Ready to Wander Season 2- Episode 14

This bad boy has been just sitting in my docket, just waiting to be shared with the world! If you’re new here, my name is Sydney and I am a Montana elopement and intimate wedding photographer. But I’m also the host of the Ready to Wander Podcast! If you’re an avid podcast listener, check out the links below to find out how to listen. But if you’re more of a reader, you’re also in for a treat! On Episode 14 of the Ready to Wander Podcast, I’m joined by my friend (and colleague), Laura Burns Photography to chat about our wedding days! If you’re searching for wedding day advice from real brides (who are wedding photographers), boy are you in the right place! Let’s get into it.

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Wedding Day Advice from Real Brides

Before we really dive into the details of my North Cascades elopement, and Laura’s Catalina Island elopement, allow me to introduce my dear friend! Laura is a Southern California wedding and elopement photographer based out of Orange County. She’s been photographing weddings for 8 years, and now offers videography! Laura and her husband (Josh) just celebrated their 1 year wedding anniversary. Together, they have the cutest little dog named Beaufort. When Laura isn’t documenting love stories, you can find her on (or in) the ocean, bird watching, or adventuring with her precious family. 

Laura and I first met on the internet (like most modern day friendships). We were both in a Facebook group that was focused on helping photographers improve their websites. Laura reached out to me to be an accountability partner andddd the rest is history. We’ve flown across the country a few times, photographed portions of each other’s wedding days, checked 9 states off our list together, hosted a content weekend, and are on the phone daily. I am so thankful to have found one of my best friends on the internet! Ugh, okay. Now enough of the mushiness… 

Southern California Elopement Weekend with Laura Burns Photography

Like I mentioned, Laura and Josh tied the knot in March 2023 on Catalina Island in Southern California. They opted for a wedding weekend to truly get to enjoy the best of both worlds. Here’s how Laura’s wedding weekend was broken down (in case you’re looking for a wedding weekend itinerary/timeline inspiration):

Day 1: Two Harbors, Catalina Island Intimate Wedding

Laura and Josh began their wedding day getting ready together at the Zane Grey Hotel in Avalon. They were able to take their time getting ready, eating breakfast, and setting aside intentional time to soak in the moment. After sharing the sweetest first look on the rooftop overlooking the beauty of Catalina, they took a boat to Two Harbors where their families were waiting for them.  

Their intimate wedding ceremony consisted of just 10 people. Beneath the most majestic trees, overlooking some roaming bison on a hill, Laura and Josh said “I do”. The rest of their day was spent in the most intentional way: not taking too much time snapping photos, and enjoying quality time together.

Day 2: Newport Beach Intimate Wedding Reception

Day two of Laura and Josh’s wedding reception started in the late afternoon with some romantics along the beach (with Beaufort, of course). They did all the sweet “traditional” wedding reception things; but Laura also performed a song for Josh that she had been writing since they met! Laura had an outfit change, everyone ate tacos, danced, and then Laura and Josh jumped into the harbor to wrap up their magical Southern California wedding weekend. 

I actually ended up being the associate photographer for Sarah Yates Photo (who is a dear friend of Laura’s as well). So it was so special getting to photograph her wedding, while also being a guest. Make sure to check out Laura’s complete elopement blog here! The pictures are a dream.

North Cascades Elopement Weekend with Sydney Breann Photography

Now, I haven’t shared a ton about my own wedding (unless you follow me on Instagram). I’m so happy to finally be able to share about my elopement weekend in Northwest Washington. You probably know the routine already, but if you’re planning your own North Cascades wedding weekend, take a peak at my itinerary! 

Ethan and I got married in early August 2023 near Mount Baker. Obviously, we are big mountain people but we wanted to get married in a place that was brand new to us! We rented a huge cabin for our 18 guests to hangout with us all weekend long. Our weekend was 4 days long, and it was everything that I could’ve ever dreamt of.

Day 1: Solo Adventuring in North Cascades National Park

We decided to split our Washington elopement weekend into two parts. Day one was our “us day”. Ethan and I went for a morning stroll before getting ready separately. Most of our friends and family were out exploring for the day so that we were able to get ready “alone”. It just was the most relaxing, serene morning. We shared a first look in the moss-covered forest before heading up a 4×4 road to our trailhead for the day. 

