When we get contacted to photograph an elopement, we get so excited. It combines all the things we love about a wedding in a more intimate setting with just a handful of the couple’s closest family and friends. While we’ve only done a couple of these, they’re turning out to be some of our favorites to photograph.

Allie & Dan’s love story is remarkable. They met while in León, Nicaragua in early 2014. . Allie was staying on a friend’s couch in a house where Dan sometimes used the refrigerator (it’s a long story). Soon after meeting, they began finding any opportunity to see each other. Both spending their days volunteering, they passed weekends traveling on hot, crowded buses to meet up at the beach, climb volcanoes, cycle on dirt roads, and talk for hours over tostones con queso.

Three short months after meeting, they parted ways in Nicaragua, not sure of what the future held but certain they would remain in one another’s lives. While Allie finished university in Boston and Dan pursued his qualifications in rock climbing in England, little by little they met each other’s worlds through visits with family and loved ones. It wasn’t all tearful Skype calls, though of those there were some — they continued to find adventures wherever life took them, whether to the southwest coast of England, Boston’s culture-clashing Freedom Trail, or the highest peak in the rainforests of Rwanda. 

After two years of long distance, they found that new and more long-term opportunities in Nicaragua were calling them back to the place where they first met. Dan set to work starting a sustainable adventure tour company and photography business, and Allie worked for a cooperative loan fund.

But most importantly, they were able to start a life and build a community together. Over those two years they welcomed family and friends to visit our home in León, and made so many more. They decided to spend the rest of our lives together after taking a look into their future and agreeing that they couldn’t imagine it any other way but learning and growing by each others’ sides. 

Allie & Dan tied the knot at a local park in Narragansett, RI. Although it was POURING out, they braved the weather and made it such an incredibly fun time. Nothing stopped these two. They ditched the umbrellas and even took a dip in the pool. We are SO HONORED to have captured their love story and this next chapter in their lives.

Meet: Allie & Dan

Kristal & Lellie have been good friends of mine since the day I moved into my new apartment complex. Residents themselves, we frequently got together during the summer for cookouts on the patio, relaxing days with wine coolers, and lovely time in the sun. It was only fitting that when I found out they were engaged, I told them to give me a ring when they planned their big day. About a month ago, they gave me a call and told me their plans. Although it might not be what they originally wanted, they wanted to be officially married as soon as possible. Although it wasn't a huge party - they still had a blast and honestly, it was one of the most intimate "Weddings" I've ever experienced. They had just their immediate friends and family there along with myself and a few other residents. Overall maybe 15 people tops. It set the scene for a fun-filled afternoon that they'd never forget. 

I can't thank Kristal & Lellie enough. For their love, for their support and for allowing me to capture this special time. I hope you enjoy this sneak peek of their day :)