A Rainy Day, A Backup Plan, and a Whole Lotta Love — Jessica & Preston’s Intimate Elopement

Let me tell you about the day I officially fell in love with elopements.

Back in April, I had the absolute honor of capturing Jessica & Preston’s elopement — my first ever! — and y’all, it was everything I didn’t know I needed. Simple, intimate, heartfelt, and full of personality (plus one very good doggo named Parker 🐶).

Originally, we planned to have their ceremony at Loose Park — cue dreamy visions of spring blossoms and soft breezes. But because the Midwest loves to keep us on our toes, the weather had other ideas. Thankfully, these two came prepared with a solid Plan B, and we relocated to the cutest little event space in the West Bottoms.

Even with the venue change, the vibe was pure magic. It was just the two of them, their sweet officiant, two close friends serving as witnesses, and Parker, who, frankly, stole the show a few times. Jessica and Preston exchanged personal vows that had all of us misty-eyed, then cut into the most delicious cake (yes, even elopements deserve cake — and they delivered 🍰). It was relaxed, emotional, and totally them.

After the “I dos” and dessert, we headed to Union Station for newlywed portraits, and guys— STUNNING doesn't even begin to cover it. Every shot was dripping in romance, a little drama, and a whole lotta love.

This day was such a beautiful reminder that weddings don’t have to be big to be meaningful. You don’t need a ballroom full of guests or a twelve-tier cake. You just need your person, a plan (and a backup plan), a few people who love you, and someone to document the heck out of it.

Jessica & Preston — thank you for trusting me with your elopement. You made my first one feel like pure magic, and I’ll never forget it 💘