The Empowered Elopement Podcast

In this episode, Daniela sits down with award winning elopement photographer Henry Tieu to explore a question more and more couples are asking: what if your wedding day didn’t have to follow the traditional script?

Henry shares his journey into elopement photography and how his work documenting intimate weddings around the world has shaped his perspective on what makes a wedding day truly meaningful. Together, he and Daniela talk about the growing shift away from conventional wedding expectations and toward experiences that prioritize connection, presence, and personal meaning.

They dive into what it really looks like to plan an international elopement, the emotional and logistical considerations couples face when choosing a different path, and how photographers can support couples in creating space for authentic moments rather than overly directing the day.

The conversation also explores the balance between posing and candid photography, and how trust between couples and their photographer allows genuine moments to unfold naturally. Daniela and Henry reflect on the influence of social media on wedding expectations and the pressure couples can feel to recreate picture-perfect moments.

Ultimately, this episode is about redefining what a wedding can be—and giving couples permission to design a day that reflects their values, their relationship, and the experience they truly want to remember.

• Couples are increasingly questioning traditional wedding expectations and designing celebrations that feel more personal.

00:00 Introduction to Elopement Photography

You can follow Henry here:

Website – https://www.henry-tieu.com/

For questions or if you'd like to be on the podcast, please reach out to

Thanks for listening :)

In this episode, Daniela sits down with elopement photographer Nico Friedrichs to explore a feeling many couples don’t expect until they’re in it: how overwhelming a traditional wedding day can feel—and what it looks like to create something different.

Nico shares his journey from photographing larger, more traditional weddings to specializing in intimate elopements, reflecting on how that transition changed not only his work but also the way he experiences wedding days. Together, he and Daniela discuss why elopements often feel calmer, more intentional, and more aligned—especially for introverted couples.

They dive into the emotional and logistical differences between traditional weddings and elopements, and how creating a smaller, more intentional environment allows couples to be more present with each other and the experience itself. Nico also shares how many couples struggle to fully remember their wedding day when it feels fast-paced or overwhelming—and how elopements can create space for slower, more meaningful moments.

Daniela and Nico also explore the role of personal branding and niche work within the wedding industry, especially for photographers who feel drained by traditional wedding environments. They reflect on how choosing a path that aligns with your personality can lead to more fulfilling work and more genuine client experiences.

Ultimately, this episode is about shifting from overwhelm to presence—and creating a wedding experience that feels calm, connected, and true to who you are.

• Traditional weddings can feel overwhelming, making it harder for couples to stay present.

00:00 Introduction to Elopement Photography

Website

Instagram

For questions or if you'd like to be on the podcast, please reach out to

Thanks for listening :)

In this episode, Daniela sits down with Kristen McGilpin to talk about how couples can design a wedding that feels relaxed, authentic, and deeply personal—even when it includes more people than a traditional elopement.

Kristen shares her experience planning a wedding that prioritized connection, intentionality, and time with her partner, rather than getting swept up in trends or expectations. Together, she and Daniela explore how couples can create a celebration that feels meaningful while still honoring the people they love.

The conversation dives into practical aspects of wedding planning, from choosing a venue that aligns with your vision to creating a timeline that allows space to actually experience the day. Kristen also reflects on the importance of staying grounded in your own values throughout the planning process and resisting the pressure to design a wedding that’s more about appearance than experience.

Daniela and Kristen also discuss the role of photography in preserving the feeling of a wedding day, how thoughtful planning can help couples stay present, and why prioritizing self-care and mental wellness throughout the process is just as important as any logistical detail.

Ultimately, this episode offers both inspiration and practical guidance for couples who want their wedding to feel less like a production and more like a meaningful moment shared with the people who matter most.

• A wedding can feel intimate and relaxed even if it isn’t technically an elopement.

00:00 Introduction and Background

Lavendlair Farm

Windrift Hall

Nina and Jackson Photography

For questions or if you'd like to be on the podcast, please reach out to

Thanks for listening :)

In this episode, Daniela sits down with creative coach Stephanie Dawn Elizabeth to explore the role intuition plays in some of life’s biggest decisions—including how we choose to get married.

Stephanie shares her journey of learning to trust herself and follow her inner voice, a process that deepened during her Saturn return and shaped both her personal life and her work supporting creatives. Together, she and Daniela discuss how self-trust develops over time and how tuning into your intuition can help guide decisions that feel aligned and authentic.

