“I couldn’t have imagined having strangers photograph us today, I am so glad we brought someone we trusted to our elopement” said Kat (the bride) while she finished up getting ready for her elopement ceremony. Yes, you read correctly. The couple chose to bring myself and my husband all the way from Kentucky to Punta Cana with them for their elopement. They could have chosen to have someone local to Punta Cana to photograph their elopement, however they brought us with them for peace of mind.

I have been with Kat & Q from the start. Q reached out to me to photograph their proposal, which led to engagement photos and now the wedding! So it’s safe to say we were not strangers when the wedding arrived. It also doesn’t hurt that we were good friends from college.

Kat and Q decided to elope long before the pandemic began. But unfortunately they also went through the trouble of having to reschedule their wedding to a different date. But thankfully, they landed their new date on Valentines Day weekend and it happened!

Why Bring a Photographer with you to your international elopement?

Elopements are such an intimate experience for a couple. Especially if it’s just the couple and friends are family are not attending. That is why it’s so crucial to bring photographers with you that you know and trust. You are essentially spending the most time of the day with your spouse and the photographers! There is something SO special about just the couple eloping. I think it makes it even more special when its just just two people celebrating their love. There are no “rules” for a wedding. Its about what you want and who you want with you, and sometimes you only want your future spouse with you. Its actually really beautiful if you think about it.

A lot of times couples will rely on the resort photographer, however theres hardly any rapport built between the clients and the photographer prior to the elopement. This may work for some couples, but to me personally its hard to form a strong connection with someone that way. I have also heard stories that the resort photographers will only allow the couple access to a few of their photos after the wedding day with hardly any editing added to it. I like to provide my clients with the entire experience, which is why you should bring your photographer with you to your elopement.

The Wedding

Kat & Q eloped on the gorgeous beaches of Punta Cana at Excellence El Carmen Resort. We were worried about the rain happening during the ceremony, but it was a gorgeous clear day! The couple had their ceremony, relaxed on the beach for a bit and then came back for intimate dinner for two in comfier clothes.

Aaron and I truly loved spending the week with them and are so thankful we got to celebrate with them! Definitely not like a traditional wedding as we don’t get to hang out with the couple as much as we did! I truly wish more weddings were like this.

Elopements should be considered more even after the pandemic is over.

If you want to learn more about Olivia Hatfield Photography elopement offerings check it out here.

Vendors:

Film Lab: Photovision

Dress: Wendy’s Bridal Cincinnati

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