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5 Honeymoon & 5 Mini-moon Destinations

5 Honeymoon & 5 Mini-moon Destinations

friendors pittsburgh wedding photography

Here’s a list of 5 great honeymoon and 5 perfect mini-moon destinations to consider. Now that the wedding is over, it’s time to relax, kick your feet up, and let loose! Pricing will vary greatly between the options, but this will help give you a starting place, that’s a little more sophisticated than just throwing a dart at the map.

One thing you’ll want to do before you get started is make sure you have a current passport. There’s lots of amazing places to go in the US, but there’s also a whole lot of places outside. This world is big. Explore it!

  1. Riviera Maya – With so many all-inclusives, many that cater to newlyweds, going to Mexico for your honeymoon is a no-brainer. They have a ton of couples only resorts that are stretched out on gorgeous white sand beaches. A couple of my favorites (and one I’m currently staying at) are: Unico Hotel 20º87º, and several of the Palace Resorts.

  2. Hawaii – This is another fairly obvious choice, and rightfully so! Hawaii is beautiful and has so many varied places to go while enjoying the relaxation of the island lifestyle. Pro tip – don’t just go to Oahu! Check out the other islands, Molokai is awesome! It’s very private and you feel like you have the entire island to yourself!

  3. The Caribbean – Jamaica, St Lucia, Antigua, there are so many islands in the Caribbean. The gorgeous, crystal clear waters, and the beautiful resorts make the Caribbean a frequent choice for newlyweds.

  4. Europe – Warm air and sea water is great and all, but a European trip is something every American should do if they can! I haven’t been to all of the countries in Europe, but for my very first trip, I hit up Paris, France, Venice, Rome, & Naples, Italy, London, England, and Edinburgh, Scotland. I’d say that was a good start.

  5. Iceland – This country is gaining popularity because it’s amazing, and there’s often some really great travel deals there. I loved Iceland! If you go, make sure you plan to check out Jokulsarlon Glacier. It’s about 5 hours from Reykjavik but well worth the visit!

ventura santa barbara wedding elizabeth victoria photography

Chances are you just dropped a whole lot of money on an extravagant, but utterly fun and amazing wedding. So spending a few more thousand on a honeymoon might have to wait. But you REALLY want to get away, and I don’t blame you! You should definitely get out of town for at least a weekend!

Here’s a list of 5 perfect little mini-moon destinations to go on until you can plan that epic trip you’ve always wanted.

  1. Catalina – Why not go to a much closer and less expensive island? With lots of great little hotels and air bnbs, Catalina can give you that island getaway feel without making you have to getaway too far. And if you go on your birthday, you can get a free ferry ride!
  2. Solvang – It’s only about an hour from Santa Barbara and it feels like you flew to Denmark. Plus there are a ton of tasting rooms and nearby vineyards for wine lovers.
  3. Yosemite – Get in the car, pack some hiking boots, and check out nature. Go camping or stay at the lodge. Either way you’ll feel amazing being surrounded by so much natural beauty.
  4. Big Bear – A bit closer than Yosemite, but still beautiful It’s a great little mountain town that’s only 2 hours or so from LA. Go on a hike, rent a kayak on the lake, or just hang out in town and relax.
  5. Ensenada Cruise – There are lots of super affordable 3 day cruises from Long Beach to Ensenada and back. Cruise ships are perfect little getaways. You get the feel of being at a tropical resort, without having to travel as far, and often for much less money.

los olivos vineyard wedding photography

If you need help planning your honeymoon or mini-moon, contact Julia with Two Nights In. She’ll help you plan the perfect trip.

And if you’re still in the wedding planning stages and you need a photographer, or if you’re planning a destination wedding, let me know, I’d love to talk to you!

Favorite Things – Travel

Favorite Things – Travel

It’s Friday so here’s another Favorite Things – Travel! I love getting out of my bubble and exploring the world. My favorite areas tend to be where the nature is breathtaking, but visiting unique and fun cities can be pretty amazing. I’ve been super lucky and have traveled to over 20 countries.

Walking through the canals in Venice was like a time warp. Amsterdam had such a cool vibe to it. I loved how so many people traveled the city on bikes. They had entire parking structures dedicated to the two wheeled vehicles. Some of my absolute favorite adventure was backpacking through Iceland and Switzerland. Looking up at the sheer cliffs and the green rolling hills of Swiss Alps is a memory I hope to never forget. When we went to Iceland, we were there for summer solstice. That was such a unique experience to stay in a world that doesn’t darken.

This year I’m planning a trip Poland with my boyfriend, and hopefully a couple of the surrounding countries. My best friend lives in Prague, so I’m sure I’ll probably go there again. I’ll be backpacking Havasupai Falls in a month with several friends. My boyfriend just booked a backpacking trip for us on Santa Rosa Island, which is a part of the Channel Islands National Park. We’ll also be going camping at Yosemite National Park sometime this summer.

I really love traveling!

