CUSTOM ELOPEMENT EXPERIENCE

An Elopement Experience as Unique as You

It’s not just about photos; it’s about you feeling seen and celebrated.

Your elopement deserves more than a checklist and a camera—it deserves intention, care, and a story that feels unmistakably like you. As a destination photographer, my approach is rooted in creating a custom elopement experience that reflects who you are, how you love, and what matters most to you. From the very beginning, this isn’t about fitting into a template. It’s about designing a day that feels honest, meaningful, and deeply personal.

Every couple brings their own energy, values, and vision into their elopement. That’s why I take the time to truly get to know you—your connection, your priorities, and the moments you want to remember forever. Whether that means exchanging vows on a windswept cliff, tucked into the mountains at sunrise, or in a quiet place that feels sacred to you, your experience is thoughtfully crafted around your story, not someone else’s expectations.

And while the photographs will be beautiful, this experience goes far beyond the final gallery. It’s about how you feel throughout the process. Feeling calm instead of rushed. Confident instead of unsure. Fully present instead of performing for the camera. On your elopement day, you’re not just being photographed—you’re being supported, guided, and celebrated exactly as you are.

I believe the most powerful images come from moments where you feel safe to be yourselves. The laughter, the stillness, the in-between glances, the emotion you didn’t plan for—those are the moments that matter. When you feel seen and celebrated, your story unfolds naturally, and the photos become a true reflection of your connection.

This is your permission to do things differently. To slow down. To choose meaning over tradition. To create an elopement experience that feels intentional, freeing, and entirely your own. Because this isn’t just about photos—it’s about honoring your love in a way that feels authentic, unforgettable, and true to you.

GET STARTED

engagement photo session iowa photographer

Woodland Romance

Hand in hand, they wander through a quiet field framed by trees dressed in autumn gold. The air feels soft and unhurried as they move together, sharing easy smiles and unspoken moments between steps. Surrounded by fall’s warm tones and natural stillness, the photo captures a simple, intimate connection—two people moving forward together, fully present in the season and in each other.

private vows in a forest on a destination wedding

Intimate Vows

Tucked away in a quiet forest, they stand close as they read their vows, voices low and hearts open. The world fades into the background beneath towering trees and filtered light, creating space only for their words and the weight they carry. In this private moment, the photo captures the intimacy of promises spoken without an audience—just two people choosing each other in a setting that feels sacred and entirely their own.

colorado wedding destination photography mountain wedding vows

Chasing Elevation

Set high in Colorado’s winter landscape, this destination wedding feels equal parts adventurous and intimate. Wrapped in snow and framed by evergreen peaks, they walk hand in hand across the mountainside, laughing easily as the cold air swirls around them. Dressed in a suit and gown against the rugged terrain, the moment captures the joy of choosing each other in a place that feels wild, meaningful, and completely their own—proof that love doesn’t wait for perfect conditions, it creates its own warmth.

A Story, Not a Pose

No cookie-cutter poses here—just authenticity and creativity.

“We just received the gallery from our wedding and let me just say, AH-MAZING work!!! He captured things I would have never even thought of and I’m so glad he did!! He seriously went above and beyond during the whole process! Hands down his work is one of the best, I highly recommend him!! Thanks Mike and team for capturing the best memories we could ask for!”
-Cassy O-

PHOTOGRAPHY PORTFOLIO

Meet Your Destination Photographer

Hi, my name is Mike!

I’m an Iowa-based elopement and destination wedding photographer, born to roam and passionate about capturing extraordinary love stories that break tradition.
I specialize in creative wedding and elopement photography for couples who want a fun, meaningful, and unforgettable experience.
Your story deserves more than documentation, it’s a celebration of who you are.
I'm here to capture every authentic moment. Whether you’re saying “I do” in Iowa or planning an adventurous destination wedding,
From helping you plan your unforgettable adventure to capturing the moments that matter most, my goal is to ensure your wedding or elopement feels genuine, timeless, and true to you.

MEET ME

Mike Kessel - Iowa Destination Wedding Photographer

How does this work?

Standing Out with Confidence

Creating Personalized Plan
We'll start by getting to know each other, getting a clear vision of what makes you and your vision yours. This stage is all about delving into your story, personality, and aspirations to ensure we create the images that best represents you and the story you want to tell.

Your Guide to a Seamless Photo Experience
Leading up to your session, I’ll serve as your personal guide and resource, providing planning assistance, expert tips, location scouting, and everything you need to make your day run smoothly.

Crafting Authentic Moments
If you love your final photos but don’t enjoy the experience behind them, I haven’t done my job! My goal is to make you feel comfortable, confident, and natural during your session.
I guide you with prompts and direction to bring out genuine expressions that reflect your personality, ensuring the final images capture your story authentically.

