Washington Elopement Photographer
Maybe she was
born into it
Maybe It’s
Maybelline
A decade or so later, I photographed my first wedding. And those feelings of excitement, love, and endless possibilities came rushing right back. I knew, with perfect clarity, that this was what I was made for.
Also yes—I did get a degree in photography which 100% helped me refine and elevate my technical skills. But that first wedding truly set the tone for my career. And if you ask nicely enough, I’d stand in as flower girl on your big day (with a camera for a bouquet).
After that, I completely forgot about the dress and focused fully on getting down on the dance floor until my parents drug me out of the reception.
Like every little girl ever, I was asked to be the flower girl at a family member’s wedding. I distinctly remember hating the way the scratchy fabric felt on my skin and wondering why the heck I had to wear it anyway. I couldn’t wait for the wedding to be over and change back into something comfy (and yes, this is still my line of thinking).
But the moment I walked down the aisle and began tossing petals left and right, I was hooked. The teary eyes. The oohs and aahs. The love you could feel in the air! It was like a real-life rom-com only better.
It’s more like, “I fell in love with love and that led me to photography and THEN I never looked back.” But let me rewind real quick.
My origin story isn’t your classic, “I found my mom’s old dusty camera one day and never looked back.”
Since you’re here, I’m guessing you’re not super stoked about a traditional, large church wedding. And honestly, I don’t blame you. They always felt a little stuffy and performative for my liking (but no shame if that’s what you’re into!).
Personally, I’m obsessed with small, intimate weddings and elopements. Why? Because I had one of my own and it was the coolest, most “us” thing my husband and I could’ve done. And I want to support as many couples as I can in experiencing that same level of magic.
It’s about what you do with it, ya know??
Bigger Isn’t Always Better
I CHOSE THE ELOPEMENT AND THE BACKYARD PARTY
This could be you!
- It was 120 degrees and we got married outside (thank you clinical deodorant)
- We said “I do” on Wednesday morning and followed up the intimate ceremony with breakfast (because pancakes are life)
- On Saturday, we had a backyard wedding with our closest family and friends because we wanted them to be able to celebrate with us (there was pizza, wings, cheesecake, and personal vows—it was incredibly cheesy, cute, and totally us)
- To finish off our wedding week, we headed to the mountains just the two of us and spent a few days in newlywed, adventurous bliss
Let me paint the (sweaty) picture for you:
You have someone genuinely invested in your day
Planning feels easy, not overwhelming
Questions get answered quickly
You’re always in the loop
Now I Make Sure:
That moment when your vendor goes MIA? I’ve been there. After being ghosted by two wedding vendors, I made a promise: None of my couples would ever feel that panic.
From Ghosted to Guide
My images are inspired by film photography, so they’re always true-to-life skin tones with a subtle touch of warmth. And I’ll never morph your body or change the way you look. I’m all about highlighting what makes you YOU and keeping it natural (but elevated).
How I Edit
I approach each session with a movie mindset. Meaning that I ask myself, “If this were a movie, how would this play out? How can I tell the entire story of their love from hand gestures and hugs to belly laughs and playful banter?” With that in mind, I make sure to always be the one moving and finding the right angles and lighting so that you can simply BE.
How I Photograph
I’m a sucker for candids and unplanned moments, so I typically let my couples interact naturally and simply document their love. However, if you ever need a little help or direction, I’m down to offer my guidance (I have a ton of super helpful posing prompts that aren’t weird “whisper something funny in their ear” vibes! I promise, there’s a 0% chance you’ll look bad in these photos).
How I direct
Planning and prep aren’t just logistics—they’re how I protect your peace.
My Vibe and Philosophy
Grab my free "How to Elope" guide and start dreaming up your perfect day. It's packed with location ideas, planning tips, and everything I wish I knew when planning my own elopement.
Still in research mode?
No detail will go unmissed. I’ll tuck back your hair. Clasp loose shoes. Move random things out of the background. And ensure you can be fully present while I handle the rest.
You’re going to laugh…a lot.
I’ll connect you with the best vendors to complete your perfect day.
We’ll spend plenty of time getting to know each other leading up to your wedding so that you feel ultra comfortable on the day of—and can be 100% yourselves
You will feel seen, loved, and celebrated your entire day (or days!)
From me to you
A Few Guarantees
Miranda Balster
From the moment we met Jamie, who I stole as a photographer at one of my friends weddings, two years prior; we knew she was the perfect photographer for our wedding day."
A Little More Love + Affection
Whether hung on a wall or made into an album—your images deserve a physical place to live.
Photos Should Be Printed
I’m Leave No Trace certified and consider caring for our planet a personality trait.
Our Planet
Love is genderless and beautiful in all forms. Love is love. Period. This is a radically inclusive space—and always will be
Inclusion
More Than Photos. These Are My Non-Negotiables.
Aligned in Values, Not Just Vibes
Whether it’s vows in a backyard, pancakes after “I do,” or a wedding week that makes no sense to anyone but the two of you, your love story deserves to be seen, felt, and remembered.
If you’re dreaming of a day that feels lived-in, wildly personal, and fully worth remembering, I’d be honored to help you tell it.