Creative Sunset Elopement Photos at Atwater Beach

Elopements hold a special charm for me as a Milwaukee wedding photographer. They’re intimate, deeply personal, and entirely about the people getting married. Recently, Alexis and Hyrum got married at Milwaukee’s city hall. Afterward, I met up with them at Atwater Beach to document their celebration with romantic, beachy elopement photos. These carefree photos have a timeless quality. They preserve the intimacy and warmth of that day perfectly.

Photos After a Milwaukee Courthouse Elopement

Hyrum and Alexis met in the military. They were stationed in Taiwan together before receiving different assignments. Even though they spent a year apart, they knew they each knew they’d met their person. Eventually, Hyrum and Alexis had a courthouse wedding in Milwaukee. 

Sometimes people who opt for unconventional weddings wonder if their celebrations are worth documenting. In my experience, they absolutely are! You deserve elopement photos to tell your story through beautiful images, no matter how big or small your wedding day is.

Thankfully, Alexis and Hyrum understood that while their courthouse wedding was perfect for them, they wanted stunning elopement photos to preserve this moment in their love story. Their photos aren’t just about documenting a single day. The images say so much about this time in their relationship. You can see the love and connection between them. 

Elopement Photos at Atwater Beach

For these elopement photos, I met Alexis and Hyrum at Atwater Beach. This is one of my favorite places to take photos outdoors in the Milwaukee area. The beach stretches out from the base of a cliff. It feels private and secluded – a perfect spot for a couple to let go and be themselves. 

We scheduled this session for golden hour. Just as the sun began to set against the hillside, Hyrum and Alexis walked towards the shoreline. The light at Atwater Beach is absolutely magical. Early in the session, the sun drenched Hyrum and Alexis in warm light. The stark white of their clothes contrasted with the deep blue waters of Lake Michigan.

Photographing at golden hour made this session so dynamic. As the sun sank, the lake’s water changed from blue to gray-green. The soft peach sky haloed Hyrum and Alexis. These elopement photos have a softer tone compared to the ones earlier in the session. 

I really love how free and relaxed Hyrum and Alexis felt at Atwater Beach. The expansive shoreline gave them space to cuddle and explore hand-in-hand. With the sound of the waves and chill of the breeze, they felt at ease together. Their cozy, relaxed energy feels just right on film.

Carefree Elopement Photos on 35mm Film

I documented these elopement photos on a combination of 35mm film and digital photography. Film is especially close to my heart. It has a soft, nostalgic quality that fits the romantic, intimate feel of elopement photos. Film photos bring a timelessness that digital images can’t always replicate.

35mm film adds warmth to each frame. It softens the light, especially during golden hour. The texture and subtle grain of film create a dreamy, vintage aesthetic. Alexis and Hyrum’s clothes feel very modern, but these images will never feel dated in a bad way.

Alexis and Hyrum wanted a relaxed but meaningful session. Film photography allowed me to give them that. I can’t help feeling a certain magic in knowing that I have a limited number of exposures with each roll of film. Instead of clicking away the entire session, I’m able to be more intentional with each image.

Because film forces me to slow down, it helps my clients do the same. During this session, Alexis and Hyrum could really be present with each other. That intentionality helped create natural, candid moments that authentically reflect their relationship.

There’s also something romantic about the fact that we won’t see film photos right away. You have to wait for the film to get scanned. It just adds to the excitement. When you finally do receive them, you’re flooded with all the amazing emotions you felt on the day of your session.

Would you like me to take your elopement photos on film? Whether you’re planning a courthouse elopement or are already married, it’s so important to preserve these moments. I’m a Milwaukee wedding photographer who will document your celebration with emotive images. Inquire with me here!