The Secret to a Perfect Elopement: Timelines, Inspo Boards, and Simplicity
When it comes to wedding planning, it is incredibly easy to fall into the trap of overcomplicating things. But at the end of the day, your wedding is simply about you and your partner making a commitment to one another.
Recently, I had the honor of photographing Hanna and Troy’s intimate elopement at a beautiful VRBO in Boyne Falls, Michigan. Looking back on their day, three words come to mind: Organization, Thoughtfulness, and Simplicity.
If you are planning a Northern Michigan elopement, here is a look at how Hanna and Troy crafted a perfectly stress-free day—and how you can use their approach as a blueprint for your own!
1. Keep the Vision Simple (But the Space Beautiful)
Hanna and Troy knew they didn’t need a massive venue to make their day special. They rented a gorgeous, light-filled cottage in Boyne Falls and invited just a couple of their closest friends to serve as witnesses.
Pro-Tip for Future Brides: Getting ready in a clean, uncluttered, and well-lit space makes a massive difference in your final photos. Because Hanna chose a beautiful cottage and kept the space tidy, we were able to capture stunning, distraction-free “getting ready” shots.
2. Communicate Your Vision with an Inspiration Board
One of my absolute favorite things about working with Hanna was her visual communication. Instead of just describing what she liked, she created a Google Slides Inspiration Board filled with Pinterest images she loved.
This board highlighted her “must-have” moments, from detail shots of their rings and vow books to sweet sunset couples portraits.
Inspiration, Not Recreation: As I always emphasize during my pre-elopement phone calls with couples, the goal of a mood board isn’t to perfectly recreate someone else’s photos. Instead, it serves as a creative guide. It shows me the vibe, the editing style, and the types of interactions you value most, allowing me to capture your unique day through that lens.
3. The Power of a Well-Planned Timeline
Hanna filled out her pre-wedding questionnaire with incredible detail. Her timeline mapped out everything from her morning dog walk to exactly when the pasta should be boiling for dinner!
While you don’t necessarily need to schedule out your meals to the minute, a solid timeline is a photographer’s best friend. Here is why a detailed timeline (along with a list of family groupings and must-have shots) is crucial:
We can chase the best light: By planning her hair, makeup, and ceremony perfectly, we were able to step out for couples’ portraits during the absolute best lighting of the evening.
No rushing: Hanna was 100% ready to go when I arrived. Her details (shoes, rings, perfume, vow books) were already gathered and waiting for me. This meant I could immediately start photographing without cutting into her relaxation time.
Peace of mind: When I know exactly how your day is organized, you don’t have to direct me. You can just sit back, get married, and let me handle the documentation.
4. Connect Before the Big Day
Your elopement photographer is likely the vendor you will spend the most time with on your actual wedding day. Hanna, Troy, and I had a couple of phone calls leading up to the elopement to review her questionnaire, discuss their Google Slides board, and make sure our expectations were perfectly aligned.
Taking the time to jump on a call ensures that we are on the exact same page, so by the time your wedding day arrives, it just feels like a friend is showing up with a camera.
Ready to Plan Your Own Northern Michigan Elopement?
Hanna and Troy proved that you can have a deeply intentional, organized day without sacrificing the relaxed, simple magic of eloping.
If you are looking for a Michigan elopement photographer to help you capture your day—whether it’s at a cozy VRBO in Boyne Falls or on the shores of Lake Michigan—I would love to help you tell your story. Send me a message to start planning your elopement in Northern Michigan.
Josh Hartman – Northern Michigan Elopement Photographer
