MY story
hey there!
i'm salima. Here is my story.
I've been in the traditional wedding industry for over 10 years, had my own big wedding, and documented over 50+ traditional weddings. It was time to break free!
MY story
hey there!
i'm salima. Here is my story.
I've been in the traditional wedding industry for over 10 years, attended 200+ weddings, had my own big wedding, and documented well over 60+ traditional weddings.
missouri elopement photographer, michigan elopement photographer, destination elopement photographer
hawaii elopement photographer, washington elopement photographer, california elopement photographer
AT THE CORE OF LIFE, I BELIEVE THAT:
Life is short, and tomorrow is not a guarantee. Each new day that you wake up to, make the most of it. Stay authentic to yourself, choose happiness, smile more, compliment others, spread joy, chase your dreams and live a life that you’ll look back on one day with no regrets.
a little about me
MOTHERHOOD | CHILLY OCTOBER MORNINGS | SUMMER SUNSETS | COFFEE | spontaneous trips | NICHOLAS SPARKS
This website is where I share my creativity and zest for the celebration of love and life. I believe photographs are a visual story—capturing moments that speak volumes without uttering a single word and creating the art of your story with images you can feel.
My world revolves around my family and faith. Most days look like spending time with my family and homemaking. Other days are spent creating epic wedding experiences for couples that don't want to settle for traditional!
I love to make the most of the present. I have a passion for life, and an eye for noticing small details and moments. I DIG being a cheerleader for people who crave to be AUTHENTIC TO THEMSELVES!!!
In the end, it's about the moments we create. Choose to seize every opportunity, embrace every adventure, and savor every experience. Let your life be a symphony of laughter, love, and fulfillment. Because when the final curtain falls, all that is left is the legacy of memories we've created, the echoes of our joyous laughter, and the warmth of the connections we've shared.
With every photo I capture, I aim to weave the narrative of your story with authenticity and passion. Like my love for reading a Nicholas Sparks novel on a chilly October morning, I pour that same dedication into crafting unforgettable elopement and micro wedding experiences.
My name is Salima. I'm a Missouri based photographer who loves to make the most of life and with a mission to enrich the lives of couples i get to work with.
Just like where you are today, I also went through wedding planning. I've been in the traditional wedding industry for over 10 years, attended 200+ weddings, had my own big wedding, and documented over 50+ traditional weddings. And I found myself increasingly disconnected from the traditional wedding model. Here are my honest thoughts: TRADITIONAL WEDDINGS ARE OVERRATED!
I learned that at the core of who we are as humans, we know what our heart desires.
Too often the external noise of expectations, obligations, culture, and societal norms often overshadow what we truly desire - and this happens often when it comes to weddings.
Not only have I experienced the effects of a traditional wedding, but I’ve seen how it affected hundreds of other couples. Traditional weddings often come with stress, overwhelm, strict timelines, a production like show, limited time together, and a strain on the relationship.
I transitioned to elopement photography because I believe that how you get married matters. Eloping gives you back the freedom to have a personalized, stress-free, and intimate wedding experience, focusing on what truly matters to you and your partner—it gives you back the joy of celebrating your love authentically and without compromise.
And I want that for you: so that you can be unapologetically yourselves, and be completely immersed in your union.
At the end of the day, anyone can take a picture. But what would it mean to you to be able to connect to the images? You deserve an entire experience that will vividly transport you back to the very moment when you tearfully read your vows to each other, how the earth felt beneath your feet, the rain drop against your forehead, and the hues of the sunset reflecting off your lovers skin as you sealed your vows with a kiss.
With my process you will have the freedom to be present in every moment and enjoy your day to the fullest. Let's make it happen!
MOTHERHOOD | slow MORNINGS | SUMMER SUNSETS | COFFEE | CARPE DIEM | NICHOLAS SPARKS | one day at a time
I believe photographs are memories otherwise forgotten — stories we will tell in the future that captured the visual narration of our lives. They hold the ability to transport you back to the very moment that you can remember vividly, that speak volumes without uttering a single word.
Stories have the power to unite us. Each person's story is unique and significant, offering insights that deepen our understanding of one another. With that in mind, I want to share my story with you.
I went through a lot of challenges in my life, including abuse. Because of this I had struggled with my physical and mental health for most of my life. I found solace in God and nature, it was my escape from reality and it slowly began to empower me. I began looking for the silver lining in my hardships, and was able to leave as the strongest person I’ve ever been. What I can say coming out of it is this: you owe it to yourself to make the most of your life and live it authentically every single day.
Today, my life consists of family, faith, and doing photography full time! Most days are spent with my family and homemaking. Other days are spent creating and documenting epic wedding experiences for couples!
I’m slowly learning to let go of perfectionism (thanks childhood trauma haha), so creating healthy expectations is helping me with that! A typical day in my life looks like ending my nights pre-planning tasks for tomorrow and starting my mornings with God so that there is some sense of organization and peace in my life.
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As of now my status is mom of one. My son Samuel is my world. He is super active and he keeps me on my toes! I get a lot of mom guilt, so I do my best to make sure I’m present when we’re together (no phone zone!!) Our home is full of laughter, life, and wonder. He inspires me to strive and to lead my life by example.
I remind myself that negative situations don’t have to be a setback in my life, or define me. That they are opportunities for growth. With the help of the Holy Spirit I receive great comfort, and my identity in Christ grounds me to overcome and not succumb to trials.
Besides documenting a wedding day, work days look like catching up on emails, editing images, and creating timelines at a local coffee shop with a cold brew on the side. After I’m done I’ll either do a workout or bike ride to get some exercise in. Afterall, “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don't shoot their husbands; they just don't.” - Elle Woods.
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As I’m in my new chapter of life, I’ve realized just how priceless time is. In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to get distracted by social media, latest trends, and the opinions of others. Because of this I’m starting to slow down and embrace the present, to be my own advocate, and live my one and only life to the absolute fullest. I want to inspire my child and others to do the same, and it’s not possible to do that without showing others it is possible. I want to encourage you to stay true to yourself and make the most of your life. Because tomorrow is not guaranteed, and you only have one life to live.
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When you choose Pure Bliss Imagery, you get more than a product. You get an experience.
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