hELLO!
We are a husband & wife team. Based in the mountains of Montana & Washington State, we’ve been photographing and filming couples since the start of 2021.
Welcome to our blog where you’ll discover elopement planning resources, as well as beautiful galleries from real weddings!
We're Hannah & Adam of Venture to Elope
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Meet Your Engagement Photographer + Videographer
Hey y’all! We’re Hannah and Adam, your adventure elopement/engagement photographer + videographer team! We’re based in Washington state, but we travel all over the western United States. Hannah shoots photo, so if you’re looking for just couples photos, she’s your girl! Adam sometimes shoots photo as well, but he primarily focuses on video. He’ll capture your surprise proposal or your engagement! Together, we strive to tell the story of your relationship in the most authentic way.
Oh, and we can’t forget about Juneau! She’s our German Shepherd puppy, and she LOVES the outdoors! She enjoys hiking, snow, water, and sand! If the location allows it, she’ll most likely join your session.
Where To Have Your Engagement Session
When choosing a location for your engagement session, it’s important to first think about what location might be meaningful to you. Maybe it’s the spot where you had your first date, or a location that you two go to often. Regardless of where it is, it’ll probably be really special if it has meaning to the both of you.
But you can also choose a location that you love or that you’ve never been to before! No matter what, it’ll be an epic adventure!
Some location ideas include:
National or State Parks (like Mt. Rainier)
Here are some of our favorite locations in the western United States:
Mount Rainier National Park, WA
For inspiration, check out some of our engagement and couples sessions.
Also, keep in mind that the weather, time of day, and time of year can drastically impact what your session will end up looking like! Especially when it comes to mountain locations around the world, or any location in the PNW (like the coastal range). Don’t fret, though, because we love moody and unpredictable weather! It can make for unique experiences and a carefree mentality.
Be open minded to whatever nature throws at us, and just love up on your partner. We’ll be here to document it all! Just don’t get too attached to certain “views” for your engagement session (or elopement for that matter). Instead, be excited for the opportunity to connect with your partner and have your love captured.
What To Wear For Your Engagement Session
The next big question that usually stumps a lot of people is “what do I wear?” We’ve got lots of tips and inspiration for you!
Complimentary Colors
Don’t make all of your outfit options too “matchy matchy.” It’s cute to have maybe one outfit where you match (if that’s your thing), but don’t have all of your outfits match. Opt for complimentary colors and patterns instead! This is a lot more timeless.
Comfort > Style
Pick outfits that you’re comfortable in! Make sure that you’ve tried your outfits on multiple times and that you really enjoy the way you look and feel in them. Avoid buying a new outfit the night before (even though we’ve all been there LOL).
Pack Extras
Pack extras just in case! We usually only recommend 2-3 outfits, but it doesn’t hurt to bring a couple more in case you decide on the spot that you want something different.
Wear Layers
Layers are your best friend! Why you ask? Because not only do layers look nice, but you can take them off for different looks, too! Plus, if your partner gets cold and you have a nice big coat, you can share it with them! That makes for some awesome snuggles and super cute photos.
Casual + Dressy Option
If you’re wearing at least two outfits for your photos, make sure one outfit is comfy and casual, and the second outfit is a bit dressier. That way, you have two different looks!
Avoid Crazy Patterns
Patterns are great and fun, but make sure that you know how they look in front of a camera. For example, sometimes stripes can look contorted on the other end of the camera.
Colors + Tones
When choosing colors for your outfit, consider what makes you stand out! What colors and tones look good with your skin color or your eyes? For example, light colors on dark skin tones really makes your skin POP. Or if you have blue eyes, oranges will make your eyes shine.
Colors + Textures
Choose colors and patterns that compliment what’s around you. Don’t fight with the environment around you! We suggest sticking to neutral colors because they are timeless. But don’t be afraid to wear bright or rich colors as well! Red looks amazing against a snowy mountain backdrop for example. And instead of tons of patterns, consider textures! Think flowy dresses, leather material, jean, fringe, etc.
Follow our Pinterest for more engagement session inspo!
How To Prepare For Your Engagement Session
Pick A Date + Time
You don’t need to know any EXACT info, but it’s helpful to know the time of day (sunrise/sunset) and what season you want your engagement photos to be taken. Think about whether or not you want it to be warm or cold, potentially rainy or foggy, etc.
Pick A Location
Don’t feel like you need to have this planned ahead of time! Have your photographer help you pick the best location. Lean on their expertise about lighting and the environment. But it’s important for you to think about the type of scenery you want. Do you want to have your love documented in the mountains with snow? Or do you want to dance barefoot on the beach at the end of a warm summer day? Do you want to rent an Airbnb or do an at-home session in the comfort of the indoors? It’s totally up to you!
Include An Activity!
Include an activity for your session. This can not only ease nerves of being in front of the camera, but it can be a super fun way to document doing something you both love. Maybe you both love fishing together! Okay, so have your engagement session take place at one of your favorite rivers and bring your poles. Engagement sessions don’t have to be so cookie-cutter. Be unique! Maybe you both are huge foodies! Bring some of your favorite dishes or have an at-home session where you cook together.
Choose Your Outfits + Accessories
One of the best things you can do for your engagement photos is choose outfits that you feel comfortable and confident in! Reference our tips above for help with picking outfits. And when it comes to accessories, go for pieces you love! Consider wearing scarves, necklaces, jackets, and hats to “spice” things up.
Self Care
Before your session, make sure you drink lots of water and eat good food! You want to get PLENTY of sleep to nourish and rejuvenate your body. Get your hair touched up! Go get your nails done (this goes for men and women) and your ring cleaned. Maybe do a face mask the night before! If you’re going to tan, make sure that you’ve done it before so that you know what to expect.
Pack A Bag
Always pack the night before! You don’t want to forget anything for your session. Make sure you have your outfits, shoes, accessories, touch up makeup, water, and snacks. Also, pack an extra pair of comfy clothes and a towel/blanket for the car ride home.
Download Directions + Leave Early
Your photographer should have sent you directions or coordinates for your location ahead of time, but if not, reach out. Get exact directions and make sure that you both are on the same page about where to meet. Your engagement session location might not have service, so make sure that you touch base with your photographer. Have a plan in case you get lost. Leave with plenty of extra time! It’s better to be early than late. A lot of photographers plan sessions around sunrise and sunset for optimal lighting! And you don’t want to miss golden hour!
Relax + Have Fun!
Don’t stress! Make sure that you and your partner are on the same page. Having your pictures taken might not be something that you’re super comfortable with, and that’s okay. Trust your photographer, though. Take a deep breath and relax! Enjoy spending time with your soon to be husband or wife. That’s what your engagement session is about!
What You Can Expect With Us At Your Engagement Session
Your engagement session is just like a date with your babe! Except you have a professional third wheel hanging out with you. So, make a day of it! Wherever you end up going for your photos, explore! Find places to eat, maybe go for a walk or a drive, etc. Don’t think of your session as a stressful “photoshoot.” Think of it as an excuse to ditch your phones, ditch your busy work schedule, and hang out together.
Engagement Session Pricing
We have multiple engagement and couples session packages starting at $500 for up to 1 hour of photography coverage. We also have packages that include photo + video! These are great for surprise proposals or engagement announcements. Check out this Italian Dolomites LGBTQ Proposal for a epic proposal video and all day engagement session in northern Italy.
Engagement sessions include travel anywhere in Washington state, as well as anywhere on our Travel Schedule. We bring lanterns, drinks, and music, so it’s always a fun time! Inquire today to start chatting about your engagement session.
