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Alabama Elopement Photographer

its your wedding day...

but this is how I can help.

About Your

Why did i Choose Photography?

As a child, I always wanted to be a doctor or a teacher. I never thought I would pick up a camera and go with it. I was never labeled the "pretty, popular girl". I was the one that took the brunt of the jokes about things I couldn't control. I grew up thinking being beautiful was only achieved in one way or another or my value was based on what I had to offer. I've learned that there is beauty everywhere. The way the sun shines on your shoulder, the way the sand sticks the little baby toes, the way your partner looks at you showing every once of vulnerability in the drop of a tear. I've learned value is based on not what you have to give but truly who you are as a person.

I really didn't choose photography, it chose me. I was scared to death of it, of messing up someone's big day but I now see it as an opportunity to show you how beautiful you really are, and how beautiful life is. Love is vulnerable, love is raw and real, love is beautiful. Love isn't always straight edges and perfection, it's messy beds, pizza stains on pajamas, and being unafraid to color out of the lines.

That's why I chose elopements and weddings as my niche. Because no matter what others say, sometimes the rules are meant to be broken.

-M

Meet Mataya

I help with elopement planning and photograph adventurous couples that want to experience an EPIC wedding day. From start to finish, I work closely with you two to craft the best session and elopement you can imagine. We only include the things that feel authentic to you two and that you absolutely love.

What does your alabama elopement photographer bring to the table?

-I've had the privilege of shooting over 50 weddings across Alabama, Florida, and even a few in Indiana.

-I grew up in both Indiana and Alabama, spending my summers in the South and the school year in the Northern part of IN.

-I have visited over 16 states and 4 countries

-I am a boy mom, now that means two things here. That's a lot to digest...a MOM and a mother of BOYS....ask me more about it if you'd like to but that's the most honorable job on any resume.

-I am Part 107 Certified to fly in the US

What does the mean for you?

-You get a photographer who has experience making detailed timelines, handling unexpected curveballs on wedding days, and the ins-and-outs of all things wedding.

-You get a photographer that is familiar with travel whether that be by plane, air, ship, etc. I know how to research and find the best places, hikes, activities, and food joints for you as well.

-You get a photographer that has experience with handling tough situations, making backup plans, and keeping you calm when the sun doesn't shine.

-You get a photographer that is both fun and organized, spontaneous but carefully planned, able to get down and dirty without fear and will always be there for adventure.

-You get a photographer that is all legal, certified, and insured so you can get stunning portraits without worry

About Your Alabama Elopement Photographer

Born with strong traits:

-Readiness to Work Hard
-Creativity
-Reliability
-Patience
-Kindness
-Critical Thinking
-Faithfulness
-Responsibility
-Calmness
-Helpfulness

Born with those September traits:

-Readiness to Work Hard
-Creativity
-Reliability
-Patience
-Kindness
-Critical Thinking
-Faithfulness
-Responsibility
-Calmness
-Helpfulness

I love Jesus and I love people, no matter what you identify as or what your preferences are. We are all made in his image and are made to love above all.

Everyone is welcome here.

MY GoAL AS YOUR ELOPEMENT AND WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER:

Can I tell you something?
You don't have to settle for what the world and everyone else says you have to do. Your wedding day should be about celebrating your unique love, not what food everyone would like to eat.

My goal as your wedding photographer is to be there every step of the way. I never want you to feel like you are alone in planning your day. It can be nerve wrecking not knowing which way to turn when your planning your wedding, whether that's a destination wedding, an elopement, or a traditional wedding at home. This is most likely your first time putting together a wedding, but it's definitely not my first time beign a wedding photographer so lean in. I want you to be comfortable, too.

I never want you to feel like your forcing a moment or faking a memory. I want you to see the photo and remember exactly how it happened in real time. Your gallery should be a walkthrough of the best day of you life.

I want you to feel like you have a friend. I want you to know that you are worthy of beautiful experiences. I want you to laugh, cry, yell at the top of your lungs. I want you to have THE BEST DAY EVER,

I want to have the best day ever, too.

take their word for it.

If you’re considering booking with Mataya, DO IT. She has such a sweet, caring soul and makes each shoot so much fun. She is there to make you laugh, giggle, and have the best time while getting the perfect shot. I will 10000% book her again. Thank you for all the help even after our day was all done. You’ve been the best.

take their word for it.

Mataya was absolutely wonderful for our wedding. She went above and beyond to bring ideas to life, make sure the planning process went smoothly, and make sure our day was everything we dreamed it to be. She helped me with suggestions, coordinating outfits, and captured our day perfectly! She went above and beyond to make sure my husband and I were taken care of so we could just enjoy our day!

take their word for it.

Let me say I can't put into words how your talent captured special moments that we will cherish. I can't thank you enough. Oh my gosh, I LOVE THEM, WE LOVE THEM, THEY ARE PERFECT AND SO DREAMY. This is everything we've ever wanted. Thank you so much, they are perfect.