Last couple of years I was living on the east coast in Pittsburgh. I had to travel with all my camera gear back and forth from there to California. I also photographed a destination wedding in the Riviera Maya. Are you planning a destination wedding? Get in touch, I’d love to work with you, and depending on the location, the travel cost may be included in your wedding.

Backpacking Havasupai

Backpacking Havasupai

Last month I took a break from wedding photography for a week and went backpacking to Havasupai. It’s a tiny little village on the edge of the Grand Canyon, tucked about 10 miles down. I went with a large group of friends. We got to the site the night before and set up camp at the trail head, then the next morning, dark and early at 4am, we got up, packed our gear, and began the hike. The weather said it was going to be in the high 90s which is why we left so early. We really wanted to get ahead of the heat since the first several miles have almost no shade. There’s also no water on the hike until you reach Supai, which is 8 miles down so we had to carry about 3 liters of water with us in addition to our gear.

The hike itself was easy, nothing technical or too extraneous. It was just long and hot which were the only challenges. Once we got down to the camping area, you are greeted with an amazingly tropical and gorgeous oasis.

This was such a cool experience, being able to swim in the crystal clear water after a long hike was the perfect reward. I kept seeing all these beautiful spots that would be perfect for someones wedding or engagement photos. That’s what happens when I go on vacation now. I think of how cool the area would look as a backdrop for wedding photography. I brought my camera with even though I really didn’t want to add the extra weight, but I got some pretty photos from the trip. No brides or grooms in them, but waterfalls, happy faces, and beautiful scenery instead.

Here are some of my favorites from backpacking Havasupai…

A few of my good friends and fellow wedding professionals were also able to join me on this trip. Here’s me with Tim and Monica from In The Mix Events, and Scott from Good Times Entertainment, and our friend Vivienne!

Havasupai group Photography

Now I’m not a landscape photographer, and I’m newer when it comes to taking night photography shots like this… but one of the guys that came on the trip showed me a photo he had taken and I tried to get my own since I thought it looked so cool! Here’s my attempt at a night waterfall shot.

If you want to have your engagement photos or wedding photography taken at some amazing location that requires a bit of hiking and sweat to get there, contact me! I’d love to go on some crazy adventure with you and get some epic photos together!

Wedding Elopement in Oxnard Shores – Jacquie & Melanie

Wedding Elopement in Oxnard Shores, Channel Islands.

A couple months ago I photographed a last minute wedding elopement in Oxnard Shores, Channel Islands area. Jacquie & Melanie are from Canada and they had planned a long vacation exploring California. When they got to the airport, they decided this trip would be the trip where they’d finally get married. They decided to tie the knot in Ventura at the Courthouse, and then have their wedding photos taken back at their hotel in Oxnard Shores. They stayed at the Mandalay Beach Resort, and we took photos there and on the beach right in front of the property.

Melanie and Jacquie got to experience some of California’s breathtaking sunsets during their session. They’re a beautiful couple and their love for each other really showed in the photos! I had a great time working with them!

Elopements are a great idea for those that don’t have the time or money to plan a full wedding. I love photographing wedding elopements. I usually get more one on one time with the couple since theirs usually a lot less people involved. Also, elopements tend to have more focus on just the couples photos, which is my favorite part of all weddings. Contact me for special rates on elopement or destination weddings.

Pittsburgh Destination Styled Wedding Shoot

Pittsburgh Destination Styled Wedding Shoot

Pittsburgh Destination Styled Wedding Shoot I photographed late last year while I was still living in the city. I wanted to visit as many areas as possible that capture the essence of this unique and vibrant, steel city. Pittsburgh, PA has a great, edgy charm, yet there’s so much elegance and class. There are so many cool backdrops for wedding photography.

The beautiful bride wore a gorgeous gown from Blanc de Blanc Bridal. It had an old world, vintage feel. We paired it with bright, royal blue platform heels, that popped against the pewter gown. The bouquet from Sapphire & Lace added to the look with an earthy, vibrant feel. The bride wore a handmade headband and later replaced it with an equally chic handmade hair clip from Eva Elderkin Creative. The groom’s final touches were compliments of Jack’s Tuxedo.

I loved how this styled shoot turned out and really think it gives a good idea of the amazing architecture and scenery you can get having your destination wedding in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania! I have so many ideas and recommendations on the best areas for wedding and engagements in the area. Planning a destination in Pittsburgh can be a great location for your wedding elopement. Check out the photos to see some of the cool and unique places we went to complete the scene.

