The best adventures start with a pin on the map, A great playlist & your best friend.
A carefree, windows down, summer vacation kind of wedding day.
You work a high-stress job in your real life.
01
You carry a lot. Many of my couple's work demanding, high responsibility jobs. You are used to staying composed for others. You serve your community. Now on your wedding day, you don't want to worry about everyone else- you want to stay fully present for yourself.
You plan adventures, not parties.
You’d rather map out a weekend escape than a seating chart. The best memories come from trying something new together. For you, connection happens on the trail, around the fire, and in the quiet in-between moments. Your wedding day should be no different—just you and your person (and probably your dog).
02
You drive a Subaru or a Toyota truck.
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And there's a good chance the first "thing" you bought for your wedding was a Patagonia puffer jacket.
You spend your weekends chasing pins on a map and sleeping under the stars. You’ve got a favorite snack for the trail, a go-to post-hike beer, and a playlist that’s basically your love story in songs.
You hate being the center of attention.
And you haven't been planning your wedding day since you were 12.
Emotion, not performance.
You work a high-stress job in your real life.
01
You carry a lot. Many of my couple's work demanding, high responsibility jobs. You are used to staying composed for others. You serve your community. Now on your wedding day, you don't want to worry about everyone else- you want to stay fully present for yourself.
You plan adventures, not parties.
You’d rather map out a weekend escape than a seating chart. The best memories come from trying something new together. For you, connection happens on the trail, around the fire, and in the quiet in-between moments. Your wedding day should be no different—just you and your person (and probably your dog).
02
You drive a Subaru or a Toyota truck.
And there's a good chance the first "thing" you bought for your wedding was a Patagonia puffer jacket.
You spend your weekends chasing pins on a map and sleeping under the stars. You’ve got a favorite snack for the trail, a go-to post-hike beer, and a playlist that’s basically your love story in songs.
03
You deserve a wedding day that becomes one of your favorite memories.
A joy-filled day, with playful inside joke energy. In your favorite place, with your favorite person.
Hey There,
I'm Joleen
I'm your California Elopement Photographer. I help outdoorsy introverts plan elopement experiences that feel like their best summer vacation.
Go ahead and cancel that appointment with the table linen lady...
Sierra Nevada Local
I grew up in a tiny mountain town on the border of Yosemite National park. I've spent my whole life exploring every lake, meadow, swimming hole, vista, hot spring and mountain peak I can get to. Yosemite & the Eastern Sierras are my favorite and most familiar places.
• I've never related to the term "hype-girl"- it feels too loud. Im more like a super mellow, laid back encourager.
• To me, the most nostalgic smell in the world is campfire.
• My favorite just-for-fun hobby is tie dye.
• My best bud is my 15 year old pit boxer mix, Lunchbox.
Let’s create a day where you can watch the sun go down from your tailgate and have a first dance by campfire light.
Hey There,
I'm Joleen
Your California Elopement Photographer. I help outdoorsy introverts plan elopement experiences that feel like their best summer vacation.
Go ahead and cancel that appointment with the table linen lady...
Let’s create a day where you can watch the sun go down from your tailgate and have a first dance by campfire light.
Sierra Nevada Local
I grew up in a tiny mountain town on the border of Yosemite National park. I've spent my whole life exploring every lake, meadow, swimming hole, vista, hot spring and mountain peak I can get to. Yosemite & the Eastern Sierras are my favorite and most familiar places.
• I've never related to the term "hype-girl"- it feels too loud. Im more like a super mellow, laid back encourager.
• To me, the most nostalgic smell in the world is campfire.
• My favorite just-for-fun hobby is tie dye.
• My best bud is my 15 year old pit boxer mix, Lunchbox.
Joleen has a gift for making you feel comfortable in front of the camera.
-C & A, Yosemite National Park
"My husband and I had an unforgettable experience in Yosemite with her. From start to finish, we were constantly laughing and feeling completely at ease. Her communication and transparency are truly exceptional. Joleen goes above and beyond—she even offered to pick up items like a flower bouquet or cake."
Her being a local was a god send!
- J & P, Stanislaus National Forest
"We couldn't imagine how stressful the weeks leading up to and even the day of the event would've been without her. Seriously, if you are considering, let this be the sign you are looking for to book her. She was amazing- she felt like a friend at the wedding and the entire time she was taking great photos. she helped us so much and we are truly grateful and honored to have had an amazing person. I can't stress enough how happy she made us."
