QUICK FACTS
About Me
Favorite TV SHOW
Dog or Cat Person
I'm really more of an animal person
Doctor Who!
dream destination
FAV OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
hiking, paddleboarding, horseback riding, snorkeling
Scotland, ireland, morocco
beer or wine?
Fav past job?
dark beer or mid/sweet white wine
blm park ranger
some MORE fun facts
I had a “traditional” wedding, even though I wanted something smaller and more adventurous. I ended up caving to the pressures of society and friends/family. And to be honest, I regret it 100%.
And I don’t want anyone to feel like I felt on my wedding day when in their heart, they know something like an elopement is more their style.
I wish I had included activities and aspects of my wedding day that set my soul on fire; included things that I was passionate about.
What's Up?
I'm sam
I consider myself a professional, but I'm far from formal. When you work with me, you're working with a friend. One who signs an email "xo", not "Regards", and one who considers you not just clients or a couple, but MY people. When we're out hiking, there are just as likely to be funny (or lame) jokes/puns as there are epic sunsets, wildlife, and kickass memories.
Yes, there might be poop jokes. Yes we'll be laughing at inappropriate things. Yes I will likely have a Diet Coke in my car fueling me on the big day (just let me know if you want one too, so I can grab you one!).
Why I wish I eloped
I didn’t incorporate things like music, theatre, outdoors, laughter, and adventure – those things that I love – into my wedding, and I wish I had.I was born and raised on a ranch in Southern Oregon, and spent a hell of a lot of my time outdoors. On an average day you could find me digging in the dirt attempting to have a green thumb (that only worked out half the time), or riding horses in the field.
Choose your own adventure
These are our fur children
Leo, Olly & Annie
Why I Wish I Eloped
Brian and I are adventurous people by nature. We love to camp, check out national parks, and travel to new places. Our wedding was a 100 person affair because I felt like that’s what needed to happen – even if I made it known I would love to elope.
In addition, Brian partially convinced me we needed to have a “real wedding”, otherwise I’d never hear the end of it from his family. About a month before the wedding, after being steamrolled by family members, shafted by wedding party attendants, and stressed out beyond all belief, my husband asked me, “Is it too late to elope?”. I said yes, but looking back, I wish I had said no and thrown our nonrefundable retainers down the drain and got married on our pre-planned vacation to Maui at the top of Haleakala.
Brian and I love the theatre, but the idea of being in front of everyone wasn’t appealing in the slightest. I also dreamed of the whimsy and adventure an elopement brings.
A dress, a great view, a photographer, activities Brian and I could enjoy and connect with, and the love of my life – that was what should have happened.
I wish I had said no and thrown our nonrefundable retainers down the drain
QUICK FACTS
RACHEL
ABOUT ME
What's up?! I'm Rachel (call me Rach). I'm passionate about travel, advocating for kids with special needs and reading novels (esp anything Austen or LeGuin). I'm a big believer in living and loving authentically, and I had my own adventurous elopement (in Belize). I am excited to serve as a guide and photographer on a couples' most magical day.
Whether you work with me or Sam, your images and experience will be in line with the same style, composition and edits.
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50+
15000+
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Awesome people in love (that's you).
Miles hiked with elopement couples
Miles Flown
Miles Driven
If you hate reading, This video says it all.
MY “ELOPE YOUR LIFE” CORE VALUES
I am committed to equality and representation as well as proper environmental stewardship in the outdoors and beyond while crafting adventurous days that truly represent you as a couple. The outdoors are for everyone. For more information on Outside Safe Space, please visit @outsidesafespace on Instagram.
GET IN TOUCH
Contact Page
Email: sam@samstarns.com