Venue | The Pennsylvanian, Primanti Bros

Bridal Boutique | Blanc de Blanc Bridal

Florist | Sapphire & Lace

Make-up Artist | Face By Grace

Bride’s Hair Accessories | Eva Elderkin Creative

Groom’s Accessories | Jack’s Tuxedo

Invitation Design | Exhale Events

2nd Photographer | Low-Key Love LLC

Bride | Brooke Brakeman

Groom | Gage Martin

Santa Barbara Courthouse Wedding Elopement – Olivia & Zou

Santa Barbara Courthouse Wedding Elopement

Last week Olivia and Zou had their very intimate Santa Barbara Courthouse Wedding Elopement. They traveled down to Santa Barbara from San Francisco for their mini ceremony. We started inside the courthouse for some documentary style photos while they got their marriage license. I was able to capture some cute little moments between them as they waited. We then went outside with the court officiant and they had a very private ceremony together. It was a really breezy day and it added to the carefree feel of their wedding,

After their ceremony we walked around the courthouse grounds for their portraits. The main archway is always such a gorgeous backdrop. The inside of the Santa Barbara Courthouse has so many intricately detailed areas, I’ve never been able to spend as much time there as I’d like. One of my favorite spots is the circular stairway in the corner of the property. The stone work and natural lighting make it such a pretty area. I also love the long, wide hallway with large, iron, hanging lanterns lining the ceiling.

A couple hours after Olivia and Zou’s Santa Barbara Courthouse wedding elopement, we went to Loon’s beach for their horseback ride. They had made arrangements with Los Padres Outfitters to go on a ride following their wedding ceremony. Their guide had taken them on a trail which led them right to the beach. Loon’s beach is in Carpinteria, just outside of Montecito heading south towards Ventura. Nestled in between a cliff, this beach has a very private, intimate feel. We got some photos of them riding their horses up and down the beach before they rode into the sunset together. What a perfect way to begin their happily ever after.

Photography from Santa Barbara Courthouse Wedding Elopement

Tara Country Inn Wedding Photography – Nicole & Ryan

Tara Country Inn Wedding Photography

Tara Country Inn Wedding Photography. Nicole and Ryan celebrated their wedding day at Tara – A Country Inn in Clark, PA. It’s a beautiful venue about an hour outside of Pittsburgh. The ceremony was right on the main lawn with the building creating a perfect backdrop. The property is right next to the Shenango River Reservoir, we were able to take a short walk and get gorgeous sunset photos right on the water.

Nicole planned most of the wedding herself, and it really looked perfect! I loved her gown, it reminded me of frosting on a cupcake and who doesn’t love that?! Did I mention Nicole wore the coolest friggin shoes, and walked with more grace and balance than I managed in my flats! I totally love how she had the old glamour look with a cage veil. She paired it with a beautiful diamond clip with a feathered flower in her hair. She was such a breathtaking bride! One of the most easy going couples, Nicole and Ryan never turned down a photo-op, and were up for anything I’d suggest.

Bridal Session at Nicole’s Family Ranch

The following day I met them at a ranch just outside of Lake Erie for photos with Nicole’s prize show horse, Roger. My allergies were really not too happy during the session, but the ranch was worth it and I am so excited with the pictures! The weather was everything we hoped for! The sky was sunny and we ended the evening in a field of yellow flowers with a colorful sunset.

I feel like they quizzed me on what kind of wedding I like photographing the best, and designed their whole day based on me! I’m just gonna go ahead and assume that’s what they did. ?

And the moment you’ve all been waiting for… here are my favorites from their wedding weekend!

Venue & Catering | Tara – A Country Inn

Make-up Artist | Kiss and Makeup

DJ | Steve Vance Entertainment

Florist | New Leaf Florist

Bride’s Gown | Bling Bridal Boutique

2nd Photographer | Low-Key Love

Pittsburgh Observer-Reporter published this wedding online and in their printed bridal magazine addition.

Riviera Maya Destination Wedding Photographer – Tiana & Nick

Riviera Maya Destination Wedding Photographer

Riviera Maya Destination Wedding Photographer at the Unico 2087 Hotel. Tiana and Nick’s wedding was just last weekend at a gorgeous, luxury, All Inclusive resort in the Riviera Maya, Mexico. They had about 40 of their closest family and friends there to join them. I couldn’t have been happier to be included! My boyfriend was busy with work so he couldn’t join me. Fortunately for me (and Nick and Tiana) my BFF and fellow awesome photographer, Stephanie was able to come along to keep me company and second shoot. This was probably one of the funnest weddings I have ever photographed! I’m sure the amazing location helped, but everyone was so nice! They really made us feel like we were apart of their tight knit group.

Almost all of Tiana and Nick’s couples portraits were taken before the ceremony around the resort. There are lots of little hidden gems on the property. Since we were staying at the resort, we had plenty of time to explore and get some cool and unique shots. It was a little stormy the day of their wedding but luckily no rain actually came. We were able to enjoy a dusk ceremony overlooking the Caribbean blue ocean. After the ceremony, we took some of the family photos and then went to the reception. They had this really cool giant LOVE sign by the dance floor. I love how it looks in the background of so many shots!

Tiana surprised Nick with fireworks at the end of the night, it was the perfect ending to their perfect beginning. <3

Riviera Maya Destination Wedding Photographer

Venue | Unico 20º 87º Hotel Riviera Maya

Bride’s Gown | Reem Acra

Wedding Shoes | Vince Camuto

Groom’s Attire | Nordstroms

2nd Photographer | Stephanie Swartz Photography

This wedding was also featured on Aisle Memories and Wed Clique!