The Blog

If you’re wondering how to host your very first styled shoot to expand your portfolio and have an extra flow of income, this is the guide for you! Hi, I’m Heidi Straus, a professional wedding and destination photographer based in Minnesota, originally from South Africa! I’m here to help guide you through hosting your very first styled shoot and many more after that! I’ve hosted over 20 styled shoots in the past 3 years and 4 Safari Retreats in South Africa. It is one of my greatest passions and I love networking with others in the industry!

How to Host Your First Styled Shoot

Bridesmaids standing next to the bride in their colorful spring mismatched bridesmaids dresses, holding their colorful spring bouquets next to their sides

If you’re wondering whether or not you should do a first look on your wedding day, this is for you! There’s a reason the first look has become so popular. As a professional wedding photographer who has photographed many different weddings with, and without, first looks – Here’s why I highly recommend adding a first look with your partner!

First Look on Your Wedding Day- Yes or No?

Groom holding his Bride's hand as he reads her private vows from his vow book in a field

Interested in Eloping in South Africa but not sure how? I’m from South Africa and I’ve created this helpful guide to show you exactly what you need to elope and exactly how to do it!

How to Elope in South Africa

South Africa Elopement at Tugela Falls

If you want to know how to elope in Glacier National Park in the beautiful mountains of Montana, you’ve come to the right place! Montana is probably one of my absolute favorite places for elopements! In this guide, I will show you exactly how to elope in this gorgeous place!

How to Elope in Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park elopement couple standing in the water at Lake MacDonald with the Mountains in the background

The story of Joe and Kirby’s surprise proposal in Glacier National Park during sunrise is crazy!!! It’s one of my highlights as a wedding and elopement photographer and I can’t wait to share this story and these beautiful photos with you. I hope you enjoy it.

Surprise Proposal in Glacier National Park, Montana

Glacier National Park engagement couple sitting between the blooming flowers

If you’re a Bride or future Bride-to-be and you’re wondering what to include in your wedding day timeline, this is the guide for you! Having a wedding day timeline is SO important! I’ve photographed countless weddings in all different seasons and places with so many different timelines. There are some things that just STAND OUT that are worth mentioning! So here are a few tips from a professional wedding photographer that I’d love to give you to help you plan your perfect wedding day timeline!

What to Include in Your Wedding Day Timeline

Modern flat lay wedding details of a beautiful white and green bouquet, white, elegant shoes, perfume and rings laid on top of a veil in the sun

If you’re considering having your wedding at the Troy Burne Golf Club in Hudson Wisconsin, look no further! This was a beautiful venue for Matthew and Maddie who celebrated their special day during Spring! This venue has a capacity to hist 300 guests with both in-door as well as out-door options! They offer in-house catering with fresh ingredients and home-made recipes as well as an array of beverage packages and signature cocktails with a wide selection of high-end liquor. They have a gorgeous bridal suite to get ready in and stunning spots on the golf course for sunset photos! Please enjoy these beautiful photos of Matthew and Maddie’s special day the the Burne Golf Club Wedding in Hudson Wisconsin.

Troy Burne Golf Club Wedding In Hudson Wisconsin

Minnesota Bridal Party with pink blossom flowers and pastel dresses

If you’ve ever been to the salt flats, you’ll know why it’s such a popular elopement spot! It’s vast and beautiful and one of the easiest spots to get to! There’s no hiking required, there is a ton of free parking (you can even drive on the Flats) and you are guaranteed to find a secluded spot somewhere out there to have your special day!

How to Elope at the Salt Flats in Utah

Salt Flats Elopement couple during blue hour, pink sky reflected in flooded flats

Welcome to the ultimate guide on how to elope at Zion National Park in Utah! Zion is one of my absolute favorite National Parks in the whole United States! I absolutely love the red, rocky canyons and the exhilarating hikes throughout the park! If you’re excited for an intimate adventure wedding with beautiful, warm scenery – then Zion is the elopement spot for you! Let’s dive right in!

How to Elope at Zion National Park

Utah Elopement couple sitting on a cliff on top of Angel's landing in Zion, overlooking the stunning views.

If you’re wondering how to elope at Horseshoe Bend in Arizona with the gorgeous red and orange canyons in the background, you’ve come to the right spot! Horseshoe bend is one of the easiest spots to elope! Let me guide you through exactly how you can elope here!

How to Elope at Horseshoe Bend in Arizona

Elopement couple walking towards the edge of a cliff at horseshoe bend in Arizona. The bride is wearing an open back, flowing chiffon wedding dress.