The conversation also explores Stephanie’s experience choosing to elope and how trusting her instincts helped her and her partner design a wedding experience centered around intimacy and connection. Rather than following traditional expectations, they chose a path that reflected what felt most meaningful to them.

Daniela and Stephanie reflect on how many couples feel pressure to follow established wedding norms and how reconnecting with your intuition can create space for more intentional choices. They also discuss practical ways to begin building self-trust—starting with small daily questions, micro habits, and moments of honest reflection.

Ultimately, this episode is about learning to trust yourself, making decisions that feel true to who you are, and recognizing that the most meaningful celebrations often come from following your own path.

• Self-trust is built gradually through small, intentional decisions and daily practices.

00:00 Introduction and Getting to Know Stephanie Dawn Elizabeth

You can follow Stephanie here:

Website – Stephanie Dawn Elizabeth’s Website

Atomic Habits by James Clear

For questions or if you'd like to be on the podcast, please reach out to

Thanks for listening :)

Episode Summary

Connect with Dawn on Instagram & her website

What You’ll Learn

Chapter Breakdown

Tags: elopement photography, wedding photography, intimate weddings, emotional storytelling, planning elopements, photography career, photography tips, photographer community, couples advice, alternative wedding planning

In this episode of the Empowered Elopement Podcast, Daniela Monzi and Jessica Christie explore the transformative journey of love, photography, and self-discovery. Jessica shares her evolution from a traditional wedding photographer to embracing elopements and intimate celebrations, emphasizing the importance of self-love and personal empowerment. They discuss the societal pressures surrounding marriage and the significance of taking ownership of one's life choices. The conversation highlights the power of manifestation and the choice to cultivate love in everyday life, ultimately encouraging listeners to reconnect with their true selves and redefine their narratives around love and relationships.

Takeaways

Sound Bites

Connect with Jess on Instagram & Tiktok!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:51 The Journey of Becoming a Wedding Photographer

04:07 The Desire for Change and Intimacy

07:59 Shifting from Weddings to Elopements

10:11 The Importance of Slowing Down and Reflecting

15:27 Empowering Yourself and Making Intentional Choices

26:37 Navigating Marriage and Societal Expectations

30:40 Beliefs and Reality

32:33 Trusting and Loving Ourselves

34:28 The Ripple Effect of Self-Love

43:39 The Power of Taking Ownership

47:06 Love as a Choice

Connie, of Connie Chen Photography, is a wedding photographer and bride-to-be. In this episode she shares her unique perspective on elopements. She discusses how she got into wedding photography and her love for capturing the interactions and emotions between people.

Connie and her partner decided to elope because they wanted a low-key, intimate wedding that reflected their personalities. They chose a location in Washington and hired a photographer who they had been following for years. Connie emphasizes that elopements don't have to be just the couple; family can be included too. She also discusses the importance of making decisions based on what feels right for the couple, rather than trying to please others. Connie and her partner plan to have a small at-home reception to celebrate with family and friends after their elopement.

The conversation explores the importance of setting boundaries and making intentional choices when planning a wedding. It discusses the pressure to conform to societal norms and the need to prioritize personal preferences and desires. Connie and I share our personal experiences and offer advice on how to create a wedding day that reflects the couple's unique personalities and values. We emphasize the significance of knowing oneself and being intentional about the who, what, where, why, and how of the wedding. The conversation also touches on the evolving nature of weddings and the freedom to challenge traditional expectations.

You can find Connie at https://conniechenphotography.com/ 

Give her a follow on Instagram & Tiktok! (She is posting TikToks on the cross-country drive out to WA for their elopement so definitely check it out). 

Sound Bites

"Elopements don't have to be just the couple; family can be included too."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

Monica Welch, owner of Vaux Studio in Philadelphia, shares her journey of starting a small wedding venue and the evolution of the small wedding industry. She explains how she was inspired to create a space for smaller weddings after struggling to find a venue for her own intimate wedding. Monica discusses the societal pressure to have a big wedding and the financial consequences that come with it. She emphasizes the importance of being true to yourself and your partner when planning a wedding and the significance of being present on your special day. When deciding what type of wedding is best for a recently engaged couple, it is important to have open and honest conversations about wants, needs, and financial feasibility. Couples should prioritize their own desires and not feel pressured by others' expectations. Smaller, more intimate weddings allow for more personalization and the ability to invest in what truly matters to the couple. Celebrating the wedding over a longer period of time, such as with a reception or anniversary party, can spread out the festivities and make the experience more enjoyable. It is also important to remember that there are no longer strict rules or stigmas surrounding weddings, and couples have the freedom to create a day that is unique and meaningful to them.

