Skip to content
www.wildelements.photography
  • Home
  • About
  • Elopement & Wedding Pricing
  • Couple Portraits
  • Portfolio
  • Resources
INQUIRE
CONTACT
www.wildelements.photography

Engagement Photos

How to Plan a Surprise Proposal | A 10-Step Guide
Planning Resources

How to Plan a Surprise Proposal | A 10-Step Guide

Read More How to Plan a Surprise Proposal | A 10-Step GuideContinue

Tips for Your Engagement Session
Engagements · Planning Resources

Engagement Photo Tips; How to Have a Successful Engagement Photoshoot

Read More Engagement Photo Tips; How to Have a Successful Engagement PhotoshootContinue

Ciana Salisbury | Maryland Documentary Wedding & Elopement Photographer
HOME
ABOUT
WEDDING AND ELOPEMENT PRICING
COUPLE PORTRAITS
Portfolio
RESOURCES
CONTACT

© 2026 WILD ELEMENTS PHOTOGRAPHY

TERMS & PRIVACY

I love everything about this set of engagement pho I love everything about this set of engagement photos. I love the trees, the people, the genuine laughter hiding behind each frame, the casual energy of these memories, and I especially love what these photos symbolize for the people in them. 

Similar to your elopement or wedding, your engagement photos can also be anything you want them to be. Imagine them less as a formality, and more as an opportunity to celebrate where you’re at in your relationship right now. 

I know that it’s an easy thing to overlook, but it doesn’t change just how important the season of life is leading up to your marriage. 

It doesn’t matter whether you’re drawn to a night out on the town, dressed to the nines with the one you love, or an evening at home to enjoy the sunset in the garden together - what matters is that you document this time in a way that you’ll want to remember for years to come, in a way that illuminates your relationship in a light of authenticity. 

Getting married is a big deal, so why not make the very most of the time that comes before?

#documentaryweddingphotographer #marylandweddingphotographer #marylandelopementphotographer #eastcoastweddingphotographer #dcweddingphotographer
In an effort to bring more magic into the start of In an effort to bring more magic into the start of your year, here are a few moments of whimsy to fill your feed while you dream of the longer days and warmer months ahead. 

I stare at this first image frequently, and I’ve concluded that it’s because it reminds me of one of my favorite books growing up, “The Secret Garden” by Frances Hodgson Burnett. 

Have any of you ever read this book? Or, have you read any other novels with this same kind of energy? (Always on the lookout for new book recommendations!!!)

Frances’ love of gardens inspired this book, and I think that same love has often been translated into my work whenever possible. 

In fact, I must have taken it a step further and subconsciously manifested that gardens be a running theme of 2026 because I have lots of upcoming projects centered around the “cottage-core”, “garden party” aesthetic, (YAY!!!).

Although my year is shaping up to be one of my busiest yet, I still have a handful of dates open and available for elopements, weddings, and a few couples portraits. Even if you’re unsure where to start, or you just need a bit of clarity, it’s never too late or too early to start the conversation. 

Send me a message, or fill out the contact form on my site. My inbox is always open! 

#documentaryweddingphotographer #gardenweddings #eastcoastweddingphotographer #elopementweddingphotographer #elopementplanner
Poppin’ into the New Year be like… This is my che Poppin’ into the New Year be like…

This is my cheesy way of stepping into a moment of gratitude with you all. 

2025 was a year of transformation, of growth, and of embracing the unknowns head-on. I know how cliche that must sound, but that’s truly what the last 365 days have been for us. There were times throughout the year where things certainly weren’t glamorous, but there were also times where I struggled to believe that all of the beautiful things around us were real life because they were just that good. 

Some days I find myself sitting in the office, our cat curled up in my lap, and I get stuck staring at the computer screen because I simply cannot fathom how incredibly grateful I am to fulfill this role in life, to share these lived experiences with each of you, and to know that this work is forever bound by artful creativity and connection. 

