Elope & Be Wild

fun

Facts

Machaela was featured in sports illustrated

We were both 2 sport collegiate athletes

We love to sauna and cold plunge

We've traveled to 22 countries

We lived in a 320 sq ft tiny home for 7 years

There are two of us—because two photographers mean double the creativity and double the love.

a husband-and-wife duo who share a deep passion for adventure, the outdoors, and capturing life’s most meaningful moments. It all began in high school and college, chasing sunsets and incredible views during our summer breaks. From those early days of photography, our love for both landscapes and storytelling grew, leading us to elopement photography where we get to combine both!

As a high school photography and video production teacher, Erik’s got an eye for composition, while Machaela brings the creative spark and energy to each shoot. Together, we’re like two peas in a pod—whether it’s hiking to breathtaking locations or creating art, we thrive in the great outdoors and in the joy of working together. Sharing these special moments with our couples in some of the most awe-inspiring places on Earth fills our hearts with peace and gratitude.

We are deeply invested in our couples’ experiences and believe every moment is worth capturing. From the first look to the final sunset, we’re there to make sure your elopement is as unforgettable as the memories you’re creating.

We’re Erik and Machaela, 

About Mac

One thing to know about me is that I just love to keep myself busy. I'm a chronic people pleaser so please forgive my incredibly obnoxious amount of exclamation points in anything emailed or in text. With that being said I will spend countless hours researching to make your big day perfect. Finding the best spots, reading trail reports, checking weather forecasts (cloud coverage percentage etc.), and creating a shot list.

About Erik

I have been taking photos and making videos for over a decade now and the pursuit of cool light and magical compositions never ceases to allure me. Mac and I LOVE the outdoors and traveling to faraway lands, so the best way for us to keep those memories close to our hearts has always been to document it through visual storytelling. Storytelling is the goal we try to accomplish each time we are out on a shoot.

                                         is to document the special moments in your life through visual storytelling. We cater to the wild hearts who aren't afraid of an adventure and (potentially) getting a little mud on them. If you can dream it, we will do everything in our power to make it happen!
We never want to dull the sparkle in your eyes - so be wild and we will be right there with you with a camera in our hands and a smile on our faces.

Our Mission

Adventure With Us Here

Adventure With Us Here

See what all the hype is about

"Mac and Erik truly are some of the best photographers we have ever encountered. They made our elopement day better than we could have ever dreamed of. It was such an easy-going day filled with love and happiness, and they helped make that happen. We not only gained great photographers but also gained a friendship."
-Mariah and Simon

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"Mac and Erik made our wedding planning so easy! From our engagement photos on a Mt. Rainier backpacking adventure to our wedding weekend in Seattle, they went above and beyond. Their unique talents and perspectives captured every moment perfectly, even in challenging lighting conditions. We loved how they made us feel comfortable, offered great direction, and created a fun experience. If you want incredible photos in any environment, Elope and Be Wild are the photographers for you!" – Addy and Sam

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Read more words of love from our incredible clients +

"We worked with Mac and Erik for our engagement photos, wedding photography/videography, and a destination photoshoot in the Dolomites. We have been stunned by everything they’ve captured for us, but I think what impressed us most is how natural they made us feel in front of the camera! They truly made each occasion feel like a date between the two of us and were able to capture our natural chemistry. We can’t recommend them enough!!
-Ben and Faith Biddle

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Read more words of love from our incredible clients +