Your Story, Your Way
Love is at the heart of everything I do. For me, it’s more than just taking photos—it’s about creating a space where your connection feels as natural as the waves crashing on the rocky shores of Lake Superior or the quiet calm of the pines in Grand Marais. It’s about honoring your story and weaving your dreams into an elopement day that feels like home.
No stiff poses, no forced smiles—just the two of you, sharing your love against the backdrop of Gooseberry Falls or the serene wilderness of the Boundary Waters. This is your story, your adventure, your way. I’ll be there to capture it all, exactly as it is: wild, beautiful, and truly yours.
You deserve a day that feels like you.
Your Story, Your Way
Love is the heart of everything I do. To me, it’s about more than just taking photos—it’s about honoring your connection and creating a space where your love can shine in its purest form. I’ll listen to your dreams, dig into what truly matters to you, and help you design an elopement day that feels like home.
No stiff poses, no forced smiles—just the two of you, your story, and the moments that will make your hearts race for years to come. This is about celebrating your love your way, and I’m here to capture it all, exactly as it is.
Love is at the heart of everything I do. For me, it’s more than just taking photos—it’s about creating a space where your connection feels as natural as the waves crashing on the rocky shores of Lake Superior or the quiet calm of the pines in Grand Marais. It’s about honoring your story and weaving your dreams into an elopement day that feels like home.
No stiff poses, no forced smiles—just the two of you, sharing your love against the backdrop of Gooseberry Falls or the serene wilderness of the Boundary Waters. This is your story, your adventure, your way. I’ll be there to capture it all, exactly as it is: wild, beautiful, and truly yours.
You deserve a day that feels
like you.
As a Deaf photographer, I won’t be shouting out poses, giving loud directions, or filling the air with unnecessary chatter. There’s no noise from me—just quiet moments for you to fully take in the sounds around you: the crunch of your boots on the trail, the whisper of the wind, or the steady beat of your hearts.
I’ll blend into the background, almost invisible, while capturing the real, unscripted moments that make your love story unique. From stolen glances to bursts of laughter to the raw emotions of your vows, nothing will pull you out of the moment.
As a Deaf photographer, I won’t be shouting out poses, giving loud directions, or filling the air with unnecessary chatter. There’s no noise from me—just quiet moments for you to fully take in the sounds around you: the crunch of your boots on the trail, the whisper of the wind, or the steady beat of your hearts.
I’ll blend into the background, almost invisible, while capturing the real, unscripted moments that make your love story unique. From stolen glances to bursts of laughter to the raw emotions of your vows, nothing will pull you out of the moment.
Get to know me more
I’m a Minnesota-based elopement photographer with a deep love for nature and capturing love stories that are as bold and unique as you are. Growing up Deaf has given me a special way of seeing the world—it's helped me tune into those quiet, powerful moments that others might miss, like the way your hand lingers or the unspoken connection between you two. I work with couples who crave an adventure that's as authentic as their love story and who want to break free from tradition and create something personal and meaningful. Surrounded by Mminnesota’s breathtaking landscapes, I truly believe there’s no better place to say 'I do.'
I know that planning an elopement can feel overwhelming, but I’m here to guide you through it, empowering you to create an unforgettable adventure that celebrates your love and your next chapter together.
I’m a Minnesota-based elopement photographer with a deep love for nature and capturing love stories that are as bold and unique as you are. Growing up Deaf has given me a special way of seeing the world—it's helped me tune into those quiet, powerful moments that others might miss, like the way your hand lingers or the unspoken connection between you two. I work with couples who crave an adventure that's as authentic as their love story and who want to break free from tradition and create something personal and meaningful. Surrounded by Minnesota’s breathtaking landscapes, I truly believe there’s no better place to say 'I do.'
I know that planning an elopement can feel overwhelming, but I’m here to guide you through it, empowering you to create an unforgettable adventure that celebrates your love and your next chapter together.
That deaf Minneosta elopement photographer!
Imagine waking up to the peaceful sound of the forest awakening or the gentle rhythm of Lake Superior's waves along the North Shore. The crisp morning air fills your lungs with possibility as you share a quiet moment together, no rush, no crowds—just the two of you. You slip off your shoes and step into a day that’s entirely yours. Whether the sun filters through the trees or a soft mist wraps the world in a dreamlike haze, everything feels just right.
You laugh, breathe, and embrace the freedom to simply be—exploring the rugged beauty, adventuring together, or pausing to take it all in. Every moment, every detail reflects your story, unfolding naturally in this breathtaking place. The day becomes a memory you’ll carry with you forever.
