Welcome back to The EPIC Podcast (Elopement Photographer Inspiration Compass), the space where destination and adventure elopement photographers come to connect, grow, and feel inspired through real conversations with industry pros.

I’m your host, Sheryl Anne, destination elopement photographer, Navy veteran, and proud mama. In this episode, I chat with Susan Talantes of Jireh Artistry, one of Northern California’s top elopement hair and makeup artists serving the Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, and Big Sur regions.

With more than 17 years of experience, multiple publications, and a signature style rooted in elevated, natural bridal beauty, Susan creates a calm, spa-like experience for her brides while helping them look and feel radiant on their adventure elopement day.

We talk about her creative journey, how she handles 2 a.m. start times, what inspired her to start offering behind-the-scenes content creation, and the lessons she’s learned working in some of California’s most breathtaking locations.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How Susan transitioned from large traditional weddings to intimate elopements

• The biggest differences between elopement and wedding-day hair and makeup

• Tips for keeping your bridal look camera-ready in outdoor conditions

• What it’s like managing early morning prep and full-day adventure schedules

• Why Susan offers content creation as part of her services and how it benefits her couples

• Advice for new hair and makeup artists entering the elopement industry

• What “staying EPIC” means to her and how she brings excellence and care to every client

Stay tuned. Stay adventurous. Stay EPIC.

Links & Resources

• Follow Susan on Instagram: @jirehartistry

• TikTok: @jirehartistrybridal

• Explore her work: jirehartistry.com

• Follow along on Instagram: @sherylannephoto and @epicphotopodcast

• Explore my latest elopement work: Sheryl Anne Photo

Welcome back to The EPIC Podcast (Elopement Photographer Inspiration Compass), the space where destination and adventure elopement photographers come to connect, get inspired, and share real stories from behind the lens.

I’m your host, Sheryl Anne, destination elopement photographer, Navy veteran, and proud mama. This week, we’re getting spooky with our Halloween Special: Photographer Horror Stories. From creepy encounters to chaotic wedding-day disasters and a few heartwarming “ghost” moments, these submissions from the elopement photography community will have you laughing, cringing, and maybe checking under your editing desk.

Before we dive into the stories, let’s celebrate our Win of the Week. Huge congrats to Payton of Payton Rademacher Photography for being featured in Adventure Wed Magazine! Your work is stunning, your creativity shines, and this feature is so well-deserved.

Life update: It’s Halloween week, and you know we go all out around here. My daughter Theo is dressing up as Little Red Riding Hood and a bumblebee this year, with our huskies playing Grandma Wolves and my husband and I as beekeepers. Needless to say, the family costume game is strong this season.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Real elopement horror stories from photographers across the community

• Creepy encounters, chaotic wedding-day mishaps, and hilarious behind-the-scenes moments

• Heartfelt stories that remind us of the spiritual side of photography and intuition

• My personal hotel horror story that proves why I’ll always “choose the bear”

• Updates from past “Photographer Confessions” stories (including the infamous divorce chat)

So grab your coffee (or your candy), turn down the lights, and enjoy this Halloween edition of The EPIC Podcast.

Stay safe. Stay spooky. Stay EPIC.

Links & Resources

• Follow along on Instagram: @sherylannephoto and @epicphotopodcast

• Explore my latest elopement work: Sheryl Anne Photo

Welcome back to The EPIC Podcast (Elopement Photographer Inspiration Compass), the space where destination and adventure elopement photographers come to get inspired, learn, and connect through real conversations.

I’m your host, Sheryl Anne — destination elopement photographer, Navy veteran, and proud mama. Today’s episode is going to be a wild one because we’re diving into photographer hot takes — bold, funny, and sometimes controversial opinions straight from the elopement photography community. From pricing debates and drone drama to overused poses and industry clichés, we’re spilling the tea (with love).

Before we get into the submissions, let’s celebrate our Win of the Week. This one goes to my good friend Christina of Christina Perhac Photo, who just hit six figures in her elopement photography business! Watching her growth since our mastermind days has been incredible, and I couldn’t be prouder.

Life update: I’m wrapping up my final U.S.-based elopement of the year in the Redwoods before heading to Patagonia in December for my last destination shoot. I’ll be taking a well-deserved break from November to February to spend time with family and celebrate the holidays, wedding anniversary, Theo’s birthday, Christmas, and New Year’s all in one stretch!

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• The spiciest “hot takes” from elopement photographers across the community
• Honest thoughts on pricing, originality, and social media trends
• My take on drone shots, under-the-veil photos, and “free travel” wedding offers
• The truth about marketing, positioning, and why dream clients aren’t just about location
• Real talk about community support, creative burnout, and staying authentic in a crowded space

Stay you. Stay true. Stay EPIC.

Links & Resources

• Follow along on Instagram: @sherylannephoto and @epicphotopodcast

• Explore my latest elopement work: Sheryl Anne Photo
  

Welcome back to The EPIC Podcast (Elopement Photographer Inspiration Compass), the go-to podcast for destination and adventure elopement photographers who want to grow, connect, and stay inspired.

I’m your host, Sheryl Anne, destination elopement photographer, Navy veteran, and proud mama. In today’s episode, we’re diving into mentorship and real business talk. I’m sharing the top three things you should focus on if you want to scale your elopement photography business, plus a bonus tip that completely changed mine.

If you’ve ever wondered how to book more destination elopements, attract your dream clients, and stop chasing shiny objects, this episode is for you.

Before we get into it, our Win of the Week goes to Marcus and Hannah of Marcus Hannenberg Photography and Hannah Lee Films, who just booked an elopement in New Zealand. Congratulations to this talented photo and video duo for continuing to inspire the elopement community.