If you know Ethan and I, you won’t be surprised by how we spent our day. We packrafted around some alpine lakes, fly-fished, and hiked 1,500 ft up to our ceremony location. Once we reached the summit, we frolicked in the sunshine, enjoyed a PB&J picnic, and took some sunset romantics. After the sun had almost completely set, we exchanged our vows surrounded with 360 degree views on the North Cascades. The rest of the evening included blue hour lantern photos, a starlight whiskey toast, and hiking back down the mountain (lead by headlamps). Day one concluded with stargazing at the alpine lakes at the start of the trailhead. Seriously the most magical day of my life.

Day 2: Family Ceremony at Mount Baker

Day two was the epitome of “wholesome”. Our day began with enjoying breakfast with everyone. The guys hung out and played yard games while the gals got ready. Once everyone was ready, we headed up to Mount Baker for a family ceremony at Artist Point. 

After the ceremony and more photos, we went back to the Airbnb for a candlelit dinner. I had spent months thrifting decor and it looked even better than I could’ve imagined. We dined beneath twinkle lights strung in the pines, truly embracing the “mountain chic” vibes. Everyone ate, drank, and danced. And it was perfect .

I don’t have a blog up to recap my wedding, but I do have some photos (and our video) over on the ‘Gram (@sydneybreannphoto). 

An Elopement vs. a Traditional Wedding

You best believe that Laura and I have talked about our weddings as much as 2 people can. Laura and Josh chose to elope rather than having a traditional wedding for a couple reasons. Primarily, they sat down and talked about what their priorities were. What it came down to was that they really wanted to embrace their “together time”, time with families, and enjoying it all in a beautiful place. A fancy venue and a bridal party weren’t really at the top of their list, so eloping was the best way for them to get everything they wanted!

Similarly, Ethan and I knew what our priorities were. As an elopement photographer, it’s hard not to have high expectations and dreams for your own big day. Ultimately, we knew we wanted the day to feel like us. We wanted to spend time doing our favorite things, adventuring, getting some sick photos, and spending time with our people. It didn’t feel like a sacrifice to opt out of a reception because we aren’t big party people (and we don’t really like to dance). Again, it was perfect for us!

Why You Should Have an Elopement Weekend

Mutually, I think Laura and both loved that our weddings were the truest representation of our relationships. As wedding and elopement photographers, we both have a list of things we loved about our weekends (and things that we would’ve changed). Honestly, there aren’t many things either us would’ve changed about our wedding weekends. The small things that go “wrong” during every wedding don’t equate to much; there’s something so rewarding about marrying your person. It’s hard to focus on the “bad” when you get to marry the love of your life!

How to Make Your Elopement Unique

The best part of eloping is the flexibility to make the day exactly what you want. If you’re planning your own elopement and are wondering how to make your day more “unique”, here’s a few ideas:

• Thrift your table decor.
• Ask your loved ones to make desserts for your reception/dinner.
• Wear matching shoes.
• Ask a friend to officiate.
• Change into a sweatsuit for a bonfire after your dinner.
• Write your vows together during morning coffee.

Advice for Planning Your Dream Elopement

When it comes to elopement planning, there’s a whole slue of advice out there. But there’s something about elopement planning advice from real brides. Laura and I put our bridal minds together (paired with our wedding vendor noggins) to give you some solid elopement planning advice:

1. List out your priorities + non-negotiables.
2. Set a budget — but don’t be afraid to leave some room for your dream vendors.
3. Hire a planner or coordinator to avoid stress.
4. Hire vendors that care.
5. Think outside the box.

I actually have an entire podcast episode on Planning Your Dream Elopement. Check it out!

Alright folks, that’s all she wrote! Here’s hoping this wedding day advice from real brides (who are wedding photographers) helps make your life just a little bit easier. Being joined by my best friend and chatting about my own elopement was such a joy. I hope you are able to venture into the wedding planning world knowing how to make your day perfectly, uniquely you. Before you click away, make sure to check out Laura Burns Photography! And until next time, are you ready to wander?