elopement retreats for the adventurous photographer

wander

Imagine finally feeling confident showing up as the photographer you’ve always wanted to be —
no second-guessing, no comparing, no playing small.

So You’ve Chosen to Go All In on Your Photography Career.

Even when it feels overwhelming, scary, or lonely.


But if we’re being real — you’re still doubting if you’re actually good enough to make it work.

But you're still thinking, "How the heck do I actually grow this into the business I want?"

You want people who actually get it.

  • You’re showing up. You’re putting in the work. You’re betting on yourself 
  • You’ve been killing it, grinding away on Instagram, trying to make your dream happen...
  • You’re doing "all the things" — posting, hustling, tweaking your website, trying to stay relevant
  • You’re tired of feeling like the only one who’s struggling

I GET IT—BECAUSE I’VE BEEN RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE.

You’re not failing. You’re just stuck in a season that so many photographers go through (and nobody talks about enough). 

I'm Melissa—the face behind Wandering Retreats.

Most days you’ll find me chasing my kid around, bouncing ideas off my fiancé, and reheating the same cup of coffee more times than I care to admit.























I started photography as a hobby—just for fun. I had no big plan of turning it into a business… I just loved being creative. BUT…I decided to enroll in college! I took all the courses, soaked up the education, and worked my ass off to build my career. 























I needed space to reset. To create without stress. To remember why I started in the first place.






















Hey There, I'm Melissa 

But somewhere along the way, I hit a wall. It stopped feeling fun. I was tired, unsure of my next move, and craving a break from the pressure.

So... cue Wandering Retreats!

That’s what I needed. So I built it. And now I get to invite you into it!

But in between all that, I’ve built a business that I’m incredibly proud of!

A space I created for photographers to just take a damn breath! To step away from the grind and remember what it feels like to create without all the noise. To feel inspired again—and actually have FUN while growing in your business.

Hands-on learning, REAL connection, adventure, wild shoots, and that feeling of, “holy sh*t, I needed this.”



I seriously can’t wait to meet you, hear your story and become great friends!!




-Melissa




IT’S MY MISSION TO CREATE SPACE FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS LIKE US TO GROW, CREATE AND FEEL FREAKIN PROUD OF THE WORK WE’RE PUTTING OUT INTO THE WORLD. 

Waking up every day knowing exactly who you are as a photographer — no second-guessing, no shrinking.

Booking the kind of clients and sessions that light you up — because your portfolio finally reflects the real you.

Feeling proud, confident, and unstoppable — because you’re no longer measuring your worth against everyone else.

Having a creative spark that doesn’t just flicker — it roars.

Being surrounded by real friendships and a supportive community that celebrates your wins and lifts you higher.

Trusting yourself enough to build a business — and a life — that actually feels good to live inside of.

IMAGINE THIS. . .

ALL OF THAT CAN BE YOUR REALITY
AFTER YOU ATTEND. . . 

WANDERING RETREATS

Wandering Retreats are multi-day international elopement experiences packed with stunning adventure elopement content shoots, thrilling local excursions, luxury overnight stays, and a fully immersive dive into the local culture.

It has everything you need to walk away with a clear vision for your business — and the confidence to finally own your place in this industry.

our next adventures

BANFF, ALBERTA

September.5-7th, 2025

sold out!!

Get ready for a breathtaking, adventure-filled photography retreat in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. This September, we’re heading to Banff for a multi-day retreat packed with epic mountain views, dreamy elopement shoots, cozy luxury lodging, and wild local adventures. You in?

sold out!

Cusco & Lima, PERU!

May.20-25th, 2026

sign up for our email list to see what's launching next!

We’re heading into one of the most stunning, wild, and colorful places on earth—from the cobblestone streets of Cusco to the Sacred Valley and beyond. We’ll be shooting in the mountains, exploring vibrant towns, and yes... there will be llamas. (Lots of them.)

Want in? [Join the waitlist] and be the first to grab your spot when doors open!

learn more!

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