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Growing up on an island off North Carolina's coast, I was always surrounded by natural beauty. As a kid we spent every vacation roadtripping to gorgeous mountains and lakes where we would camp, hike, rock climb, and kayak.

I took my first camping trip on my first birthday, and by eight I was backpacking on the Appalachian Trail. Some of my favorite memories in my life are from being outdoors. Standing atop Pike's Peak with the wind whipping my hair. Biking through Virgina's fairy-tale-like forests. Snorkeling with Hawaii's brightly colored sea life. And perhaps my favorite memory of all: marrying my best friend amidst the aspens in Santa Fe's Sangre Cristo Mountains.

So when you say you're having a mountain top wedding or eloping in the desert, my heart flutters, and my mind runs wild with ideas and possibilities. Adventure is out there. Let's find it together!

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Check out my recent + upcoming travels!

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I spent two summers in college working for the Blue Ridge Parkway, and my dad spent his entire career in the National Park Service. I appreciate our National Parks and public lands so much, and I enjoy visiting them as often as I can. I’ve ticked quite a few off the list, but there are always more to see and plenty to revisit!

National Park that literally took my breath away:
Grand Teton in the winter

National Park that exceeded my expectations most: Great Sand Dunes

National Park I grew up at:
Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Most memorable National Park:
Bryce Canyon

National Park I most want to see: Olympic or Denali

Last National Park I photographed a wedding at: Salinas Pueblo Missions

a little more about me

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park wedding

I spent two summers in college working for the Blue Ridge Parkway, and my dad spent his entire career in the National Park Service. I appreciate our National Parks and public lands so much, and I enjoy visiting them as often as I can. I’ve ticked quite a few off the list, but there are always more to see and plenty to revisit!

National Park that literally took my breath away: Grand Teton in the winter
National Park that exceeded my expectations most: Great Sand Dunes
National Park I grew up at: Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Most memorable National Park: Bryce Canyon
National Park I most want to see: Olympic or Denali
Last National Park I photographed a wedding at: Salinas Pueblo Missions

See the aurora borealis

Well, I have technically seen it (during an unusual night where it could be seen as far south as North Carolina), but it was so faint it hardly counts. I want to see the real deal in all its glory in the northern hemisphere!

Hike more of the Appalachian Trail

When I was 8, my family took a two day backpacking trip on the North Carolina portion of the Appalachian Trail. I would love to go back and hike the famous trail in each of the 14 states it runs through.

Visit all 50 states

I’m only missing 14 right now! I just have Alaska, Oregon, Florida, Louisiana, and several states in the upper midwest and New England to go!

Go on a snowshoeing adventure

I’ve been dreaming of a snowshoeing adventure since I was a kid thinking I could use tennis rackets as snowshoes.
I don’t know how good I’ll be at it, but I want to try! Anyone up for a snowshoe winter elopement?

Live by the ocean again

I grew up on the coast, and I’m an island girl at heart. After a trip to Hawaii where we snorkeled and enjoyed the waves every day, I was reminded of how much I miss the ocean. My husband and I visit the local aquarium wherever we travel. (We’ve hit up 10 so far!)

I grew up on the coast of North Carolina, and I’m an island girl at heart. After a recent trip to Hawaii where we snorkeled and enjoyed the waves almost every day, I was reminded of how much I miss the ocean. My husband also loves sea life, and we visit the local aquarium wherever we travel. (We’ve hit up 10 so far!)

bucket list

Adventurous elopement + intimate wedding photography for New Mexico, Colorado, North Carolina, Maine, Hawaii, and destinations worldwide.

@juliehaider

Check out my adventures on Instagram!