No mystery, no sales call
How it works
You should be able to learn what something costs and what it includes without booking a consultation first. That is the whole idea behind this site.
The five stages
From an idea to a gallery.
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Choose your path
Four ways in. An Easy Elopement at a scouted location with a set price. A Signature Adventure built around your specifics. A concept from the Dream Book. Or a Custom Wedding with everyone there.
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Send the details
Each path has its own form. Easy Elopements ask for a location, two possible dates and your add-ons. Everything else asks a few more questions so the first conversation is actually useful.
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Talk it through
For an Easy Elopement this is usually one email confirming the date works. For everything else it is a 45-minute video call, then a written proposal with real numbers.
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Hold the date
An agreement and a retainer, handled directly with Tess by invoice. Nothing is charged through this website, and no date is held until both are done.
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Plan it, then live it
Permits filed, vendors shortlisted and introduced, timeline written around the light, packing list sent. Then the day happens, and your gallery arrives four to six weeks later.
The arrangement
Tess plans and photographs. You book the vendors.
This is the part worth reading twice, because it is different from how most planners work and it is different on purpose.
Tess researches, vets and recommends your florist, officiant, hair and makeup, caterer, transport and rentals. She makes the introductions and gives you honest notes on who suits you. Then you sign with them and pay them directly.
That means no vendor mark-up passing through a third party, no surprise management fee, and your contracts stay in your name. It also means you send a handful of emails during planning. Most couples find that a fair trade; if you would rather not, say so on the call and Tess will tell you honestly whether she is the right fit.
What Tess handles
- Location scouting, shortlists and honest trade-offs
- Permits: research, applications and fees
- Timeline built backwards from the best light
- Vendor research, vetting and introductions
- Packing, footwear and clothing guidance
- Weather, access and closure contingencies
- Day-of flow, family groupings and people wrangling
- Photography, optional video, and the final gallery
What you handle
- Booking and paying the vendors Tess introduces
- Your own travel and lodging
- Your marriage licence
- Telling Tess when something stops feeling right
Before, during, after
Planning, photo and video that keep the day easy.
Before
Timeline creation, vendor coordination, location planning, packing lists, permit notes, and backup plans. See how it all comes together
During
Flow management, family groupings, people wrangling, creative direction, and calm support when the day shifts.
After
Cinematic images, story-driven video, and a gallery that brings the day back.
Timing
How far ahead to start.
| Path | Comfortable lead time | Absolute minimum |
|---|---|---|
| Easy Elopement | 2 to 4 months | 3 weeks, permits allowing |
| Signature Adventure | 6 to 10 months | 8 weeks |
| Dream Book concept | 9 to 14 months | Depends entirely on the concept |
| Custom Wedding | 12 to 18 months | 6 months |
| Destination | 9 to 15 months | 4 months |