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

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

If you’re struggling to find a beautiful, luxurious wedding venue for your special day in Minnesota- look no further! These are my absolute top 10 favorite luxurious wedding venues in Minnesota!

Top 10 Luxurious Wedding Venues in Minnesota

Italy Destination Wedding

If you’re considering getting married at the Oak Glen Golf Club in Stillwater, look no further! This venue is absolutely beautiful! I had the honor of photographing Jordan and Isabella’s wedding there and I cannot recommend this place enough!

Oak Glen Golf Club Wedding in Stillwater

Stillwater wedding party walking over the Mississippi bridge in Minnesota

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?

Wedding Flat lay & details in Italy

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.

Dear future Bride, if you want some super helpful tips for your wedding day from a professional wedding photographer who’s seen it all, this is for you! A wedding photographer is your absolute best friend when it comes to wedding tips! They often act as the wedding planner, emergency go-to, wedding co-ordinator, hype person and so much more! So your first tip right off the bat – Trust your wedding photographer! They know what’s up! So let’s dive right in to my top tips for brides from a professional wedding photographer! (That’s me by the way, I’m Heidi- Nice to meet you! 🙂 )

Top Tips for Brides from a Professional Wedding Photographer

South African elopement couple walking away together in Cape Town

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 in the US, originally from South Africa! I’m here to help guide you through hosting your very first styled shoot and many more after that!

How to Host Your First Styled Shoot

Elopement couple in Utah running over the sand dunes

If you’re wondering whether you should do a first look or not on your wedding day, this is for you!
Hi there! My name is Heidi Straus and I’m a professional Wedding photographer based in the US. I’m originally from South Africa and the BIGGEST difference in weddings I’ve seen in the US vs South Africa, is the first look. I think it’s genius! Here’s why you should do a first look on your wedding day…

Why You Should do a First Look on Your Wedding Day

Bridal Details on a fall wedding day

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