We recently connected with Mattalynn Mason and have shared our conversation below.
Mattalynn , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
2020 was a very hard year for a lot of us. Amidst all of the uncertainties and chaos in our country, I, (a healthy 25 year old) was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins lymphoma, cancer.
Getting diagnosed with cancer at 25 was a life-altering experience that reshaped my entire perspective. Cancer is such a scary word. In the beginning it brought fear, uncertainty, and a whirlwind of emotions. But like most trials in life, it completely changed my outlook on life and allowed me to think about what truly made me happy, and what mattered in my life.
My solace has always been nature, it has always been where I feel the most like myself and experienced the most joy. I tried to get outside as much as possible during my chemo treatments and I do think it made a huge difference in my recovery. The great outdoors has always been my muse for creativity. It was the reason I started my journey as a photographer. I was hiking all of these beautiful mountains and I wanted to learn how to capture them and preserve these memories.
As I navigated my cancer journey, I realized that life is fleeting and every moment should be embraced fully. I knew that when I was “healthy”again that I wanted to stop waisting time and pursue something that made me truly happy. This is when I decided to dive into the photography world more fully. It was my new purpose.
Because of my love for all things outdoors, adventure elopements, in particular, resonated with me. They encapsulate the essence of living fearlessly and celebrating love in its most authentic form. There’s something incredibly powerful about two people choosing to exchange vows in breathtaking, unconventional settings, far from the expectations of traditional weddings and the pressures that accompany them. I felt that it mirrored the journey I had been on—embracing the unknown, finding beauty in unexpected places, and cherishing the here and now.
Specializing in adventure elopements allowed me to not only document love stories but also to create experiences that are as unique and adventurous as the couples themselves. I strongly believe our experiences in this life far out weigh any amount of money or material objects.. I encourage all of my couples to plan their days around what truly brings them the most joy. My own battle with cancer taught me to see and appreciate the small things in life, as tomorrow is never a guarantee.
I strongly feel that being diagnosed with cancer propelled me towards a purpose that I might not have discovered otherwise. It gave me the courage to follow my passion wholeheartedly and to help others celebrate their love stories in the most beautiful and adventurous ways possible. I don’t take my job lightly. I am able to capture some of the most cherished and precious moments people will have in their lifetime. To me, I am so much more than just a “button pusher.” My hope is to be able to inspire others by my own journey of finding beauty and purpose amidst adversity.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I operate an adventure elopement photography business and I am based in Las Vegas, NV. I am a mom to a 2 year old boy, and I have been married to my husband for 8 years. I currently do most of my work in Utah as I lived and explored there for almost a decade. Since moving to Vegas, I have also been apart of a lot of the chapel and city elopements that are so popular here. I shoot both digital and film. Digital allows for instant feedback, technical excellence, and precision. Film offers a more unique nostalgic feel, with more emphasis on emotion and deliberateness. I feel both mediums are important to the narrative one the couple’s special day.
My brand is simple. It’s all about couples choosing each other and choosing an experience that they will remember for a lifetime. Often times people think that an “elopement” is two people running away and getting married in secret. This couldn’t be any further from the truth. An elopement is two people running towards each other stripping away any external distractions. Traditional weddings can be influenced by societal expectations, family pressures, stress and elaborate planning. An elopement focus on the two people that actually matter- the ones getting married!
Instead of spending thousands on a venue, or flowers that will die the next day, my couples oftentimes choose to get married an an outdoor location such as a national park for a fraction of the cost. They usually incorporate some kind of activity together that they both enjoy such as hiking, off-roading, helicopter rides, rock climbing, and even riding in a hot air balloon.
My goal is to show people that there is another way. That your wedding day is completely customizable and can be whatever you want it to be. There are no rules. I aim to empower couples to break free from conventional expectations and design a wedding day that truly resonates with their vision and love story. Whether it’s on a mountain top at sunrise, a secluded beach, or the flashing lights of the city, an elopement creates a deep, meaningful, and intimate experience.
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. Adventure background: I feel that because I started my photography journey as a hobby capturing my own personal travels and adventures, it really gave me a leg up when starting my business. I learned how to photograph landscapes in different lighting conditions, angles, understanding composition. etc. I became familiar with my cameras capabilities early on before starting to throw people into the mix. I also feel that because it was a hobby and not “work”, it deepened my love and enjoyment during the learning stages.
2. Networking: A mentor once told me that ” After you leave any conversation, that person should know who you are and what you do.” Meaning, you never know when an opportunity might present itself. You should never be afraid to share about what you love and are passionate about. If you truly love your work, then you should want to share it with others. Even just a casual conversation at the supermarket could lead to an incredible opportunity for your business. This has been a common occurrence for me over the last few years, and I have been blessed with a lot of amazing clients/and vendor relationships.
3. Family Support: My community of friends and family have given me the confidence to pursue my passion and overcome challenges. My parents have always motivated me to reach for the stars and strive for excellence. My husband has supported through every challenge life has thrown at us including my cancer battle. Friends in the photography community have inspired me countless times, and we are constantly cheering each other on. The overwhelming amount of support I have received has allowed me to have a strong foundation and build a grow a business nurtured in love.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
This question can be challenging to answer as I don’t believe people can be put into a box. I have worked with so many unique couples over the years and each of their love stories are so vastly different and special.
I will say that I have noticed typically my couples share a deep passion for nature, exploration, and meaningful experiences. They are adventurous souls who value the beauty of the great outdoors and seek a wedding day that reflects their unique love story. They are unafraid to break away from traditional norms and are excited about creating a personal, intimate celebration that resonates with their values and sense of adventure. They can be described as easy going, full of laughter, and FUN.
I love when couples are collaborative, open to creative ideas, and trust in my vision to capture their special moments in breathtaking, natural settings.
Above all, my ideal clients are deeply in love, adventurous at heart, and eager to embark on an unforgettable elopement journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mattalynnmasonphotography.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/mattalynnmason_photography?igshid=ub8fxnyyz
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mattalynnmasonphotography?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Other: Tik Tok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@mattalynnmasonphoto?_t=8o3MgWxFhVu&_r=1
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