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. The stress and the pressure to please everyone else felt like a daunting prospect, and a missed opportunity to celebrate your love the way you want. From a photographer’s point of view, traditional weddings were a nightmare, with too much to do and too few opportunities to let my creativity flow. 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 in Iceland. Intrigued, I explored 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 being chosen to document such an important day is a privilege. Building a connection with the couples, understanding their story, 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 honored to play a role in preserving their memories for a lifetime.