She felt like such a pivotal & important part of our wedding weekend.
-L & G, Yosemite National Park
"I would give her more than 5 stars if I could. Not only is she an incredibly gifted photographer, but she brought this warm, joyous energy that made it so easy to spend time with her and be photographed. Joleen was accommodating every step of the way and made sure to talk through every step of our multi-day photography journey together and I am forever grateful."
She knew every secret spot in Mammoth to get incredible images.
-K & M, Mammoth Lakes
"If you want an experience that deepens your bond and celebrates all that makes your love with your partner special, Joleen will make it happen! Her attention to detail, genuine kindness and ability to catch those precious shots while making you feel totally at ease is one in a million. We get so many compliments on our photos and can’t thank Joleen enough for helping us celebrate our day our way."
"We wouldn’t have wanted anyone but her to third wheel along side us on our wedding day to capture all the fun moments. She trucked down dirt roads and hiked up granite to capture the most beautiful photos. Oh, and she loves dogs - she was perfectly happy sharing the backseat with our fluffy and dirt covered dogs. We just adore Joleen, and we will treasure these special photos forever!"
Joleen is up for anything, and has such a vision for making your perfect day come to fruition.
-C&M, Sonora Pass & Mamomth Lakes
Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words //
Imagine a day like this:
You spend the morning leisurely preparing for your day together, and the anticipation grows. Your heart overflows when you see she packed your favorite mug and brings you your coffee just how you like it.
As the high sierra sun warms your skin, you approach him for your first look. Tears come to your eyes as it sets in, “today is our day!” He surprises you with a curated playlist of your favorite songs, and you cheers with your favorite post hike beer.
After cruising over an alpine lake on your SUPs or playing with your dogs, it’s ceremony time. You head to a beautiful mountain vista. The sky turns from blue to gold, as you say your vows. You feel true solitude as the wind carries your words away.
You end the day by the glow of a campfire, snuggled close, as you enjoy your favorite meal. The stars come out, the music starts, and before you know it—you’re dancing barefoot, under an endless night sky, each star a little celebration for you.
YOU'RE MARRIED!
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Why is everyone talking about intentional elopements?
Here's what "INTENTION" really looks like in action:
Not a barn or a golf course—but the mountain you shared your first camping trip.
Or, a new corner of the map you’ve dreamed of exploring together.
• It's choosing a location that feels meant for you.
• It’s doing what you actually love.
If doing anything outside is where you feel the most content, I think your wedding day should feel like that too. Whether it's sitting around a campfire, skinny dipping or 4x4ing down a bumpy road, do that thing.
• It’s including only the people who make it better.
This is a memory that’s meant to be returned to again and again. When you need encouragement, when you have a fight, when life is joyful or messy.
• It’s building a landmark memory.
This day doesn't have to rush by, and it shouldn't. We'll create a timeline that gives you space to enjoy it.
You’re not performing for a crowd.
You’re sharing a moment with the people (or pets!) who matter most—and only them.
Some couples thrive in a group. Others want just the two of them and the trees.
Whatever brings you peace and presence, that’s the right choice.
• It’s slowing the heck down.
You’re not performing for a crowd.
You’re sharing a moment with the people who matter most—and only them.
This is a memory that’s meant to be returned to again and again. When you need encouragement, when you have a fight, when life is joyful or messy.
If doing anything outside is where you feel the most content I think your wedding day should feel like that too. Whether it's sitting around a campfire, skinny dipping, or 4x4ing down a bumpy road, do that thing.
Not a barn or a golf course—but the mountain you shared your first camping trip
Or, a new corner of the map you’ve dreamed of exploring together.
• It’s doing what you actually love.
• It's choosing a location that feels meant for you.
• It’s Including only the people who make it better.
• It’s slowing the heck down.
• It’s letting go of the "shoulds"
This day doesn't have to rush by, and it shouldn't. We'll create a timeline that gives you space to enjoy it.
Here's what "INTENTION" really looks like in action:
You’re not performing for a crowd.
You’re sharing a moment with the people who matter most—and only them.
You should wear white.
You should invite Great Uncle Ralph.
You should book the country club.
Yeah… no. You get the point.
• It’s building a landmark memory.
