Lake Winnebago Elopement | Hollan & Zach

A Summer Elopement at Lake Winnebago

A Fellow Introvert’s Elopement Vision

When Hollan reached out to me, I could feel the positive and warm energy she had. After meeting with her, I knew that I definitely wanted to photograph their elopement. She stressed how important it was to her and Zach that they have a low key, private elopement with only the people that they felt closest too. She wanted their special day to be intimate and meaningful, and what better way to achieve that than by saying their vows surrounded by the serene beauty of Lake Winnebago? I completely related to what Hollan said about wanting to feel comfortable and safe on their special day. Being in front of hundreds of watching eyes on your wedding day might sounds like no big deal to some people, but to us introverts, it’s a scary thought! That’s why I’m so glad that elopements & intimate, micro weddings are an alternative to big, traditional weddings.

The Elopement Ceremony Day

A family friend of Hollan and Zach’s graciously allowed them to use their lake house at Lake Winnebago for their two-day elopement celebration. The first day was when Hollan and Zach invited their immediate family to witness them say their vows on the upper deck overlooking the lake. The weather worked out in our favor and we had some nice cloud coverage just in time for the ceremony. My favorite part of the day, was seeing that Hollan and Zach wrote personal letters to each of their family members and handed them out after the ceremony. They put so much thought and care into making everyone feel special. It was such a beautiful moment to witness and as an elopement photographer I’m reminded why I love being able to document days like these.

Hollan and Zach’s love for each other was evident in every frame. From the tender way they held hands to the spontaneous bursts of laughter, every moment was a testament to their deep connection. I made sure to capture these candid moments, as they are the ones that truly reflect the couple’s genuine personalities and love for each other.

Lake Elopement Activities

After the ceremony, Hollan and Zach planned an afternoon of fun in the sun, complete with first dances on the back patio, swimming in the pool, and going out on a boat in the lake to water ski! This elopement was definitely one of the more unique and fun days I’ve ever photographed. I came prepared with a waterproof cover for my camera so I could take pictures of Hollan and Zach on the boat. Those portraits are definitely some of my favorite from this lake elopement.

The Elopement Reception

The next day, Hollan and Zach had planned a party and invited all their friends to come. Everyone arrived thinking they were coming to an engagement party, but SURPRISE! They were greeted with a cute newspaper that said they were actually at an elopement reception! How cute is that? Hollan and Zach spent the evening celebrating with their friends, cutting cake, and hearing beautiful toasts from their family. It was the perfect end to a perfect elopement.

Why you should make your elopement unique

One of the things I loved most about this elopement at Lake Winnebago is how Hollan and Zach truly made their day all about what they wanted and what made them happy. An elopement day is meant to be a celebration of YOUR love. If you want to ditch the traditions and plan an elopement where you swim in the pool and water ski with your best friends then DO IT! Your love and relationship is unique and I believe there’s beauty in making your elopement day just as unique and special. In my experience, elopements where couples are solely focused on each other and creating the best day ever are the days that I see the happiest couples.

As I look back at the photos from this summer lake elopement, I am reminded of how important it is to capture authentic moments that stand the test of time. Hollan and Zach’s love story will forever be preserved in these photographs, allowing them to relive this magical day for years to come.

I am grateful to have been a part of this special day and to have captured their authentic connection. These photographs not only convey the joy and happiness of this couple but also showcase what it looks like when you make your elopement day special.