This is us

More words from Daria, attempting to explain why shooting elopements matters

The overwhelming nature of big weddings has never appealed to me. From a photographer’s point of view, they seemed like a total a nightmare – way too many people to deal with, way too little time with the couple, and almost no opportunities to express myself as an artist. Constrained, stressful, rigid were the words that came to my mind, and so every time I was asked to document a wedding, it was a resounding no.

Then I discovered elopements, thanks to a friend who decided on an intimate ceremony here in Iceland. Intrigued, I studied the work of their chosen photographer, the Kitcheners, and it dawned on me – elopements are so much more than just a staged mountain shoot. Unlike traditional weddings with large guest lists and elaborate ceremonies, they focus on the essence of the couple’s connection. There’s an unfiltered intimacy and genuine emotion that shines through in every photograph. It’s pure and unscripted.
This authenticity is what drew me to elopement photography – the opportunity to document love in its most genuine form.
I knew I wanted to tell stories like that.

I vividly remember editing our first couple session.
Without realizing it, I was constantly smiling.

Elopements are deeply personal, and to be chosen to document such an important day is a privilege. Building a connection with the couple, understanding their relationship, and being present for the most pivotal moments of their lives creates a bond that goes beyond the professional realm. It’s a shared experience, and I am truly honored to play a role in preserving their memories for a lifetime.