"As a photographer, there are moments when you stumble upon a location so picturesque, it instantly sparks an idea—an inspiration that brings a vision to life. That’s exactly what happened when I discovered this cozy cabin. The rustic charm of the space, combined with its intimate setting, immediately gave me a sense of a magical cabin elopement. I could see it in my mind—soft candlelight illuminating the space, a couple lost in each other’s gaze, and the quiet beauty of nature surrounding them.

This is the essence of this styled shoot. It’s not just a photoshoot; it’s a celebration of love in its purest, most genuine form." - Caitlin

The Inspiration

"When I first stumbled upon this cabin, I knew right away that it was the perfect backdrop for something special. Its rustic aesthetic, with the wooden beams and soft natural light filtering through the windows, spoke to me. I envisioned a romantic elopement with a warm, candlelit ambiance that would perfectly complement the love shared between two people.

This vision wasn’t just about capturing beautiful photos—it was about creating an experience, an atmosphere, and a sense of intimacy that would reflect the authentic bond between a couple. I wanted it to feel like a dream, yet grounded in the real emotions of a couple in love." - C

Finding the Perfect Couple

"To bring this vision to life, I knew I needed the right couple to embody the energy I was imagining. I reached out to a few people, and a close friend recommended an incredible LGBTQ couple who, as it turned out, were the perfect fit. Their love for each other was palpable—natural, easy, and full of chemistry. Their personalities were exactly what I had envisioned for this shoot—authentic and full of life.

As we got started, I could feel their connection from behind the lens. They didn’t need direction; their chemistry shone through effortlessly. Whether they were sharing a quiet moment by the fire or laughing together over a shared glance, every shot felt genuine. It was as if the camera wasn’t even there; it was just them in their element, embracing the beauty of each other and their surroundings." - C

Bringing the Vision to Life

"The setting of the cabin lent itself perfectly to this romantic, candlelit ambiance. The warm glow of the candles added depth and warmth to the scene, wrapping the couple in a soft embrace of light. As we moved through the shoot, I was amazed at how well everything came together. The cabin’s natural charm seamlessly complemented the couple’s energy, creating a backdrop that felt both styled and deeply personal.

What I love most about this shoot is how it strikes a perfect balance between a carefully curated setting and the raw, natural emotions between the couple. There’s a sense of timelessness in the images that I believe captures the true spirit of love—a love that’s real, honest, and without pretense." - C

A Celebration of Love

"At its core, this shoot is a celebration of love—love that transcends location and is defined by the moments we share with those who matter most. The cabin’s cozy walls may have set the stage, but it was the couple’s connection that truly brought the magic to life. The energy between them radiated in every shot, creating an undeniable atmosphere of warmth, joy, and passion.

As a photographer, moments like these remind me of why I love what I do. There’s something incredibly powerful about capturing the beauty of a real connection in a setting that feels like it could be part of a fairytale. This shoot wasn’t just about creating beautiful images—it was about honoring the love shared between two people and the intimate moments that make it special.

I hope this styled shoot inspires you to embrace the beauty of your own love story, whether it's in the quiet moments of everyday life or the grand celebrations of your most special days. The magic is in the authenticity, and that’s what makes love truly timeless." - Caitlin, Caitlin Free Photography

PLANNING, DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY: Caitlin Free Photography

VENUE, DESIGN & GREENERY: All Who Wander Flower Farm

TABLE SETTING & CHAMPAGNE TOWER: Nayos

BOUQUET: Lace & Birch

ATTIRE: Fitzroy Rentals

See this cozy cabin elopement in the Fall/Winter 2024 issue of The Wedding Ring

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT CAITLIN FREE PHOTOGRAPHY | To speak with Caitlin Free Photography about your wedding options, you can reach them using the form below.