It is largely because of this community - friends, clients, and colleagues alike - that I get to see the world through multi-faceted lenses and perspectives, both firsthand and vicariously.  And as it stands, I can’t think of a more powerful gift than that alone. 

I took over 28,000 images combined this year, on film and digital, and during both professional projects and personal adventures. Knowing that I get to revisit the year, (and years past), in the form of these frames in such a thrill, especially on the days I can’t help but crave nostalgia. 

As always, thank you for being here. Thank you for adding so much color to my life. I am so, so excited for what 2026 brings, and I hope you are too. Cheers to you, my friends!

#documentaryweddingphotographer #mdweddingphotographer #adventureelopementphotographer #eastcoastweddingphotographer #dcweddingphotographer
Sometimes I think people have a hard time grasping Sometimes I think people have a hard time grasping the fact that you can *literally* do just about anything during your elopement.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been met with a “Wait, we can really do that?”, or an “Are you sure that’s possible?”. 

The short answer is YES!

Here’s the thing most couples don’t realize: your elopement is basically your excuse to design the best day of your life from scratch. Seriously! 

Want to hike through a cloud forest and end with a hot bath in a treehouse? Yes. 

Want to start your day with croissants in bed? Also yes. 

Want to add a boat ride, tacos, a swimming break, a horseback trek, or a mid-day nap? Still yes. 

You get the idea. 

If it feels like you, it’s probably belongs in your plans. 

Elopements were never meant to fit inside of some generic, repeatable template. There is no “standard” timeline, no invisible rulebook, and no one-size-fits-all checklist that’s yelling at you about what you should be doing on your wedding day. 

Couples are constantly surprised when I tell them that their elopement can be a highly curated day of everything they love - not a watered-down version of a traditional wedding.

And the truth is, once you let go of the idea that your celebration has to follow any sort of guideline or script, you’ll realize how wildly expansive this can be. 

#elopementplanner #adventureelopementphotographer #destinationelopementphotographer #costaricaweddingphotographer #costaricaelopementphotographer
One of the best parts about eloping is the opportu One of the best parts about eloping is the opportunity to embrace the unexpected - and trust me, I understand how daunting that can feel BUT I also know just how quickly the unexpected can turn into the adventure of a lifetime! 

Just take a look at G & C. 

Originally, there was no rain forecasted for their elopement day. But if you live on the east coast, you know that our spring season can be wildly unpredictable. Just 30 minutes into our time together, the skies opened up and began to douse us little by little until the rain became steady. 

But you know what? 

G & C weren’t scared of the rest of their day being ruined. They didn’t care about being wet. And you know why? They had each other, and together they leaned into this experience with their entire beings. 

They marched on, watching the forest floor open up to them in a way they could only ever dream of. Their elopement felt ethereal, it was shrouded in whimsy, adventure, passion, and blessed by nature’s spontaneity. 

As an elopement photographer, I want you to know that your wedding experience is exactly what you make it. 

From start to finish, I help you not only plan and document your elopement day, but I also help you prepare to recognize the beauty in the unconventional, the unexpected, and the opportunities born from keeping an open mind. 

I want you to live out one of the best days of your life, even if things don’t go precisely according to plan, because I can say with certainty that those moments often turn into your most favorite memories to hold onto. 

#elopementphotography #elopementphotographers #elopementweddingphotographer #adventureelopementphotographer #adventureelopement #rainywedding #eastcoastweddingphotographer #eastcoastwedding #destinationelopementphotographer #destinationelopement #marylandweddingphotographer #mdweddingphotographer #dcweddingphotographer #dmvweddingphotographer #dmvweddings
If an immersive and elevated destination wedding i If an immersive and elevated destination wedding is what you’re after, (especially somewhere tropical), the Hacienda Siesta Alegre belongs at the very top of your list. 

@siestaalegrevenue

Tucked into the foothills of El Yunque, overlooking valleys of lushness and color, this Spanish-style estate sincerely feels like stepping into another era. The Hacienda boasts open-air terraces, outdoor kitchens, mountain views, a private pool, tropical gardens, and truly mesmerizing architecture. 

