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

See what all the hype is about

"We used Elope and Be Wild for both our engagement and wedding pictures and it was one of the best decisions we made. Their knowledge, passion, and making photography fun was unmatched. I would highly recommend this husband and wife team for your engagement, wedding, elopement, etc. because you won't regret it!" - Jeanette and Dan

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Read more love letters from our incredible clients +

"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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Read more love letters from our incredible clients +

"We literally couldn't have asked for anything better. Mac and Erik were incredible to work with and made our elopement experience so easy and enjoyable. Not only are they amazing photographers, but they're also really awesome human beings. They go above and beyond to make sure you're taken care of, and the photos speak for themselves. You won't find better elopement photographers, and no matter where you want to experience your day, Mac and Erik are up for any adventure." - Lance and Ana

READ HERE

READ HERE

Read more love letters from our incredible clients +