I received an email from Matt & Melissa (@the_nomadic_pack) all the way back in December 2023, telling me they were looking at photographers to shoot their elopement in Patagonia, in 2025.

To put it lightly, I freaked out.

This is a dream inquiry for any photographer to receive. This started a long process of getting to know Matt and Melissa both online and in person. Lucky enough, they were passing through Moab, and we were able to have in person meeting before booking to get to know each other and talk over details. Our next meeting was in the fall in Telluride, where they did their legalities ahead of time with their pups present. Finally, this takes us to February 2025, in El Chalten, Argentina.

First, I gotta mention how amazing the in person scouting was here. I arrived to El Chalten a couple weeks in advance to have time in the area, and hike as many trails as possible. There was one spot Melissa wanted to find, and she sent me trail info on where she thought it was. After hiking that trail, I realized this was not the spot Melissa wanted from the photo she sent me. I carefully looked at the angle of Fitz Roy and surrounding peaks, then looking at trail information in the area matching the direction, I found their top desired ceremony spot!

That brings us to elopement day. We all woke up hours before sunrise to begin getting ready. This was my first time doing a brides hair for her, and I am so happy with the process for both of us and the results she was happy with! You'll see a photo of me in the gallery helping her get ready :) We then hiked in the dark to a point I had scouted earlier for the ceremony, one they had not yet seen. They pushed back their original most desired date, hoping for the best sunrise of the week, and oh my GOODNESS it did not disappoint.

This sunrise was unlike anything I’d ever seen. The sky showed up in the most magical way for their ceremony, with Fitz Roy illuminated perfectly.

After their ceremony, we continued the hike up to the meadows for a picnic, and then to a nearby lake for the most epic shots with Fitz Roy. This was the biggest job yet in my career, and I cannot thank this couple enough for entrusting me with capturing their best day. We had a blast together. Very proud of these two for beginning hiking with me the next day at 1AM the next day up a VERY difficult trail to make it for sunrise. This was no easy task. They also changed into their wedding clothes and modeled at the lake in front of a couple hundred tourists there for the sunrise. Seriously impressed by these two!

Also a reminder to not just look at the main viewpoints on a trail, but to explore around. My favorite location was when we got away from the crowds and found a new lake way below, and the reflections with the rocks on the walk over. I've seen so many photos at this trail before, but none from the perspectives I'm showing you all here 🙂

I could go on and on… Matt and Melissa then followed this up with horseback riding, a via ferrata to a glass dome Airbnb on a cliff, and finally their epic honeymoon in Antartica. THIS- is how you make your wedding a lifelong memorable experience. Thank you two for prioritizing yourselves, your experience, and your love. Thank you for being mindful through the process, and for trusting me with your epic adventure.