Someone pinch me, I still feel like I’m dreaming! There’s a reason these images may look familiar to you: It was shot at the very location The Notebook’s romantic boat scene was filmed! Cypress Gardens lived up to its magical history, giving us the perfect backdrop for Karla and Ryan’s unique January elopement.

Elopement Inspired by The Notebook

With the added flexibility that elopements and micro-weddings allow, you can really let your creativity run wild. These two decided to bottle up their wildest romantic dreams, rent a stunning white wooden boat at Cypress Gardens and take their wedding portraits on the water surrounded by the cypress trees. I documented them from my own boat and paddled all over the gardens to capture their special connection. Her beautiful white wedding gown and his lightly colored outfit paired perfectly against the greenery surrounding them. Breathtaking white florals draped down the side of the row boat and added the perfect final touch to their dream elopement.

Up close image of white flowers.
Close up of bride holding groom's face during elopement
Groom holds bride's face at elopement in Cypress Gardens
Bride lays against groom on boat at cypress gardens

Having a deep love for traveling and experiencing new destinations, this shoot in South Carolina gave me the opportunity to do exactly that. If you’re looking for a photographer that cares deeply about you enjoying your day, prioritizes your genuine moments, and approaches your day with authenticity, I would love to get connected with you and learn more about your love.

Bride and groom laugh in boat at destination elopement in South Carolina
South Carolina bride and groom kiss during elopement
Newlyweds smile at destination elopement
Bride smiles in boat in South Carolina
Black and white, film-grain photograph of boat and flowers in South Carolina destination wedding

HI, I'M MICHAELA!

making art of your everyday

I’m a Minnesota photographer drawn to the kind of moments you feel before you fully see them. I chase good light, quiet gestures, and the small details that make a day feel beautifully ordinary and monumental at the same time. My work leans film-forward and instinctive, shaped by texture, movement, and whatever honesty the moment gives me.

When I’m not shooting, you’ll usually find me lingering over a matcha latte, thumbing through a stack of dog-eared books, or wandering somewhere with my camera just in case the light does something interesting.