• In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The top three investments that will help you grow your elopement photography business

• Why education is the most valuable step when you’re starting out

• How to use styled shoots and retreats to build a portfolio that attracts your ideal elopement clientsWhen to run ads (and when not to) so you don’t waste money too early

• The long-term power of SEO for consistent destination elopement inquiries

• Real behind-the-scenes stories from recent Big Sur and Redwoods elopements

• How to work smarter, not harder, as a destination elopement photographer

You’ll also hear my latest life updates — from photographing four elopements back-to-back to thoughtful client moments that made the long days worth it.

Stay tuned. Stay adventurous. Stay EPIC.

Links & Resources

• Follow along on Instagram: @sherylannephoto and @epicphotopodcast

• Explore my latest elopement work: Sheryl Anne Photo

Welcome back to The EPIC Podcast (Elopement Photographer Inspiration Compass), the space where destination and adventure elopement photographers come to feel inspired, connected, and supported.

I’m your host, Sheryl Anne, a destination and adventure elopement photographer, Navy veteran, and proud mama. In this episode, we’re doing something a little different and a lot of fun: Photographer Confessions.

I asked photographers in the elopement community to share their funniest, craziest, and most heartfelt confessions, and they delivered. From spooky Airbnb encounters to near-disaster wedding days, this episode is full of laughs, lessons, and a few goosebumps.

Before diving in, I share our Win of the Week, celebrating Kasey Jo of Elope Academy on her 50th retreat milestone, and a quick life update about helping one of my couples plan their dream Patagonia elopement.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Real confessions from elopement photographers and videographers around the world

• Unforgettable stories of weather challenges, emotional moments, and behind-the-scenes chaos

• The hilarious, heartfelt, and sometimes shocking moments that happen when documenting love stories

• My own photographer confession about my first five-figure elopement gone unexpectedly wrong

• A meaningful reflection on faith, inclusivity, and kindness in the elopement photography community

This episode reminds us that even in the world of breathtaking landscapes and golden hours, we all share unfiltered, human moments that connect us.

Stay tuned. Stay inspired. Stay EPIC..

Links & Resources

• Follow along on Instagram: @sherylannephoto and @epicphotopodcast

Welcome back to the EPIC Podcast (Elopement Photographer Inspiration Compass), the go-to place where destination and adventure elopement photographers come to get inspired, connect, and keep learning new tips to grow their elopement photography business.

I’m your host, Sheryl Anne, a destination elopement photographer, Navy veteran, proud mama, and adventure seeker passionate about capturing epic love stories in breathtaking locations.

In our very first episode, I shared the heart behind why I started this podcast. Today’s episode digs deeper into my personal story and the path that led me into the world of adventure elopement photography.

We recorded this episode on location at Mount Rainier National Park, a meaningful spot where I photographed my very first adventure elopement and fell in love with destination wedding photography.

Joining me on this windy hike is my best friend and Navy sister, Mikayla, who asks all the questions you’d probably want to know.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How my Filipino roots and family culture shaped my lifelong love for photography

• My transition from Navy ROTC scholarship recipient to a surface warfare officer, balancing military life with a photography business

• The pivotal adventure elopement at Mount Rainier National Park that defined my creative calling

• Overcoming cultural pressures as a first-generation Filipino-American pursuing a creative career path

• Facing and overcoming professional challenges including burnout, loss, and rebuilding my business 

• What life looks like now as a thriving full-time destination photographer, mom, and adventure chaser

Reminder: 

Your path doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. Whether you are juggling a full-time job, navigating family expectations, or starting over after setbacks, YOU are exactly where you need to be.

Stay tuned. Stay inspired. Stay EPIC.

Links & Resources

• Follow along on Instagram: @sherylannephoto and @epicphotopodcast

• Submit your elopement stories, confessions, or wild moments: Photographer Confessions
  

Welcome to the very first episode of the EPIC Podcast (Elopement Photographer Inspiration Compass)—a podcast created specifically for destination and adventure elopement photographers who crave community, inspiration, and real conversations about the highs and lows of this career. 

I’m your host, Sheryl Anne—a destination elopement photographer, adventure seeker, Navy veteran, and new mom learning how to balance life, travel, and a photography business built on capturing love stories around the world.

This podcast is for you if you’re already an elopement photographer or if you’re dreaming about how to become an elopement photographer. Each week, I’ll bring you behind-the-scenes stories, honest conversations, and inspiration from elopement photographers & vendors capturing adventurous elopements in epic destinations.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why I created a podcast just for destination & adventure elopement photographers

• The meaning behind “EPIC” and how it’s designed to help you find your True North

• My journey from Navy officer to full-time adventure elopement photographer.

• What you can expect from future episodes—real stories, photographer confessions, interviews with leading elopement photographers & vendors, and tips to help you grow your business without burning out.

As we wrap up this first episode, my hope is that you walk away feeling a little less alone, a lot more inspired, and supported on your journey. This is just the beginning—and I can’t wait to share what’s ahead with you.

Stay tuned. Stay inspired. Stay EPIC.

Links & Resources

• Follow along on Instagram: @sherylannephoto and @epicphotopodcast

• Submit your elopement stories, confessions, or wild moments : Photographer Confessions

• Check out the Elopement Legend Awards (apply for next round to get featured + an SEO-friendly backlink!)

Welcome to EPIC Podcast—your compass for elopement photography inspiration. Hosted by Sheryl Anne Acuna, this show inspires, connects, and guides adventure-loving photographers.

Each week, you’ll hear real stories, practical tips, and behind-the-scenes insights to help you grow your business and stay true to your path.

Stay tuned. Stay inspired. Stay EPIC.