High Peaks, Low Bullshit | The Hell-Yes Elopement Podcast

E5. Steal These Five Summer Adirondack Elopement Day Ideas

If you're trying to figure out what an actual Adirondack elopement day could look like, this episode walks through five summer timelines you can steal — blending both adventurous and laid-back experiences. From sunrise hikes and waterfall picnics to scenic helicopter rides, canoe ceremonies, cozy campfire endings, and late-night pizza stops... these ideas show how your elopement day can feel intentional, fun, and completely personalized. I also share additional activity ideas specific to both the Upper and Lower Adirondacks to help you start imagining your summer elopement day. Checkout More Information Here: Adirondack Elopement Packages [https://emilybelangerphotography.com/adirondack-elopement-packages]

E4: Why You Shouldn't Elope In The Catskill Mountains And What I'd Do Instead

Everyone loves to romanticize the Catskills… but if you're thinking about eloping there, you might want to slow down for a second. Because here's the truth no one really talks about, just because a place is popular doesn't mean it's actually a good fit for an intentional, private, fully immersive elopement experience. In this episode, I'm getting real about why the Catskills might not be the move for couples who want something that actually feels meaningful, secluded, and aligned... and what I'd do instead. This isn't about hating on a location just to be controversial. It's about helping you think differently about what actually makes an elopement feel like an intimate experience… versus something that just looks good in photos but doesn't really hit the way you thought it would. If you've been drawn to the Catskills but something feels slightly off, or you just know you want something deeper than a "pretty place" this episode will help you figure out what actually fits you. Checkout More Information Here: Adirondack Elopement Packages [https://emilybelangerphotography.com/adirondack-elopement-packages]

E3: Planning Your Wedding With ADHD And Autism

If the thought of a big traditional wedding makes your nervous system want to shut down — you're not broken, and you're definitely not alone. In this episode, I'm sharing my personal story of being diagnosed with ADHD and autism at 30 years old, and how that realization finally explained why traditional weddings always felt so overwhelming and deeply misaligned for me. We're diving into what ADHD and autistic brains actually experience during wedding planning and wedding days — from decision fatigue and social pressure to sensory overload — and why these environments can feel more like survival mode than celebration. We'll talk about why eloping often feels like relief instead of rebellion, what low-sensory wedding days can actually look like, and activity ideas and timelines designed for couples who want connection without chaos. This episode is your emotional permission slip to create a wedding day that supports your nervous system — not one that overwhelms it. And it's extremely important to hire an elopement photographer [https://emilybelangerphotography.com/] who GET's it and understands your pain points and how to turn a day that currently feels like chaos, into a sensory calming day filled with joy! Checkout More Information Here: Adirondack Elopement Packages [https://emilybelangerphotography.com/adirondack-elopement-packages]

E2: Elopement Vs. Microwedding

Are you trying to decide if an elopement or a micro-wedding is right for you? In this episode, I break down the real differences between the two, where these ideas actually came from, why so many couples are choosing them over traditional weddings, and the honest pros and cons of each. Not from a trend perspective, but from what these days actually feel like when you're living them. If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure which path fits you best, this episode will help you understand what you gain, what you give up, and how to choose the experience that truly aligns with how you want your wedding day to feel. Checkout More Information Here: Adirondack Elopement Packages [https://emilybelangerphotography.com/adirondack-elopement-packages]

E1: How to Elope In The Adirondack Mountains

In this episode, I'm breaking down everything you actually need to know about eloping in the Adirondack Mountains [https://emilybelangerphotography.com/adirondack-elopement-packages]. We'll cover the basics most people gloss over — what the Adirondacks really are, the different regions and vibes throughout the park, when to elope based on season and crowds, how to handle family pressure, and realistic activity ideas you can actually build into your elopement day. This episode is packed with practical information, unfiltered advice, and real-life experience from years of planning and photographing elopements in the Adirondacks to help you make confident decisions and avoid common mistakes. If you're wanting to go deeper, check out my Adirondack Elopement Guide [https://emilybelangerphotography.com/2025/05/09/how-to-elope-in-the-adirondacks/] linked here. It takes everything we talk about in this episode and expands on it with more in-depth planning details, location considerations, timelines, and logistics. And if you're looking for an Adirondack elopement photographer who knows these mountains inside and out and doesn't sugarcoat the planning process, you can explore more of my work and approach here: Emily Belanger Photography [https://emilybelangerphotography.com/adirondack-elopement-packages].