What you won't find here:
What you won't find here:
What you won't find here:
What you won't find here:
What you won't find here:
What you won't find here:
Your day will be full—but not frantic. We’ll have a plan that focuses on the moments that matter most, and we’ll move through it with presence and breathing room.
No adrenaline. No rushing.
• No timelines that steal your joy.
• No awkward all eyes on you moments
We’ll get the meaningful portraits—even ones your grandma will love—but they’ll feel calm, easy, and never forced.
Adventure-ish is totally acceptable. We can find privacy and beauty without a long hike.
• No pressure to hike if you don't want to
I’ll guide you gently, and give you prompts that draw on your relationship and inside jokes. And I'll capture all the inbeteween moments that come naturally.
• No fake laughs or stiff poses
You’re not performing for a crowd.
You’re sharing a moment with the people who matter most—and only them.
You’re not performing for a crowd.
You’re sharing a moment with the people who matter most—and only them.
LOCATION SCOUTING
More than just photos...
these are the perks that help turn a great day into the best adventure yet.
EXCURSION PLANNING
INTROVERT FRIENDLY
TIMELINE PLANNING
VENDOR
ADD-0NS
TRUE TO LIFE EDITS
I'll send you a personalized list of location suggestions based on your vision. I'll also advise the best times of day for dreamy photos.
SHARED EXPERIENCES MAKE FOR THE BEST BONDING EXPERIENCES. I LOVE FINDING UNIQUE EXPERIENCES THAT ADD LAYERS OF MEANING TO YOUR DAY.
As an introvert myself, I can tell you there will be a brief warm up period. I promise that with movement and personal prompts you’ll be ignoring the camera in no time.
I'LL PLAN YOUR ELOPEMENT FROM BEGINNING TO END. WE'LL PRIORITIZE THE THINGS THAT BRING YOU THE MOST JOY AND FIND A BALANCE OF "JUST US" TIME AND TIME SHARED.
The colors in your photos will BE realistic, although I do have a soft spot for playing up that golden hour glow. Guilty.
I'M FORTUNATE TO KNOW MANY LIKE-MINDED MOUNTAIN LOCAL VENDORS WHO ARE EAGER TO PLAY A ROLE IN YOUR DAY.
LOCATION SCOUTING
I'll send you a personalized list of location suggestions based on your vision. I'll also advise the best times of day for dreamy photos.
EXCURSION PLANNING
SHARED EXPERIENCES MAKE FOR THE BEST BONDING EXPERIENCES. I LOVE FINDING UNIQUE EXPERIENCES THAT ADD LAYERS OF MEANING TO YOUR DAY.
these are the perks that help turn a great day into the best adventure yet.
More than just photos...
INTROVERT FRIENDLY
As an introvert myself, I can tell you there will be a brief warm up period. I promise that with movement and personal prompts you’ll be ignoring the camera in no time.
TIMELINE PLANNING
I'LL PLAN YOUR ELOPEMENT FROM BEGINNING TO END. WE'LL PRIORITIZE THE THINGS THAT BRING YOU THE MOST JOY AND FIND A BALANCE OF "JUST US" TIME AND TIME SHARED.
TRUE TO LIFE EDITS
The colors in your photos will BE realistic, although I do have a soft spot for playing up that golden hour glow. Guilty.
VENDOR ADD-ONS
I'M FORTUNATE TO KNOW MANY LIKE-MINDED MOUNTAIN LOCAL VENDORS WHO ARE EAGER TO PLAY A ROLE IN YOUR DAY.
As an experienced California elopement photographer, I don’t just take photos
"We had never gotten professional photography before, and she made it so easy. Her professionalism and organization was obvious from our first call, where she walked us through all of the options for making our day special and personalized. It really felt like she spent the time to get to know us, so she was able to spend all day reminding us and helping us focus on our journey and the meaning behind the wedding day. I couldn't recommend Joleen enough to make your day fun, relaxed and beautiful!"
Working with Joleen was one of the best decisions we made for our day!
-S&E, Mamomth Lakes
How will you start the next chapter in your story?
Let’s make it everything you hoped it would be- and nothing you don’t.
Here's how to get started:
• You don't need a detailed plan.
• You don't need an exact date or location.
You just need a sense of what feels right.
Let's turn that gut feeling into a beautiful, intentional, in-your-element elopement experience.
