As the chill of winter settles in, I’m gearing up for one of the most exhilarating adventures of my year: a 25-day rafting trip through the Grand Canyon. This marks my third time paddling through this incredible landscape, and while I’m absolutely thrilled to return to the river, I wanted to share why this trip is so important to me—and how it impacts my role as your wedding photographer.
The Why Behind the Rapids
After an amazing (but jam-packed) wedding season filled with documenting love stories in the backcountry of Mammoth Lakes, the granite peaks of Yosemite, and the red rock majesty of Zion, my soul is craving some time to recharge.
For me, the rafting the Grand Canyon is more than just an adventure. It’s a reset button—a chance to step away from emails, timelines, and editing queues, and immerse myself in raw, untamed beauty. Spending almost a month navigating the rapids, sleeping under endless stars, and waking up to the echo of canyon walls fills my adventure cup in ways nothing else can.
And honestly? It makes me better at what I do.
How This Impacts My Photography
When I come back from trips like this, I’m not just recharged—I’m inspired. The landscapes I experience remind me why I fell in love with photography in the first place. The feeling of watching the sun hit the canyon walls is a lot like watching the first light at Glacier Point during a sunrise elopement or seeing the joy of a couple embracing by a teal alpine lake.
This time away also helps me refocus on being present—a quality I deeply value when capturing your most intimate moments. Stepping out of the busyness of everyday life helps me stay grounded, intentional, and ready to give my full energy to your wedding or elopement.
What This Means for My Couples
Let’s talk logistics! From January 16 to February 10, I’ll be entirely out of service (yes, no Wi-Fi, no cell phone signal). While I’m paddling downriver, I won’t be able to respond to inquiries, answer questions, or chat about your wedding plans.
I know this can feel a little nerve-wracking, especially if you’re considering working with me or have pressing questions about your big day. But don’t worry—my friend will be stepping in to help while I’m away. They’ll handle simple questions, help schedule meetings, and make sure things are moving smoothly until I return.
If you’re someone who can wait until I’m back to chat, I truly appreciate your patience. It means so much to me that you value the time I take to recharge and come back even more excited to work with you.
Why I’m Sharing This
In a world where we’re all expected to be available 24/7, it feels important to let you know why I’m taking this time off and how it benefits not just me, but my couples. I’ve learned that taking space to rest and explore doesn’t take away from my ability to serve you—it enhances it.
After February 10, I’ll be diving back into all things wedding photography: editing galleries, answering your emails, and dreaming up plans for your incredible elopements and weddings. But until then, I’ll be soaking up the Canyon’s magic and recharging my creative spirit.
A Little Ask
If you’re considering working with me and can afford to wait, I’d love the chance to connect once I’m back! Whether it’s chatting about your vision for your Mammoth Lakes wedding or dreaming up an adventure elopement in Yosemite, your story deserves my full attention—and I can’t wait to give it to you. I recommend filling out my inquiry form with as much info as you have. You’ll get an automated response that includes a scheduling link to my calendar. Once you submit a date and time that works for you, then you know we’ll be chatting when I’m back!
Until then, thank you for your understanding, patience, and support. And if you’ve ever dreamed of rafting the Grand Canyon yourself, let’s chat when I’m back. I have so many stories to share and lots of stoke to share.
Here’s to adventure, love, and taking the time to savor it all.
See you after February 10! Here are some photos from my past two trips:
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