Silhouette of a woman holding a camera on a rocky hilltop at sunset with colorful sky and mountain range backdrop.

Person wearing a graphic sweatshirt poses in a sunlit pine forest.

I did my wedding day wrong, and i want to help make sure you don't.

I gave in to the pressure of a large wedding, and it's my mission to help make sure my couples choose the option that actually feels like THEM.

In 2018, I had my own (typical Missouri wedding) at a barn venue, with 150+ people, despite the fact that it was NEVER what I wanted. The crowds, the eyes on me, no real time spent with my new husband...all in all, it just wasn't a day that actually felt representative of US and OUR love story.

So now, I've made it my mission to help couples have that authentic adventure. The one that lets them actually soak in their favorite day, with their favorite person, in their favorite place.

View Elopement Packages

01.

Your love is safe with me

Everyone's love deserves to be celebrated, and I would love to be the one to document you saying yes to your forever person. As long as you are head over heels, hopelessly in love with each other, I'm all in on this thing, too!

No matter your race, nationality, gender, sexuality, etc., you're safe here with me.

As long as you're nice.

Ya gotta be nice.

02.

I Care DEeply about our wild spaces

I received a degree in Fisheries & Wildlife from the University of Missouri, and have spent 5+ years as a conservation educator in my home state.

Why does this matter? I know what it takes to care for the places we visit on your elopement day, so you can return to the same location you said your vows year after year.

03.

ALL Kiddos (& Pets!) Are Welcome

Some people want their elopement day to be just them, and some want some little tagalongs! I am always okay with either option.

I myself am a mama to a spunky 2-year-old, and I adore working with other couples' little ones. And my two (rather large & unruly) pups are the BEST...I would love to meet yours on your elopement day!

04.

I'm Awkward, too!

Look, I have this talk with every couple that gets in front of my lens - you do NOT have to worry about being "awkward". Some things may feel a little unnatural with personal paparazzi, but that does NOT mean that you're being judged in any way by me.

Also...I'm awkward, too! That's just who I am as a person, so I will NEVER judge you for any awkward moments of your own.

Simple geometric star icons in yellow on white background.

Wedding and event branding badges with circular frames and text.

Decorative text design with elegant calligraphy style.

Silhouettes of hikers against dramatic mountain sunset backdrop.

Sunset family portrait at Ruby Beach with sea stacks in the background.

People in winter clothing share a joyful moment against a snowy mountain backdrop.

Hikers exploring alpine terrain with snow-capped mountains in background.

Mountain landscape with dramatic peaks and autumn foliage in foreground.

Hikers exploring a mountain trail with glacial views in the background.

Breathtaking sunset view from Glacier Point overlooking Half Dome in Yosemite National Park.

Scenic landscape view of a geothermal area with steam rising in Yellowstone National Park.

Snow-covered mountain landscape with people enjoying the winter scenery.

Hikers resting on mountain summit with panoramic views of distant peaks.

Scenic view of Yosemite Valley with El Capitan and Half Dome mountains during golden hour.

Person in blue shirt sits on rocky mountain overlook with scenic mountain vista.

Hikers traverse a scenic mountain trail with stunning alpine views.

People resting on a rocky mountain overlook surrounded by evergreen trees.

Joyful moment captured against the majestic backdrop of Yosemite's granite cliffs at sunset.

Hiking along a mountain trail with stunning views of the Rocky Mountain range.

Person standing in shallow mountain lake surrounded by sunlit pine forest.

Outdoor adventure companions enjoying a sunny day in the park.

Joyful moment captured in front of Multnomah Falls waterfall in Oregon.

Adventure elopements aren't just my job, they're my lifestyle.

Hikers explore rugged mountain terrain with snow-capped peaks and dramatic clouds in the background.

My home-base is anywhere with my husband (Ryan), daughter (Aspen), and our various assortment of furry friends. I have a passion for travel, and ADORE documenting my clients' love stories in the stunning public lands that I have come to admire so wholeheartedly!

When I'm not out photographing elopements? I'm exploring those same public lands. Hiking, biking, camping...a weekend spent on adventure is a weekend well-spent in my eyes. I also love reading (yes, I am ABSOLUTELY an ACOTAR girly), baking a warm loaf of sourdough, and curling up to watch my favorite fantasy movies (LOTR & Harry Potter will always be my comfort movies).

Meet the Additional Adventure Buddies

Hiker in bright orange jacket traverses snowy mountain terrain with hiking poles.

Ryan Forbis

Husband Extraordinaire

(Photo)

My other half and favorite adventure buddy! Ryan always brings light-hearted fun (and a fair assortment of inappropriate jokes) to elopement days he is a part of. We've been together for 12 years, so it's safe to say that we make a pretty good team!

Stephanie Fenzl

Certified Hype-Woman

(Photo + Video)

The lovely lady behind J ackalope Mountain Photography, owner of some of my favorite tattoos ever, and a fellow conservationist (that's how we met!). If Stephanie is along for the ride, you can rest assured that your adventure is in great hands!

Person wearing a white winter coat poses by a waterfront marina at sunset.

Ashley York

The Gen Z Hire

(Photo + Video)

Ah, yes. The little sis. She is my certified new phrase translator, way cooler and significantly less socially awkward than I am, and knows all the things about pop culture that my hermit self is unaware of. Truly a needed part of this posse.

Garden wedding venue with yellow wildflowers and guests seated for an outdoor ceremony.

Stephen & Lucy

"Hands down the best photography experience I’ve ever had. Marissa and her second shooter were incredible! I wish I could hire her to follow me around always!!!"

So what's next?

STEP 01

We chat about ALL the things

We'll talk via email, Zoom, or a phone call and get to know each other a bit better! This will also help us narrow down on your dream location (or at least landscape!) for your elopement day.

STEP 02

Dreaming & Planning

We'll work together to create your IDEAL elopement day, complete with ALL of the adventures you want to include, and NONE of the ones you don't. From locations & activities, to lodging and vendor recommendations, you won't go through any of this alone.

STEP 03

Your favorite adventure EVER

It's elopement day! You spend the whole day immersed in your adventure, and focused in on YOU and YOUR love, and I get to hang out as your new favorite third wheel! And don't worry - I'll make sure to make myself scarce at times so you can truly lean into the emotions of your day.

STEP 04

Relive your day, over & over again!

You get your favorite photos & video back, and you get to relive your whole experience over again! Because your wedding day? It deserves to be documented FULLY, and remembered for years and years to come.