acadia elopement

Acadia Elopement Photographer // Ricarda & Bill

Ricarda & Bill emailed me about photography just two weeks before their proposed elopement in Acadia last September, but it worked out perfectly! Getting married in the middle of the week helps a little, but I think what made their day come together so well (by which I mean - we were able to find parking) was the overcast, foggy weather that drives most tourists away. I was available since they chose a Wednesday, and we were able to find parking at popular spots like Sand Beach, Jordan Pond, and the Blue Hill Overlook easily. We also visited the Otter Cliff area at the end of Ocean Path and began their time with a “first look” atop Cadillac Mountain. We fit a lot into their four hours!

They had their hearts set on saying their vows on the Blue Hill Overlook with hopes of majestic views in the background, which didn’t pan out exactly as planned... Their elopement is a great example of how foggy it can be here in Acadia, but I think it was still beautiful in its own way. I actually prefer these conditions! Right after their ceremony, the fog broke just long enough to get a few photos with some scenery in the background. See if you can spot those images below. It’s a wildcard getting married in Acadia, always a true adventure!

I’ve done this dozens of times over the years, never in any “official” capacity (aka you won’t find info about this on my website), but they asked me to create a video of their day to share with their family and friends, so I did. Now in 2021, I do technically offer that option, as an add-on to photography, so feel free to email me if you’re interested in a fun little video.

Ricarda and Bill were so low-key, simple, fun and easy to work with. They did a couple things that I thought were neat - Ricarda wasn’t afraid to go barefoot part of the day, and Bill changed out of his military uniform partway through their time with me. Most couples book me for the last few hours of the day, so we can end our time at sunset. My time with Ricarda & Bill began at noon, which on a sunny day is a tough time to shoot because the light can be so harsh. Not on their day though! Fog can be a blessing sometimes for sure.

Enjoy looking through the story of these two easy-going loves. The fog lent such a dramatic and romantic touch to their day and is a great example of why couples shouldn’t fear the unpredictability of the weather. When you’re going to Acadia National Park for you elopement or wedding, your photography will be beautiful no matter what.

Acadia Elopement Photographer // Meghan & Marc

Meghan & Marc are a fun-loving couple from Boise, ID who were expecting their first child when they contacted me about photographing their intimate fall wedding in Acadia. Meghan had never been to Maine before! Their celebration was more of a tiny wedding than a true elopement, as they planned to bring their closest family members too. The fact that Marc’s parents live near the park helped them decide to travel to Acadia to get married there. With the help of Rachel Sisson’s incredible event planning, Lauren Crowley’s beautiful officiating, and a perfectly-timed sunset trip to the top of Cadillac Mountain, their intimate autumn wedding celebration really could not have been better.

These two describe themselves as very relaxed and easy-going, which typically translates for me as very easy to photograph! As a former theater major, Marc was relaxed in front of the camera. And Meghan (as cheesy as this sounds) was glowing and happy to show off her little baby bump.

They’d originally hoped to elope in Scotland because of ancestral ties there. When that didn’t work out due to covid, they celebrated their Scottish heritage by incorporating little details like the tartan plaid of his vest and a matching plaid bow in her hair. Meghan was wise to wear a long-sleeved dress and bring a warm fur along, because even warm sunny days in Maine can get chilly as the sun goes down. 

Meghan and Marc hired for me 4 hours of photography coverage, and our time began by meeting at the trailhead for Hunter’s Beach, just outside of the park on Cooksey Drive. After their few guests made their way down the 1/4 mile path to the beach, I met Marc and got him situated in the woods down the trail while we waited for Meghan to arrive for their “first look.” Their ceremony was sweet and emotional - filled with laughter and tears - and an awkwardly-placed grandpa who decided to watch from the opposite side of the beach. I tried to capture photos of Megan & Marc exchanging rings and vows without grandpa in the background, and we just shrugged and laughed it off. There’s always at least one thing that goes “wrong” at every wedding, and I honestly kind of welcome those quirks because they just add to and enrich a couple’s wedding story and memories.

After the ceremony, a beautifully catered meal (prepared by Sweet Pea’s) and lovely table setting (by Rachel and Floret) was waiting for them. By the time we hiked back out of the woods from their ceremony spot at Hunter’s Beach, we hoped to stop in one more location for a few more photos. Cadillac Mountain was a bit out of our way, but we decided it would be worth the drive even if we’d have just 5 minutes up there to check out the sunset. We made it just in time! It almost killed me to leave before the sky got even more lovely and colorful, but I am not the kind of photographer who makes a couple’s day about the photos, above all else. We were on a schedule, and dinner was waiting! We were lucky to get a few gorgeous photos and enjoy the magical views before heading back to their cozy family gathering at an Airbnb in Seal Harbor. 

As a photographer, I’m excited about the trend toward more intimate, simple weddings in Maine like this one - where couples still get to enjoy the company of loved ones and delicious food, but on a much more manageable (and affordable) scale. I hope their photos can be inspiration to other couples planning to have a tiny wedding or elopement in Acadia or elsewhere in Maine!