Where to start with Monica & Ash?

I could say so much about how special these two are, and their intimate forest elopement was such a beautiful reflection of their genuine, loving, and laid-back spirits.

As to be expected, they are one of the many couples who have had to change their original wedding plans due to COVID. Both Monica and Ash have a passion for helping people, so it’s no surprise that they took the pandemic precautions seriously and worked to find a solution that honored the health of themselves and their community.

While I was waiting for Monica with Ash, they shifted their feet, wrung their hands, and couldn’t stop smiling. You better believe that first look was just … EVERYTHING.

After getting briefly yelled at by a nearby person (sorry Monica), Monica and Ash adjusted their ceremony spot to a grassy patch in the forest where beautiful green trees draped from above. Their friend Hal officiated, with Monica’s parents in attendance, and we stood in awe among the chirping birds.

Even through the photos you can tell how much Monica & Ash love each other.

The couple portraits, though.

These two are such a stunning couple that it’s almost unfair. Monica loved Ash’s suit, Ash loved Monica’s skirt, and I watched as they affirmed each other over and over.

Their affection and emotional freedom made for some awesome portraits - and we did a lot of laughing.

Lastly, we drove to Monica & Ash’s place to have celebratory champagne & the BEST vegan cake (shout out Chicago Diner!). They even sent a slice home with me which was a huge deal — I love cake and, because I’m vegan, rarely get to eat it at weddings!

Monica’s parents gave adorable toasts, they clinked glasses, and fed each other that gorgeous cake.

I spent such a wonderful three hours with Monica & Ash!

I’m so happy that they were able to share a celebration of their love that they were happy with. They’re the kind of people that make you feel comfortable & appreciated, regardless of how much you’ve known them, and I am so grateful they allowed me to document their elopement.

Best of luck to them on their new adventure!

Fun fact about Monica: she was actually the person who gave me the final inspiration to go vegan five years ago. Time flies!