Beyond the Frame: Ongoing Support
Beyond photography, my goal is to build a connection that lasts well beyond your wedding day. I aim to create a friendship and support system you can rely on for years to come. My service doesn’t end with delivering your images. I’m dedicated to providing guidance, support, and a trusted partnership throughout your journey.

TAKE THE FIRST STEP

Standing Out with Confidence

Creating Personalized Plan
We'll start by getting to know each other, getting a clear vision of what makes you and your vision yours. This stage is all about delving into your story, personality, and aspirations to ensure we create the images that best represents you and the story you want to tell.

Your Guide to a Seamless Photo Experience
Leading up to your session, I’ll serve as your personal guide and resource, providing planning assistance, expert tips, location scouting, and everything you need to make your day run smoothly.

Crafting Authentic Moments
If you love your final photos but don’t enjoy the experience behind them, I haven’t done my job! My goal is to make you feel comfortable, confident, and natural during your session.
I guide you with prompts and direction to bring out genuine expressions that reflect your personality, ensuring the final images capture your story authentically.

Beyond the Frame: Ongoing Support
Beyond photography, my goal is to build a connection that lasts well beyond your wedding day. I aim to create a friendship and support system you can rely on for years to come. My service doesn’t end with delivering your images. I’m dedicated to providing guidance, support, and a trusted partnership throughout your journey.

TAKE THE FIRST STEP

Celebrating Memorable Moments

Kind Words From Couples Like you!

“We hired Mike for a destination elopement and couldn't be happier with the results. I'm a photographer myself, making choosing someone to capture my wedding much more difficult. Mike was and is an excellent communicator and professional in every aspect. He took a ton of notes on what we wanted, sat down with us to make sure we had as much of a plan as you can make on a wedding day and made it seem simple and straightforward the whole time."
- Seth + Cece

“Mike at Kessel Kreations was professional, kind, and made our experience fun! We are located in Colorado Springs, CO. The beautiful scenery of the rocky terrain paired with Mike's awesome photography skills left us speechless when we recieved our photos. We are very happy.”
- Sharae + Mike

“Mike is a top-notch professional and a remarkable artist with immense creativity and attention to detail. He is very knowledgeable about the fundamentals and he captured our day so beautifully, all single-handedly as a one-man band! We are sooooooo thankful and happy that we chose Kessel Kreations for our wedding! Thank you so much for the beautiful work that you do and sharing it with us!!!”
- Jetske + Rueben

" He puts everyone at ease instantly. He went to great lengths to ensure he talked with us as the couple ahead of each pivotal part of the wedding planning process, and his questionnaires to focus on our vision really helped us love everything about our wedding day.

Kessel's pictures speak for themselves - they're amazing! We love soooo many of the special moments he and team captured But what really sets Kessel apart from other photographers is the care he'll put into making sure your wedding is everything you've imagined it being. He told us during planning "your photographer is with you through all the most intimate parts of your wedding day" and that's no joke- from pictures of my mom helping me get into my dress, to the first look with my husband, to our last 'secret' dance once the venue was cleared, he was there, and helping to keep us stress free and enjoying the day."
- Addi & Jeff

“We hired Mike to capture our wedding day and he blew us away! He was very kind and professional, he had great suggestions for our shoot, and the end result was breathtaking! He was very easy to work with and responded immediately when we reached out to him and was happy to accommodate us in any way possible. 10/10 highly recommend Kessel Kreations for all of your photography needs!
- Brant + Tenise

90+ Five Star Google Reviews!

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WEDDINGS & ELOPEMENTS

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PORTRAITS

Ready to showcase your story uniquely?

We all have a unique story to tell.

Let’s write yours today!

" He puts everyone at ease instantly. He went to great lengths to ensure he talked with us as the couple ahead of each pivotal part of the wedding planning process, and his questionnaires to focus on our vision really helped us love everything about our wedding day.

Kessel's pictures speak for themselves - they're amazing! We love soooo many of the special moments he and team captured But what really sets Kessel apart from other photographers is the care he'll put into making sure your wedding is everything you've imagined it being. He told us during planning "your photographer is with you through all the most intimate parts of your wedding day" and that's no joke- from pictures of my mom helping me get into my dress, to the first look with my husband, to our last 'secret' dance once the venue was cleared, he was there, and helping to keep us stress free and enjoying the day."
- Addi & Jeff

“We hired Mike to capture our wedding day and he blew us away! He was very kind and professional, he had great suggestions for our shoot, and the end result was breathtaking! He was very easy to work with and responded immediately when we reached out to him and was happy to accommodate us in any way possible. 10/10 highly recommend Kessel Kreations for all of your photography needs!
- Brant + Tenise

LET'S CONNECT

I’m thrilled you're considering me to capture your moments.

From the moment you hit submit, I am here as a resource and guide, customizing your experience to fit your needs. Your vision matters. I can’t wait to meet you and bring it to life.