From Alaska > Brisbane
When I first talked to Pierce about their Australian Elopement he told me that while I was their dream photographer, they just didn't have much of a budget. I first met Pierce in Seattle, as a newbie photographer and he was kind enough to let me take some photos of him. Fast forward a few years and I moved to Hawaii, and then to Alaska and Pierce? He moved across the world, to Queensland Australia and met the love of his life, Charlotte.
I said I will work for whatever budget you have, and just like that I was heading down under for another international client. This time, to the place of natural wonders and kangaroos.
Pink Lakes. Rainbow Birds. Kangaroo Cuddles.
When I began planning for this trip, I was texting Pierce all kinds of wild locations I found on Tiktok, only for him to remind me that Australia is a massive continent, and the natural wonders I wanted to see, were mostly all on the other side of the country. Brisbane was more industrialized, with dedicated nature centers and spaces integrated into public life. I even accidentally kicked a wild bearded dragon casually walking to get coffee. Sorry, mate.
My first day in Brisbane, they took me sightseeing to the Lone Pine Nature Sanctuary where I got to cuddle a Koala, feed Kangaroos, and let rainbow birdies land on my head. But the really cool part? Somehow, an act of the Photo Gods happened (I am not religious) and a historic algae bloom occurred the day I arrive, turning a little lake near the zoo completely pink! Literally in an area that never happens.
Slaughter Falls, Brisbane
Charlotte and Pierce opted for an elopement surprise package with a local company that offers 3 locations based on your interests or sentimental places, and curates a custom surprise experience complete with shuttle services in their vintage Volkswagen bus. Elope Brisbane chose to put together a ceremony location at their favorite park in Brisbane, Slaughter Falls Followed by a private showing of the consolation of the day they met in an observatory, then sunset photos by the water with a skyline view of Brisbane and finally, ending with a 5 star, 4 course meal at Deer Duck. The best part, all they had to do was show up on time and enjoy the experience that we got to co-provide for them.
The planning service not only offers all this, but they also offer photo and video, so while I got to handle the photos, I could trust their team to capture video and together, helping ensure it all went smoothly for the couple. It takes a team, and being one with vendors is a huge part of ensuring the experience goes above and beyond our clients expectations!
The Elopement started at Charlottes Mothers home. Where I had the privilege of staying during my trip and spending quality time with her family, as if I was one of their own. The 5 bedroom home in the foothills of Brisbane, was filled with love and laughter, Charlotte's mom telling me stories of all the perfect strangers she has opened her home to, a few I even got to meet, just from pure kindness. Charlotte got ready in the main bedroom while I took detail shots of her and Pierce's flatlays and detail shots. She is a knitter and thus - knitted her own flowers in one of the most unique wedding bouquets I have ever seen! They even let me include their furr-son Rathew for a few photos before getting whisked away for doggy daycare with Charlotte's sister.
When clients put their full trust in you, the photos just naturally become better, more natural, less stiff. This is why it is so important to vett your vendors and make damn sure you like the vibe of the person taking your once in a lifetime photos and who will be by your side all day on your wedding. Those intimate moments are irreplaceable, and giving your photographer all access will only benefit you in telling this story. Let me capture the hug you share with your mom. your bridal party helping you pee with your gown, the ugly cry of knowing your life changed forever on this day.
Elope Brisbane picked us up and shuttled us to the ceremony location where I waited with Pierce for Charlotte to arrive, capturing their private vows intently as they choked out the words through tears and laughter. I could not imagine a more perfect person for each other as these two, it's the type of love I see in the eyes of my husband, and it's beautiful to witness that level of pure devotion and love for someone. We celebrated with a pop of champagne and a silent first dance in the grass as the rays of sunshine shone a spotlight on them.
The Hard Part is over..
The stress leading into a wedding day is inescapable. On one hand, you have vendors confirming details and communicating every step of the way, friends and family eagerly wanting your attention, and have to try real hard not to fuck up your vows in the moment. Its a lot of pressure, no matter the size of the wedding there will always be hiccups and stressors. But this was not news to this couple, and they took everything in stride. Not a single thing could steal an ounce of joy from this couple. You can see it in these photos - the moment they say I-Do to the first kiss to shedding the pressure and celebrating while I have the honor of capturing it all and signing as their official witness. Slaughter Falls was lush in spring color, greens popping off from their winter slumber and the energy of rebirth in the air, even if spring in Australia feels like Summer in Alaska.
Part 1 -3
Because Traffic is a thing, even in Australia, we had to hurry through taking formals at Slaughter Falls Brisbane so that we could make it to the Brisbane Observatorium in time for their second portion of the experience. I took C + P to this river bank and we snapped these moments under the canopy of wild bird songs. The first photos taken as officially Husband and Wife with all the joy taking over any remaining nerves that built to that point.
The stars aligned the day we met.
| Brisbane Observatory
Viewing: P +C
International destination photographer | Jazmine R.
The Brisbane Observatory closed its doors to the public and cleared the seats in anticipation for P + C arrival for their private showing of the stars on a very special date. The day they went on their first date. Arranged by Elope Brisbane, We were led through the halls lined with historic artifacts (did you know astronauts used Nikon - Just like me?) and into the empty room. I stepped back and captured these moments as they held each other and gazed up at the sky like they are the only two people to exist in the whole world.
Kangaroo Point - The Best Location to see the Brisbane Skyline.
What are the Odds that the exact day and time that we are taking wedding formals at a shoreline overlooking the Brisbane Skyline, there would be a young couple freshly engaged celebrating just a few feet away? Kangaroo point was a popular location this night, locals rock climbing, biking, jogging, proposing and getting married all simultaneously and somehow - without much friction at all. If you are looking for an easy access spot to take portraits around Queensland Australia - I highly recommend heading to Kangaroo Point in Brisbane.
Sunset + First Stitch
Charlotte told me she was going to knit a custom sweater for Pierce as a symbol of her love and in celebration of their wedding, she wanted to capture her making the first stitch of that piece. After taking a few portraits in this sentimental hand woven shawl, we headed back to the van for her supplies just as the sun finished setting behind the skyscrapers.
One Stitch at a time.
Deer Duck | Fine Dining in Brisbane QSLD
End your elopement enjoying a professionally curated 5 course meal with Elevated Experience.
After all the photos have been taken, from Slaughter Falls National Park, To Brisbane Observatory and Kangaroo POint the night calmed down as P + C finally got to have a seat and relax into their evening. Starting with craft cocktails that were poured to perfection, appetizers and food that simply tastes expensive. Deer Duck is known for its intimate fine dining experience, boasting local art on the walls and thoughtful layout that gives you the feel of walking into a speakeasy. Together we enjoyed the meal, the relaxation and the company before cutting their cake and sending me off in an Uber.
My time is Brisbane was short and sweet and full of adventure, friendship, and warmth that I will never forget. I left the country with a bigger family, a full heart and photos that I will always be so proud of. Every client is important, but my international clients take SUCH a leap of faith in me, and I will do anything to ensure they know they made the right choice in hiring me to fly all the way across the world to capture them.
Catch Flights + Feelings
Where is your wedding destination dream? Lets talk about what that looks like, and how I can use my experience to help guide you into your forever.
