We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kelly Shoul a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Kelly thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
The story behind my mission as an adventure wedding and elopement photographer begins with my own passion for the outdoors and the deep connection I feel with the breathtaking landscapes of Colorado. My husband and I eloped back in 2016, before adventure elopements were as popular as they are now. Our personal experience of eloping, combined with the pressure we felt from others to have a traditional wedding day that didn’t resonate with us, fueled our desire to offer a unique and meaningful alternative to other couples.
I have always been an avid hiker, explorer, and nature enthusiast, so when I discovered my love for photography, it seemed only natural to combine these two passions. By experiencing firsthand what it feels like to elope and break away from the societal expectations surrounding weddings, my husband and I became determined to help other couples create memories that would last a lifetime by capturing the raw emotions and genuine connections in some of the most stunning and awe-inspiring locations.
As an adventure wedding and elopement photographer, my goal is to provide a personalized experience for each couple, allowing them to truly immerse themselves in the beauty of nature as they embark on their lifelong journey together. I strive to create images that not only showcase the love between the couple but also highlight the incredible landscapes that serve as the backdrop for their love story. Ultimately, my mission is to celebrate the power of love and nature by capturing the unforgettable moments that occur when these two forces intertwine and encouraging couples to embrace the wedding day that truly reflects their unique relationship.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Hi there! I’m Kelly Shoul, adventure wedding and elopement photographer, and self-proclaimed outdoor enthusiast with a knack for capturing love stories amidst breathtaking landscapes. Growing up in a small Pennsylvania town, my days were filled with barefoot escapades, tree climbing adventures, and countless hours exploring the enchanting woods behind my house. Little did I know, this idyllic childhood was laying the foundation for a future career that would combine my passion for the great outdoors with the magic of capturing love stories.
Fast forward to my early 20s, I found myself working as an accountant, surrounded by numbers and cubicles. While I appreciated the stability, I couldn’t help but feel that my soul longed for adventure and creativity. So, I picked up a camera, and just like that, the girl who used to chase butterflies started chasing sunsets and candid smiles.
In the beginning, I was a photography “Jack of all trades” – nature, landscapes, pets, and even my adorable nieces and nephews. Soon, I found myself juggling a full-time accounting job and a bustling photography business. Weekdays were for spreadsheets and analyzing financial trends, while weekends became a whirlwind of weddings, family sessions, and engagement shoots. It was a sleep-deprived labor of love, but it paid off when I finally went full-time as a photographer in September 2020.
Today, I’ve traded the calculator for a camera and the office for the great outdoors. I specialize in helping couples who prefer a hiking trail over a ballroom, and who’d rather say “I do” with a mountain view than a grand staircase. My mission? To create wedding photos that evoke memories so vivid, they’ll transport you back to that magical day, even when you’re celebrating your 50th anniversary.
What sets me apart? Well, besides my ability to find the perfect balance between a breathtaking backdrop and an intimate moment, I bring a little humor and light-heartedness to every shoot. After all, love is meant to be fun, right? Having eloped myself, I know firsthand how my couples feel and can empathize with them on a deeper level. My couples often mention how down-to-earth and calming my presence is on their special day. I genuinely care about my clients and what they get from me goes far past the pictures they receive – I’m their confidante, friend, and ally in creating an unforgettable wedding experience. My commitment to building strong connections with my couples drives me to go above and beyond, ensuring their wedding day is everything they’ve dreamed of and more.
To sum it up, I’m here to help brave, adventurous couples break free from the cookie-cutter wedding mold and create a day that’s uniquely theirs. So, if you’re looking for someone who’s just as passionate about capturing your love as they are about exploring the great outdoors, I’m your gal!
In the words of Dr. Seuss, “Why fit in when you were born to stand out?” Let’s embark on this wild, wonderful journey together and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
My path to becoming an adventure wedding and elopement photographer has been marked by numerous challenges, each of which has taught me the importance of resilience. One defining moment in my life was when I dropped out of high school during my senior year due to personal difficulties. At that time, I grappled with insecurities, embarrassment, and the fear of not amounting to anything in life.
Determined to overcome these obstacles, I eventually finished high school, got my college degree, and pursued a successful career as an accountant. However, it was during this period that I discovered my passion for photography and decided to build my own business while still working full-time. This ambitious endeavor required me to face a whole new set of challenges and push my limits.
One particularly memorable weekend, I had a wedding on Saturday and an engagement session on Sunday. The wedding went off without a hitch, but it was physically and emotionally exhausting. By the time I got home, it was well past midnight. I knew I had only a few hours to rest before waking up early to prepare for the sunrise engagement session.
Despite feeling completely drained, I pushed through my exhaustion and managed to get up early the next morning. The engagement session took place in a remote location, requiring a long drive and a hike to reach the perfect spot. As we trekked up the mountain, I couldn’t help but wonder how I was going to make it through the day.
But somehow, I found the energy and focus to capture the couple’s love story beautifully. Their excitement and appreciation for my work fueled me, and I realized that my passion for photography and my commitment to my clients were powerful motivators. That day, I learned that I had the resilience and determination to overcome challenges and deliver exceptional results for my clients, even when circumstances seemed impossible. As I persevered through the fatigue, I was reminded of my earlier struggles and how I had managed to rise above them through sheer determination.
Both my personal journey and the challenges I’ve faced while growing my photography business have shaped my approach to my work. I understand the significance of resilience and determination in overcoming adversity and bring that same spirit to every project I take on. The same tenacity that enabled me to bounce back from dropping out of high school and establish a successful career has also helped me become a dedicated, passionate photographer who goes above and beyond for my clients.
This story serves as a testament to the power of hard work and the incredible things we can achieve when we believe in ourselves, refuse to give up, and face every challenge head-on.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
When I first decided to pursue my passion for photography and turn it into a business, funding was certainly a concern. However, I was determined to find a way to gather the initial capital needed to invest in equipment and start my venture.
At that time, I was still working full-time as an accountant, which provided me with a stable income. I made a conscious decision to prioritize my photography business and make some sacrifices to save money. This meant cutting back on non-essential expenses, such as dining out, entertainment, and shopping for anything other than necessities.
As my savings grew, I started researching the best equipment for my photography niche. I made a list of the essential gear I would need, such as a high-quality camera, lenses, and accessories like memory cards and editing software. I also looked for deals and discounts, ensuring that I was getting the best value for my money.
Once I had saved enough to purchase my initial equipment, I continued to invest my earnings from photography gigs back into my business. This allowed me to upgrade my gear, invest in marketing, and expand my services over time.
In summary, the initial funding for my photography business came from a combination of disciplined saving, making sacrifices, and taking on extra work to supplement my income. This financial strategy allowed me to gradually build my business while ensuring I had the necessary tools and resources to deliver high-quality services to my clients.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://inloveandadventure.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/inloveandadventure
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InLoveAndAdventure/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-shoul-9650459a
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@inloveandadventure
- Other: https://inloveandadventure.com/colorado-elopement-packages/ https://inloveandadventure.com/best-places-to-elope-in-colorado/ https://inloveandadventure.com/telluride-elopement-packages/
Image Credits
All images were taken by me: In Love and Adventure