After having shot hundreds of weddings that are massive and very much awesome but HUGE and often impersonal, I started to have a new respect for elopement and destination weddings and what they bring that a large wedding does not. Moving to Palm Coast I saw that so many weddings, now living in a vacation location, were smaller affairs and I am here for it.  I love the connection, the ability to be flexible, and the connections that get formed from vacationing together kickstarting your life as a couple and giving your loved ones the time and space to make lasting life-long connections. 

So here are MY FIVE reason a destination wedding or small elopement is awesome and should be considered. 

 1. Everyone is together and has time to get to know each other on a deep and meaningful level. Normally. I would meet my besties new in-laws in passing and never really hear their stories and make that deeper connection through conversation while waiting in line at the bar. A destination wedding, will give you all the space for your new family, friends to connect on a deep level with your partners, which will forever serve you as a couple. 

2. Can be more affordable.

This one can be subjective. However, many destination weddings are cheaper than large wedding's in your home town. This can allow you to use your budget for creating life long memories not only for yourself, but for those that you love most. 

3. Only the closest, most important people that love you come. 

There is no one that doesn't love you fully and would advocate for you as a couple that is there. Everyone is important and plays a major role in your life in some way. Therefore, emotions can flow without judgement and when you look out every single face should feel like home. I have no idea how many times a bride has said to me, I don't know anyone here. I have always found that sad, and this is the day to be surrounded by the people that would take a bullet for you. This is where you are in a stew of the deepest levels of love and loyalty. 

4. Easiness of having the wedding in ONE general location can give you some flexibility if you have horrible weather. Everyone flew in, they are there for you. You can shift and change to make things work in a way you could never in a 300 people event. 

 5. Getting close with vendors.

For photography, it's not just a day documented but the entire awesome experience.Excursions, rehearsals, or post wedding encore sessions. When you bring your vendors, I am there for the whole thing. Although we don't shoot ALLL day cause that would be cray, you better believe you get moments that you would never in a wedding day. This also creates a really special bond with your clients and vendors that result in lifelong friendships. I know when I am connected, as an artist I do my best work. It's personal at that point and serving those we care for is always better when we do something for a check. This has so many endless ways it will give you the best of the people you bring. Even if you hire then locally, you have the chance to sit with them day and after day and build a lasting bond. This is special. I promise. 

Destination weddings have a place and they are not for everyone. Some cultures, families and large and large wedding's are the way to serve those you love. But if you don't have those things consider making it really small, bringing vendors and having more than a day but make memories for everyone for a lifetime. Whatever you choose, I hope you choose to focus on your partner and have the best day of your life. There is nothing that photographs better than two people being so insanely in love it oozes from them.