It is the most perfect blend of romance and adventure, making it one of my all-time favorite places I’ve ever photographed, (I MEAN JUST LOOK AT IT!). The location, the textures, the landscaping, and the artistry are simply mind blowing. 

It doesn’t matter if you’re eloping with a handful of friends and family or doing a full-blown destination celebration, this place doesn’t discriminate. Think about it - you and your guests get a true Puerto Rican experience, you get the most awe-inducing views imaginable, and the energy here? It’s completely unmatched. 

If you want to know more about my experience here with one of my absolutely amazing couples, my inbox is open! I would love to talk about what’s possible here.

[Puerto Rico Wedding | Puerto Rico Wedding Photographer | Puerto Rico Wedding Venues | El Yunque Wedding | El Yunque Elopement | Puerto Rico Elopement | Puerto Rico Elopement Photographer | Where to Get Married in Puerto Rico | Tropical Wedding Destinations | Tropical Wedding Venues] 

#puertoricoelopement #tropicalelopement #elopementphotographers #tropicalwedding #elopementphotographer #destinationweddingphotographer #puertoricoweddings #puertoricoweddingphotographer #puertoricowedding #elopementplanning #elopementplanner #documentaryweddingphotographer
This moment just felt so striking in the bare moun This moment just felt so striking in the bare mountains of Appalachia that it deserved its own place in this digital portfolio of mine. 

The winter solstice is almost here, and I can’t help but think that’s what’s been pulling me to reminisce on these cold, but wonderful experiences. 

I hope you all have been staying warm, enjoying the snow, and finding the beauty that can only live within the darker half of the year 🤍

#elopementweddingphotographer #adventureweddingphotographer #adventureelopement #adventureelopementphotographer #adventureelopements #hikingelopement #hikingelopementphotographer #eastcoastweddingphotographer #eastcoastwedding #marylandweddingphotographer #mdweddingphotographer #marylandelopementphotographer #baltimoreweddingphotographer #filmweddingphotographer
The wintertime can feel so bleak and isolating, bu The wintertime can feel so bleak and isolating, but I’m here to remind you, (and honestly myself), that each season beholds its own kind beauty and significance. 

This day with K + D will always be proof of that to me, which is why I’m so comforted to be revisiting their story once again. 

I even hope, for at least some of you, it encourages you to brave the lower temps to create something just as meaningful during this season too. 

If you want romantic, fun, and light-hearted winter photos like the ones above, here are the best tips I have to offer:

- Bundle up with layers you love! I know this may seem painstakingly obvious, but I can’t emphasize the added depth that comes from intentional and thoughtful layering enough. It’s an expressive way to infuse more authenticity and character into your photos, while also accentuating the barren beauty of winter landscapes. 

- Use the cold weather as an excuse to keep your partner close. Movement, physical touch, and acts of love are the pivotal force behind the emotive layers of your galley. If you want candid photos that truly resemble  your relationship and a cinematic aesthetic, it’s important to love up on each other, be playful, and stay connected. 

- Wear colors that both complement the winter’s natural palette, and compliment you. Pull from earth tones that still contrast whichever environment you’ll be in, without sacrificing visual fluidity. As you can see, K & D were in a landscape rich with greens and dark browns, but wore hues of lighter browns, dark greys, deep blues, and whites. 

K + D’s wintery photos are the perfect example of what it looks like when all of these elements are pulled together into one single experience.

Maybe you’ll embrace the cold, and escape hibernation for an experience like this. You never know.

#marylandweddingphotographer #marylandelopementphotographer #mdweddingphotographer #mdportraitphotographer #marylandportraitphotographer #marylandengagementphotographer #mdengagementphotographer #documentaryweddingphotographer #elopementphotographer
Scroll to top
  • Home
  • About
  • Elopement & Wedding Pricing
  • Couple Portraits
  • Portfolio
  • Resources
Pinterest Facebook Instagram