February 25, 2022

A Dirty Wedding Dress Makes More Memories

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While some brides want to preserve their wedding dress others want it to carry the memories of the day their life changed forever. 

Marks from the puddles splashed through on the way to their ceremony location, grass stains from their first dance, and sand stuck in the lace from their walk on the beach at sunset. Parts of the trail and memories for their elopement are embedded in the fabric—a beautiful memento, if you ask me. 

  1. Not being concerned about preserving material items over experiences. 
  2. Feeling free to play—walk through that stream, roll around in that field of flowers!
  3. The peace of embracing anything that day may bring, rain or shine.
  4. Some really badass photos to remember your elopement by.

What I Love Most about Dirty Wedding Dresses

Getting your dress dirty does not equal a “trash the dress photoshoot”. You aren’t intentionally getting dirty—you’re simply embracing the day to the fullest. Your dress tells the unique story of your day as it slowly collects dirt from the trail, turning the bottom a beautiful ombre. 

The Best Wedding Dress Fabric for Adventure Elopements

If you want to have your cake and eat it too, by getting messy during your elopement, but also returning your dress to its former glory afterwards—then consider a polyester wedding dress. Not only do stains come out of polyester easily, but it’s a durable fabric that’s less likely to snag or tear. Unlike tulle and satin, which are much more delicate and difficult to clean after the fact. Surely if dry cleaners are getting wine stains out of wedding dresses on a regular basis getting saltwater marks from the ocean out won’t be a problem.

These Wedding Dresses Filled Their Purpose to the Fullest


Check out these badass brides during their elopements!

Your Wedding Dress is a Symbol of Your Elopement Experience

I believe that the dirt on your dress is a huge part of your wedding day story. Rather than fussing over what you are wearing and being worried about getting something on it, why not just enjoy the heck out of getting married, live an amazing day, and let your dress live its best life. At the end of the day, the ombré skirt and little sticks or grass caught in the torn edges should make you smile and think, “today was amazing!” It should show that you went on an adventure.

Let’s Start Planning!

Hey there!

I’m Maddie Mae

Your Elopement Photographer, Experience Designer & Planning Consultant



For the last 14 years I’ve traveled to 40 countries, all 7 continents, and planned & photographed over 300 elopements all over the world.

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Ready to start planning your dream destination elopement?

Hey, I’m Maddie Mae

Your Elopement Photographer, Experience Designer & Planning Consultant

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“The woman who sparked the adventure
elopement trend”  – Forbes

I don’t just photograph elopements –
I design and plan a curated, unique experience around the two of you—one you’ll enjoy every minute of.

I want to get to know what makes you two feel alive and create an experience worthy of this
incredible love you’ve found

about me
packages

“The woman who sparked the adventure elopement trend”  – Forbes

40

countries and 7 continents worth of travel experience and knowledge

13

years experience planning and photographing elopements & weddings

300

one-of-a-kind elopements & intimate weddings planned & photographed

2019

the year I eloped too (after planning my own destination elopement in just 6 weeks)

What makes my elopement packages different?

Every Adventure Instead elopement experience includes:

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One-of-a-kind
Experience Design

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Expert Planning
Consulting

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Award-Winning
Photography

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Stunning & Secluded
Location Ideas

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Unique & luxurious
lodging
recommendations

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Personalized & Fun Activity Ideas

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Customized, Experience-Focused Timeline

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Personalized Mood Board & Styling Suggestions

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No Additional Travel Fees

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Direct Access & Full
Support by Maddie Mae

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Unlimited Planning
Consultations & Revisions

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Pre-Vetted Local
Vendor
Recommendations

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Expert Advice on Permits, Marriage Licenses & Safety

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Specific Gear Advice + Packing Checklists

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“How to Adventure Instead” VIP Planning Guide

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Customized, Experience-Focused Timeline

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Guided & Fun
Photography Experience

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Empathetic,
Introvert-Friendly
Posing & Directing

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Creative GIF’s &
Drone Photography

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Artistic, Hand-Crafted Editing

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All Your Photos to
Keep Forever

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Complementary
Album Design +
Convenient Print
Ordering

learn more about my elopement packages

Reach out to start planning your dream destination elopement

Don’t worry, most couples who inquire with me have no plans at all. 
Helping turn vague ideas into a thrilling plan is my specialty.

I can’t wait to hear your ideas and help bring them to life

Note: I usually only photograph weddings with 25 guests or less
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Not quite ready to reach out, but want help planning your elopement?

I created the ultimate destination elopement planning guide & checklist to help you get started

download the pdf guide