morning activities despite a camera being around. She is truly an amazing artist and we are so grateful to have had her capture this special day for us. -Sydney M.