Check out Vaux Studio's Website and Instagram. 

Check out the book Vaux Studio's couple Herbie & Chris were featured in, here. 

00:00 Introduction and Background of Vaux Studio

02:50 The Evolution of the Small Wedding Industry

09:12 Navigating Societal Pressure and Financial Consequences

15:07 The Importance of Being Present on Your Wedding Day

27:12 Deciding on the Best Type of Wedding

28:55 Prioritizing Your Desires and Needs

31:42 The Benefits of Smaller, Intimate Weddings

32:42 Spreading Out the Wedding Celebrations

43:09 Breaking Free from Traditional Wedding Expectations

Amber Gordon, a trained marriage and family therapist turned leadership and lifestyle coach, shares her whirlwind wedding experience and the challenges she faced in staying present and relaxed on her big day. Despite having support from staff and a bridal party, Amber felt overwhelmed and in hostess mode throughout the wedding. She reflects on the pressure to make everything perfect and the performative nature of weddings. Amber and Daniela question whether wedding vendors prey on couples' vulnerability by promising to capture every moment, knowing that couples may struggle to remember the day. She also discusses the importance of setting boundaries and creating a more intentional and relaxed wedding experience. In this conversation, Amber and Daniela discuss the importance of prioritizing self-care and emotional well-being during the wedding planning process. They emphasize the need for couples to have permission to make choices that align with their own desires and values, rather than feeling pressured to meet others' expectations. They also highlight the significance of slowing down and being present with each other on the wedding day, as well as creating buffer time in the timeline to allow for relaxation and connection. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the couple's experience and emotional regulation throughout the wedding journey.

Takeaways

• Weddings can be overwhelming and lead to a lack of presence and relaxation for the couple.

00:00 Introduction and Background

09:14 The Performance of Traditional Weddings

23:25 The Role of Gender Expectations

28:43 Are wedding vendors preying on couples' vulnerability?

38:31 Nervous system regulation for wedding vendors and couples

45:55 Step one: Timeline regulation

54:12 Slowing down and being present with your partner

You can find Amber's podcast, The Sacred Leadership Podcast, here.

You can follow Amber on Instagram here. 

For questions or if you'd like to be on the podcast, please reach out to [email protected] 

Thanks for listening :) 

Hello and a wholehearted welcome to the Empowered Elopement Podcast!

My name is Daniela Monzi and I am so glad you’re here. 

In case you don’t know me, I am a destination elopement and intimate wedding photographer based out of San Francisco and Philly. I made the transition to focus solely on smaller weddings 2 or 3 years ago, and it’s been life changing for me. 

I got interested in elopements because my husband and I ended up eloping and it was the best decision we could have made. However, we didn't feel supported and the process was really eye opening. As an elopement photographer, I didn't want my clients to ever feel the way we did. 

My hope for this podcast is to share stories and tips for getting married, in maybe a non traditional way. I really want to hold space for those who don’t see themselves or their type of dream wedding represented in the wedding industry. 

I know this podcast is called the Empowered Elopement Podcast, but my hope is not to alienate anyone having a large wedding.

My goal is to amplify the voices of the smaller, ‘non traditional’ weddings, as well ask important questions about the wedding industry and the rituals we have today. 

The most important thing to me on my wedding day, and on each couple’s wedding day that I photograph, is being present.

I want everyone to be able to FEEL what it is to get married. When you’re buzzing through the day, and have a million people around you for 14 hours straight, it can be a lot to your nervous system.

I want to talk about ways to make your wedding day, big or small, feel really intentional. I want you to feel empowered in the choices you are making when it comes to your wedding day. I want you to do what makes YOU happy, not anyone else. 

I truly just want to create a safe place where we can talk about the things that people don’t talk about. Like, how actually stressful it is to get married, how much time, money and energy it takes to plan a wedding. 

I think hosting a podcast is the perfect role for me because I have always been that curious girl who asks a million questions. Ask my friends and family, it sometimes drives them nuts how many questions I ask. 

I want to lean into this part of myself, and hold space for these sometimes tough conversations. I sure wish a podcast like this existed when I was engaged. 

If you have any suggestions for people I should interview, or you would like to be a guest on the show, please send me an email at [email protected] 

That’s all for now. I can’t wait for you to hear the episodes I have been pouring my heart into the last few months. 

See you in episode one!