Imagine waking up to the peaceful sound of the forest awakening or the gentle rhythm of Lake Superior's waves along the North Shore. The crisp morning air fills your lungs with possibility as you share a quiet moment together, no rush, no crowds—just the two of you. You slip off your shoes and step into a day that’s entirely yours. Whether the sun filters through the trees or a soft mist wraps the world in a dreamlike haze, everything feels just right.
You laugh, breathe, and embrace the freedom to simply be—exploring the rugged beauty, adventuring together, or pausing to take it all in. Every moment, every detail reflects your story, unfolding naturally in this breathtaking place. The day becomes a memory you’ll carry with you forever.
You’re always welcome here, no matter your gender, abilities, orientation, or story. However your love looks, I’ve got you.
all welcome, all ways.
Respecting nature is at the heart of everything I do—both in my business and in my life. I’m all about Leave No Trace, ethical living, and keeping our wild places wild.
Environmental justice
Trust and communication are everything, and that goes for us too! I’m an open book—there’s nothing off-limits when it comes to our conversations.
TRUST + COMMUNICATION
my values
Trust and communication are everything, and that goes for us too! I’m an open book—there’s nothing off-limits when it comes to our conversations.
TRUST + COMMUNICATION
Respecting nature is at the heart of everything I do—both in my business and in my life. I’m all about Leave No Trace, ethical living, and keeping our wild places wild.
Environmental justice
You’re always welcome here, no matter your gender, abilities, orientation, or story. However your love looks, I’ve got you.
all welcome, all ways.
my values
Winter 2023 | Katie & Sam | Temperance River State Park
Winter 2023 | Katie & Sam | Temperance River State Park
Deena & Michael
In Payton’s presence and through her lens, we found ourselves instantly at ease. Talent like hers is a blend of artistry and authenticity, mastery and magic. Her hallmarks are superb communication and clear heartfelt delight for what she does. Plus, she adored our dog!
All the stars go to Payton. Thank you for making our elopement fun and our memories beautiful!
"LOVED working with Payton!! She is so sweet to work with and knows how to capture love so well! She really knows how to make elopement visions come together. You can tell she has a passion for elopements!! If you're looking for a genuine and greatly talented person to capture your elopement, she's your gal!"
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YES let's do it!
We’ll meet through a Zoom call, and if we’re a good match, I’ll send over a contract and retainer payment to reserve your date.
Ready to bring your daydream to life? First up, just fill out the contact form and send it my way.
Once the contract and retainer are done, we’ll jump into planning your dream North Shore elopement and making sure it’s all tailored to you!
You two get to soak in the first best day of your forever, then go on to live your happily ever after.
Yes, the travel fee is included in my elopement packages with no hidden or additional fees. When you inquire with me, please be as detailed as possible. This way, I can share an accurate resources for you to look at.
The short answer? UNLIMITED.
You're paying to have your love story documented; I believe you deserve to have every "good" photo sent your way.
Yes absolutely! I love to recommending the locations based off your wants and needs. I can always let you know any information you would need to know about elope in whichever spot you go with. I will also plan the back up location in case of weather, etc.
A contract and non-refundable retainer is required to secure a date and my services.
All payments are done electronically (but we can chat more about this when you inquire).
Not at all! Your day is customized to what most speaks to you. You can canoe, walk along an ADA accessible trail, ride snowmobile, have a picnic, go brewery hopping, roast marshmallows, whatever sounds adventurous to you! I’m here as a resource to help you find the perfect location(s) for you and your partner.
Our schedule is set months in advance, so we don’t reschedule due to weather. But rain or shine, your wedding day is going to be magical. I’ve photographed adventure weddings in all kinds of weather: rain, windy, snow, and fog. I will always make sure we have a Plan B for every wedding, but we also have a Plan C (...and sometimes even a Plan D).
As soon as possible when you start planning your elopement or wedding. There are other people who are searching the same as you are. Many vendors can be booked out on the date you choose, even if it is a few years later. Book the vendors as soon as you can, and the sooner the better.
YES! There’s nothing that I love more than a pup-of-honor! If your dream elopement wouldn’t be the same without your dog, I can make it happen.
One of my fave questions! From the second you book with me, you'll have a built-in planner on your side. From questionnaires to location guides and recommendations, to a customized timeline, and even permit assistance for elopements... My goal is to make your big day as stress-free as possible.
It all depends on your vision and location!
In North Shore, Minnesota, most couples choose May through December.
let's go!
Ready to roam?
Fall 2024 | Caylin & Matthew | Grand Marais, MN
Fall 2024 | Caylin & Matthew
| Grand Marais, MN