The Blog

Explore Lake Eland Game Reserve for your destination wedding in South Africa. Enjoy stunning scenery, activities, and all-inclusive packages!

Planning Your Destination Wedding in South Africa: A Guide to Lake Eland

Groom picking up bride in a field of grass in front of Zebra in South Africa

If you’re looking for all inclusive elopement packages in South Africa that will completely blow your mind, then this is for you! Explore amazing deals in the most beautiful parts of South Africa! From Safari’s and wild animals to gorgeous beaches and luxurious wineries- let’s dive right in!

All Inclusive Elopement Packages- South Africa

South Africa elopement couple dancing on the edge of a cliff as the sun is setting behind them across the green rolling hills

If you’re looking for a complete wedding day shot list to ensure you capture every single beautiful moment- then this is for you! Say goodbye to missed moments! This comprehensive wedding day shot list covers it all. Create memories that last a lifetime, a long with some bonus tips for the best wedding day ever. Let’s dive right in!

A Complete Wedding Day Shot List – 2024

Champagne spray of bride and bridesmaids in matching robes

If you’re planning on hiking in your elopement dress, but you’re not exactly sure how to navigate this, then this is the post for YOU! Many girls dream about their wedding dress their whole life and your elopement dress should be no different! I’ve photographed many elopements in beautiful places! All with different types of […]

Hiking in Your Elopement Dress

Elopement couple dancing in Arizona during sunset

Many couples have been on the fence lately trying to decide between having a Wedding vs an Elopement. For some couples it’s a no brainer- whereas others have some questions…What is the difference? Which one is better to do? Which one is more affordable? How does one decide, etc. While both have pro’s and cons, I’m here to help you decide which one is a better fit for YOU! Let’s dive in!

Wedding vs Elopement

Stunning pearl veil shot of wedding couple during sunset in Minneapolis

The term “Elopement” has become extremely popular since covid. What is an elopement? Why do people do it? What are some of the best places to elope and how do you even pack for it? These are only some of the many questions that come up when you mention the term elopement! I’m Heidi and I’m a destination wedding and elopement photographer based in Minnesota. I am passionate about elopements and documenting love stories all over the world! I’ve created this post to help answer some of these questions. So let’s dive right in!

Elopement

Elopement couple standing on a cliff on top of Angel's Landing in Zion National Park

If you’re a future bride looking for the perfect wedding venue to have your special day at – look no further! Ahavah Cottage is a cozy, modern wedding venue located only an hour from the Twin Cities in Elysian, Minnesota! Enjoy this overview of an Ahavah Cottage Wedding by Heidi Straus Photography.

Ahavah Cottage Wedding Venue

Wedding Party in Black and White at the Ahavah Cottage Wedding Venue in Minnesota

If you’re wondering where to elope in South Dakota, I’ve created the perfect guide for you! South Dakota is one of the most underrated places to elope in the US! It’s absolutely beautiful and has so much to offer! Let’s dive right in!

Where to Elope in South Dakota

Destination Wedding in the Black Hills National Forrest in South Dakota

It can be hard to know whether or not you’re booking a professional wedding photographer and not just a hobbyist! The reason this is true is because you don’t technically need any degree or certification to become a photographer! Any person with a camera nowadays call themselves a photographer…and sure.. they are. But how do you know if they’re a professional who knows what they’re doing? How do you know if you’re getting your money’s worth? I’ve created this guide to help you know if you’re booking a professional wedding photographer or not. Let’s dive right in!

How to Know if You’re Booking a Professional Wedding Photographer

Professional wedding photography of a bride and her bridesmaids walking across the Stillwater bridge in Minnesota as the sun is setting

So you’re wondering how on earth do you choose the right elopement photographer for your awesome adventure? The struggle can be real! Seriously! With elopements becoming so popular after covid and thousands of people with a camera claiming to be an elopement photographer, it’s hard to be sure you’re getting what you pay for! That’s why I’ve created this guide to help you choose the right elopement photographer for your epic elopement adventure! Not just ANY elopement photographer, but the right one for you! let’s get started!

How to Choose the Right Elopement Photographer

Arizona Elopement couple on Devil's Bridge in Sedona.