Golden Hour Elopements
Hi, I’m Jenny—photographer, nature-lover, and the heart behind Golden Hour Elopements.
I’ve been photographing weddings and love stories for over 15 years, but my roots go even deeper—I started out as a photojournalist after graduating from UNC Chapel Hill in 2008. What drew me to journalism is the same thing that drew me to wedding photography: storytelling. Real, unscripted, emotional moments that speak louder than any words.
I started Golden Hour Elopements in 2023 after years of photographing traditional weddings and realizing that what I loved most were the quieter, more intentional moments—elopements, vow renewals, and surprise proposals filled with meaning, emotion, and the freedom to make the day entirely your own. My goal is to help couples create unforgettable, stress-free experiences that feel deeply personal and full of beauty.
As someone who eloped myself, I know how magical it can be to step away from the pressure of planning a big wedding and instead focus on what really matters: the two of you. But I also know that eloping isn’t always as “simple” as it sounds. There are still vendors to coordinate, locations to scout, permits to consider, and logistics to plan. That’s where I come in.
Golden Hour Elopements is more than photography—it’s full-service planning and thoughtful design for couples who want an extraordinary experience without the overwhelm. From mountain-top ceremonies and flower-filled fields to elegant hotel courtyards and secret garden picnics, I help you find the perfect setting, bring all the special details together (like charcuterie, florals, and cake), and document it all in a way that feels relaxed, joyful, and true to you.
I especially love working with couples who have a little life experience under their belts—whether you’re blending families, renewing vows, including your dog in the ceremony, or eloping later in life. You’re not just looking for beautiful photos (though you’ll definitely get those)—you’re looking for something meaningful. And I’m here to help make it happen.
When I’m not behind the camera, you’ll find me hiking in the North Carolina mountains with my family.
Let’s create something beautiful together.
Skills
Lightroom / Natural Light / Off Camera Flash / Photojournalism / Photoshop
FAQs
What inspired you to become a wedding photographer?
In 2008, I graduated from UNC Chapel Hill with a degree in photojournalism and a plan to work in newspapers. The recession hit hard, and journalism jobs were vanishing fast. I started photographing weddings through Craigslist to make ends meet—and to my surprise, I fell completely in love with it. There was something so meaningful about documenting real moments, real connection, and helping couples remember their joy. I made the leap to full-time photography in 2009 and haven’t looked back.
Over the years, I found myself especially drawn to elopements and surprise proposals—those intimate, intentional celebrations filled with emotion and beauty. In 2023, I launched an all-inclusive elopement company to help couples have stress-free, joy-filled experiences. While many couples imagine eloping will be simple, there’s still a lot to coordinate: locations, vendors, permits, timing. My goal is to take all that off their plate so they can focus on what matters—being present with each other and soaking up the magic of the day.
I eloped myself not long ago, and I have a blended family with a full, busy life. I especially love working with couples who have a little life experience—who value connection, ease, and beauty over perfection. Helping people create extraordinary elopement experiences that feel like a sublime, once-in-a-lifetime adventure is exactly where I’m meant to be.
How would you describe your photography style?
My photography style is natural, storytelling-driven, and rooted in connection. I approach each elopement or session with a photojournalist’s eye—looking for real moments, genuine emotion, and the quiet in-between beauty that often gets overlooked. I love creating images that feel effortless, full of life, and true to you. While I’ll guide you when needed (especially to find flattering light or help you feel at ease), I’m not about stiff poses or forced smiles. Instead, I focus on movement, intimacy, and the little details that tell your story—whether it’s wind in your hair on a mountaintop or laughter over a charcuterie board in a garden courtyard.
My editing style is clean and true-to-life, with a soft, romantic feel. I want your photos to feel timeless—like something you’ll love just as much 20 years from now as you do today.
How do you ensure that your clients feel comfortable and relaxed during the photo shoot?
Making people feel comfortable in front of the camera is one of my superpowers—and it starts with building trust and connection. I take time to get to know my couples before we ever start shooting, so when the day comes, it feels more like hanging out with a friend than posing for photos. I keep the vibe light, playful, and encouraging. I’ll offer just enough direction to help you feel confident, while still leaving space for real moments and natural connection to shine through.
Whether we’re hiking to a mountain overlook or wandering through a quiet garden, I’ll help you slow down, be present, and enjoy the experience together. Most couples tell me after the shoot that it didn’t feel like a photo session at all—it just felt like a really fun, meaningful time together. And that’s exactly what I want for you.
How do you ensure that you capture all of the important moments on the wedding day?
With over 15 years of wedding experience, I know how to anticipate the moments that matter—both the big, emotional highlights and the quiet, meaningful in-betweens. I approach every wedding with a storyteller’s mindset and a photojournalist’s attention to detail. Before the day even begins, I’ll work closely with you to understand what’s most important to you.
I create a flexible photo timeline that allows space for spontaneity while making sure nothing gets missed. Throughout the day, I stay present, observant, and ready. I’m always looking for those unscripted glances, joyful tears, and natural interactions that tell the full story of your day—not just what it looked like, but how it felt.
What is your favorite part of the wedding day and why?
My favorite part of the wedding day is the moment right after the ceremony—when the nerves melt away and joy just takes over. Whether it’s a big cheer from your guests, a quiet hug between the two of you, or happy tears and laughter as you walk back down the aisle, there’s something so raw and real about that moment. It’s a high point—full of love, relief, and celebration—and it’s so much fun to document. You’ve just done this huge, beautiful thing, and now you get to soak it all in. I love capturing that energy while it’s fresh and totally unscripted.
