Are you planning a MA wedding and the thought of a big crowd overwhelms you? Are your dogs your world and maybe you want to include them in your “Big Day”? Have you ever thought about eloping WITH your dog(s)?
Do it!!! This beautiful couple wanted their canines to be a part of their North Shore MA celebration at Rafes Chasm in Gloucester. The bride is a diver and knows this spot well – a meaningful location.
The Inquiry
When this couple reached out, this was their email:
“I know this isn’t your typical session, but we are looking for someone to shoot our elopement in June at Rafe’s Chasm in Gloucester.”
THIS was right up my alley and exactly what I long to do more of! Celebrating the love of couples WITH their pups. To make eloping with dogs the “norm”!
The Planning
I love the planning part of all portrait sessions. Planning gets everyone excited!
We talked about what to wear, what the dogs would be wearing (um, yet, that’s just as important!). I recommended a dog handler to make the evening run smooth. A handler for the pooches is something that I am happy to include, but if the couple has a friend that knows the dogs well and can help out, that is always a great option, too.
We planned to meet a Saturday evening in June at Rafe’s Chasm. There is a small trail hike that leads out to the rocks with stunning views from Boston’s north shore town of Gloucester.
We would do some pictures with the dogs prior to the ceremony. After the ceremony, we would bring them out again to be a part of the celebration.
When you schedule your elopement, the planning call is an important piece of the experience.
The Elopement Day
Rafes Chasm is a hidden gem!
We did have some fisherman to share the location with, but that didn’t matter. The parking was a little bit “iffy” (just 5/6 spots for cars), but it all worked out! The bride was a trooper and a little walk up the road added to the adventure!
It drizzled … but rain did not put a damper on things!
We did portraits with the dogs before the ceremony, and then the dogs took a break in the car to relax with their friend/handler.
The rocks of Rafe’s Chasm added perfect texture to images. The pups were all smiles with the waves crashing behind. A magical day!
The Ceremony
The ceremony was beautiful! The officiant trekked through the narrow wooded trail across the rocks to a perfect spot. The smiles and the tears of joy!
Exchanging Vows
How adorable is this vow book made by the bride’s sister with all the family pets on the cover? This brought happy tears to my eyes! This was the perfect personal touch to make the day even more special.
The couple shared their heartfelt words.
The Kiss
Would you say “the kiss” is THE most important image to capture? The Atlantic Ocean made the perfect backdrop for the married couple.
Celebrating “Just Married”
Congratulations to the beautiful couple! Champagne was popped and poured. The pups were brought out so share in the fun.
Along with being witness to this wonderful couple on their elopement day, I’m grateful and honored to have had the opportunity to tell their story through photos.
Are you interested in eloping with your dog(s)?
Are you located in New England? Do you love an adventure? Are your dogs your “everything” but you want to ditch th whole big wedding “to do”?
I’m here for you! I want to help you plan your dream wedding adventure WITH your dogs! Yes, they can be a part of it. Let’s get started on planning a magical experience of a lifetime!
Recent spotlight and Sydney photographer referral
A huge thank you to Adrian Harrison for my recent spotlight on the Snappy Lens. Andrian is a Sydney product photographer and does beautiful work! If you or someone you know is looking to elevate their brand with stunning product photos, send them Adrian’s way!
Great shots of the outdoor wedding !! Love the idea that you branched out to something beyond your comfort zone in trying outdoor wedding photography with a client that had this request & wanted to include their dogs in the wedding photos. This is a start of another adventure!!!
Thank you! I had soo much fun! I definitely hope to do many more of these!