We recently connected with Stefan & Leticia Olson and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Stefan & Leticia with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
Our work ethic comes from a mix of personal values, life experiences, and a deep passion for what we do. We both grew up with strong examples of hard work, and over time, we developed the discipline needed to build and sustain a business we love.
More than anything, we’re driven by the couples who trust us to capture their most important moments. Elopements aren’t just about beautiful photos, they’re about crafting meaningful experiences. Whether it’s scouting remote locations, hiking before sunrise, or handling every small detail, we go all in.
Running a business takes consistency, discipline, and a lot of behind-the-scenes effort, but knowing our work helps couples have an unforgettable experience in nature keeps us pushing forward every day.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
We are Adventure Elopement Photographers & Planners, specializing in crafting and documenting nature-inspired, intimate weddings. As a husband-and-wife team, we offer an alternative to traditional weddings for couples who value experiences over convention, helping them create unforgettable elopements in breathtaking locations.
What makes our work special is that we don’t just take photos, we help couples design meaningful adventures, whether it’s hiking to a mountaintop, skiing to a ceremony spot, or exchanging vows in a remote desert landscape. Every elopement is unique, and that’s what excites us the most.
Lately, we’ve been expanding our resources to make planning even easier, from in-depth location guides to seamless planning support. We’ve also expanded our services to the Dolomites in Italy, offering couples the chance to elope in one of the most stunning mountain ranges in the world. Our goal is to help couples celebrate their love in a way that feels truly their own, authentic, intentional, and connected to nature.
Ultimately, our mission is to help adventurous couples break away from expectations and celebrate their love in a way that feels completely their own.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1. Knowledge of the Outdoors & Adaptability: years of exploring have given us the skills to navigate remote locations, handle unpredictable weather, and guide couples safely, especially for ski weddings, which require specialized techniques. Adventure elopements don’t always go as planned, so being adaptable and thinking on our feet ensures we can pivot when needed. For those starting out, spending time in the environments you want to work in is key. The more comfortable you are outdoors, the better experience you can provide.
2. Empathy & Understanding: every couple who chooses to elope has a deeply personal reason for doing so. Taking the time to truly understand their story, values, and vision makes all the difference in creating an experience that feels meaningful to them. Flexibility also plays a role here, meeting couples where they are and adjusting plans to fit their needs ensures their day feels uniquely theirs. Listen more than you speak, ask thoughtful questions, and be genuinely invested in each couple’s journey.
3. Business & Marketing Knowledge: being great at photography isn’t enough; running a sustainable business requires mastering SEO, content marketing, and pricing strategies. Learning these skills early on will set you up for long-term success and help you connect with the right couples.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
A book that has played a significant role in our development is “Building a StoryBrand” by Donald Miller. It transformed the way we communicate our business and connect with our ideal clients.
Key Takeaways:
Your Client is the Hero, Not You – This was a game-changer. Instead of positioning ourselves as the main focus, we learned to frame our messaging around our couples—how we help them craft a meaningful experience and solve their pain points.
Clarity is Everything – People don’t buy the best products or services; they buy what they understand the fastest. This helped us simplify our website and marketing messaging, making it crystal clear what we offer and who we serve.
A Clear Call to Action is Essential – Many businesses make the mistake of being vague about how to book or work with them. We refined our inquiry process, making it easy and inviting for couples to take the next step.
By applying these principles, we’ve been able to connect with couples earlier in their journey and position ourselves as the perfect fit for adventurous elopements.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.backcountryphotographers.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountryportraits/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/Backcountryportraits/
Image Credits
Images all taken by us Backcountry Portraits
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
