Aundrea And Colin’s 8-Hour Elopement Timeline
December 12th, 2024
11:00 am – 1:30 pm
- Getting Ready Photoshoot at the Lyle Hotel
- 2 hours indoor shoot for intimate couple photo
- Half an hour outdoor shoot for street running with balloons
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
- Lunch at the Lyle Hotel
- Aundrea and Colin eat, rest and change to wedding attire
- Photographer takes a lunch break and prepares for the next shoot
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm (Sun sets at 4:45 pm)
- Golden hour Ceremony at the Montrose Park
- 15 minutes drive from the Lyle Hotel to the ceremony location, 5 minutes parking and walking 40 minutes shoot for vow exchange, hand fasting ceremony, and the first kiss
4:30 pm – 7:00 pm
- Candid street photoshoot at Georgetown
- Driving, parking and walking while taking candid photos
When Aundrea and Colin approached me about capturing their full-day elopement, they had one thing in mind: the ceremony. Specifically, their vow exchange and handfasting ceremony.
Through our text message conversations, I learned so much about this eclectic couple. Aundrea and Colin share a love for Japanese anime, old bookstores, wine, and cozy libraries. Aundrea is originally from France and has a passion for antique jewelry, while Colin is a lawyer who speaks both Japanese and Chinese. Their personalities are as unique as their relationship.
Aundrea expressed that she wanted their elopement photos to feel candid and natural, avoiding the traditional, posed shots. To better understand her vision, I asked her to list three movies that resonated with her, especially in terms of visual aesthetics. Here’s what she shared:
- Studio Ghibli Films
- Across the Universe (2007)
- The Fountain (2006)
- Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
Inspired by these films, I began to dream up a day that blended these influences in a way that felt true to them. What followed was an 8-hour elopement day filled with spontaneous moments, whimsical charm, and cinematic beauty.
Click here to view the full gallery of the elopement.
A Playful Start: Getting Ready
One of the first ideas I pitched to Aundrea was a unique take on the getting-ready photoshoot. Rather than the usual moments like the groom adjusting his tie in front of a mirror or the bride fixing her dress by the window, I drew inspiration from Across the Universe, which oozes 1960s vibrancy and youthful energy. I envisioned a playful, intimate session, capturing moments like brushing teeth together, sharing laughter in bed, or even a spontaneous pillow fight.
I presented the concept to Aundrea and sent her the mood board for the getting ready photo. Aundrea loved the concept and immediately responded with an enthusiastic “Yes!” The vibe would be anything but traditional—more fun, more real, and entirely them.
Movie Inspiration
ACROSS THE UNIVERSE (2007)
- Nostalgic
- Intimate
- Cool Skin Tone
- Teal Color in Highlights
Mood Board
Final Gallery
Embracing The Magic Of Studio Ghibli
As the day unfolded, I couldn’t help but draw from the enchanting storytelling of Studio Ghibli. I proposed a whimsical photoshoot in which Aundrea and Colin ran through the streets holding giant red balloons, wrapped in cozy winter comforters, capturing that magical mix of fantasy and reality that Miyazaki’s films are so known for. My only concern? Would this bold idea fit into a wedding day?
But as soon as I presented it to Aundrea, her response was immediate: “Absolutely, a million yes!” She even took the initiative to order the balloons and have them filled with helium. It was a true reflection of their adventurous spirits, and the resulting photos were pure magic—playful, romantic, and totally unique.
Movie Inspiration
Studio Ghibli Miyazaki Movies
- Floating Objects
- Pop of Red
- Colorful and Playful
- Childhood Memories
Mood Board
Final Gallery
A Brown And Moody Ceremony
For the ceremony, I assured Aundrea that the focus would be on documenting the moment as it happened, letting the raw emotions of the day shine through without interference. I kept the photography simple and intimate, capturing their heartfelt exchange of vows and the symbolic handfasting ritual. However, where the magic truly unfolded was in post-production, where I drew inspiration from The Fountain (2006), a film known for its breathtaking cinematography and deep emotional resonance.
The result was a collection of images that felt both intimate and grand, imbued with a sense of reverence and love, much like the visual storytelling found in The Fountain.
Movie Inspiration
The Fountain (2006)
- Brown and Moody
- Golden Hues
- Sharp Contrast Between Light and Dark
Mood Board
Final Gallery
The Blue Hour: A Blade Runner-Inspired Night Shoot
As the evening settled in, I suggested a photoshoot in Georgetown during the blue hour—a time just after sunset when the world takes on a cooler, more atmospheric tone. The streets of Georgetown, with their cobblestone pathways and historic charm, provided the perfect backdrop for a Blade Runner-inspired session.
Movie Inspiration
Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
- Night Cityscapes
- Warm And Cool Color Contrast
- Mysterious
Mood Board
Final Gallery
Final Thoughts
Aundrea and Colin’s elopement was a beautiful blend of fantasy, reality, and cinematic inspiration. From the playful morning moments to the magical ceremony and Blade Runner-inspired night shoot, every detail was a reflection of their unique love story. It was an honor to capture this incredible day, and I couldn’t be more thrilled with the way the photos turned out.
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