Fall in love, not in line

Artful storytelling of Pennsylvania elopements for rebels with heart

free planning consultation

your experience

of all the gin joints in all the world, why would you walk into mine?

A couple embracing outdoors, smiling and looking into each other's eyes, with lush greenery in the background at their elopement in Raccoon Creek State Park, Pennsylvania

fine art photography with a documentary soul

Soulful black and whites, joyful candids. Film look, without the film cost. I’m not afraid of shadows, and go for moody tones with happy vibes. Rich, not dark. True colors, both visually and metaphorically. I’ll give you enough direction to help you look your absolute best, but still feel like yourself – introverts absolutely welcome. I have a Master of Fine Arts in Film, and it informs how I see, what I capture, and how I tell your story. I may not take myself seriously, but I take what I do very seriously. Finding the magic in photos that put you and your people first.

A couple kissing during their wedding ceremony with a dog wearing a flower collar in front of them. A person officiating the elopement in West Virginia.

This is your wedding, and you should enjoy the hell out of it. Your wedding day is not a very long photo shoot. It’s the day the two of you become a family, and you should be present for every bit of it. That means you get to decide how much of the day is set aside for portraits. For the rest? I’ll document you being who you are with the people that you love (even if that’s just each other). I will crack jokes while I help you move a table, give you space when you need it, and turn your memories into art that embraces your whole self.

here for a good time

Two women wearing leather jackets and white dresses, one smoking a cigar at night. Queer elopement at the Pump House in Pittsburgh, PA.

I believe that a little distortion makes a record sound better, and that family is what you make it. I believe that anything can be an adventure if you look at it in the right light. The most powerful photography comes from trust, presence, and honest connection, and I will give you space to be yourself. I focus on heirloom artwork because I want portraits of the people you love to live somewhere other than on your hard drive. I want to give you artful, honest photos of your people that are filled with emotion. Because even weirdos (complimentary) want beautiful photos that feel like a memory unfolding – real, unscripted, and full of life.

the way i see it

“Having Caroline as our photographer was one of the best decisions I've made. She was relaxed yet professional, an absolute delight to work with! I can't recommend her enough.”
- Nhung

begin your elopement story (for celebrations with 50 or less guests)
begin your wedding story (for celebrations with 51 or more guests)

i’m based in west brownsville, and my specialty is pennsylvania elopements, though i also photograph elopements in west virginia, ohio, and maryland and even a few weddings a year.

i’m body positive, lgbtq affirming, and environmentally conscious. non-traditional is totally my wheelhouse. embrace the weird.

meet caroline

elopement photographer, mom, super cool third thing
Black and white photo of a woman with long, dark hair and bangs, looking slightly to the side, wearing a black leather jacket.

Does this lady know what she’s doing?

I studied Film at Chatham University, have spoken at conferences internationally, and have been doing this for 18 years. These are a few of the places that have published my work and hired me to speak:

A stylized speech bubble with rays emanating from it.
Whirl Magazine logo in black and white.
Text saying 'the knot' in white cursive font on a black background.
Text design with bold white letters on a black background reading "Weapons of Mass Creation FEST."
Empty white image with no visible objects or details.
The text 'The Vinyl District' in white on a black background with stylized fonts.
The logo of The New York Times in black and white.
Black and white sign with the words "Open Source & Feelings" inside a speech bubble outline.
A wedding ceremony taking place outdoors under a large leafy tree, with a man and woman holding hands and facing each other, and an officiant reading from a small book. Pennsylvania elopement in Pittsburgh.
start your pennsylvania elopement story

I live on the Pittsburgh side of the state, so there are no travel fees if you’re within the Pittsburgh PA - Morgantown WV - McHenry MD triangle.

get in touch

I’m all for making this process as easy as possible. If you’ve got questions for me, or if you’re ready to book, you can email me, or fill out this form below. Easy peasy.

the studio

5 Bridge Blvd
Brownsville, PA, 15417

 

“We love, love, love the pictures! Thank you for capturing who we are as a couple and family, we honestly can’t thank you enough!”

— Jeanine