You know that feeling when someone just “gets” you and it's super easy to be around them? That's what it's like to spend time with Erin and Dave. These two lovebirds are one of our past KLEM Studios wedding couples; we were so honored to be able to photograph their engagement session and later, their wedding at Thornberry Creek Country Club in Green Bay. Their first anniversary was coming around, and to celebrate, we started co-creating an anniversary photo session that was like an elopement end destination vow renewal all rolled into one.

There are so many incredible locations across this big, beautiful country that we live in. Many couples have expressed to us their love for adventuring, or how they wished they would have eloped but didn't for various reasons. One of my greatest joys as an adventurous photographer is being able to do some research and introduce couples to some really incredible locations that they may not have known about before, both close to home and far away.

We started this adventure session at Long Slide Falls County Park near Pembine, Wisconsin. Dave opted for a simple but dapper look complete with a bow tie and boutonniere. Both the boutonniere and dainty, wild bouquet were created by the incredible Native Sage and Co who specialize in intimate wedding florals.

Erin was so excited to be able to put her wedding dress on again. She paired the look with some fleece-lined leggings and warm hiking boots since we had been greeted with an early-season snowfall. The forest was Erin’s dressing room as I helped her into her dress next to her SUV (whose name is Carlisle, for all you Twilight fans out there, because he’s white and sparkles in the sun!).

Romantic forest waterfall colorful elopement wisconsin

We made our way down to the beautiful falls, which took some careful navigating in some spots. Erin and Dave shared a few sweet memories and dreams as they stood next to the rushing waters. We set up a small picnic next to the waterfall, complete with macaroons from Almond and Ivy (a bakery in Green Bay), a bottle of sparkling wine, and mini charcuterie boards.

As the sun was starting to set, we made our way to Dave's Falls in Amberg Wisconsin. Originally, these two were going to hop into the river for some steamy water photos, but the chilly water proved to be less-than-romantic. We opted for some sunset dancing next to the river instead. It was a beautiful tribute to these two and their first year of marriage.

We firmly believe that your wedding journey gets to be exactly what you dream it to be. Your relationship is deserving of every hope and desire you store in your heart. So, if that includes an epic elopement in the mountains with just the two of you and your photographer, go for it. Perhaps that means an adventurous anniversary session, celebrating this milestone in your relationship and taking advantage of another chance to put on your wedding dress. If you follow your heart, you can’t get it wrong, no matter what other people may say.

We’re here for every adventure you dream, and we’re ready to help you make it happen. Reach out to us today to start planning your elopement, adventure engagement session, or destination anniversary celebration.

All our love,