the heart of your adventure

Destination Wedding Photographer

Specializing in authentic, intentional love stories
that cherish the experience above all

Here at Matlai Photography, we love being outside. And we love all things adventure, with a dash of editorial.  If you have found yourself giddy at the idea of spending a day with your partner somewhere magical and want to encapsulate that thrill of the moment, then you've come to the right place. Like your love, no two wedding are the same. But I specialize in crafting heartfelt moments that make you feel, quite simply, like you.  Let your destination wedding start right here.

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Home BasE: Denver, cO available worldwide

I am so glad we found Rose, who turned out to be not just the ultimate photographer and elopement planning partner, but also an awesome person and dear friend.

I don’t even know where to start expressing my gratitude, adoration, respect, and awe for Rose and her work. Rose’s calm demeanor, love for a documentary-inspired approach to photography, and endless enthusiasm for her people are infectious. She provided a steady presence that helped calm my nerves while at the same time being the ultimate hype woman. She captured our whole day beautifully, and looking at our photos transports us back to the sights and feelings we had on our wedding day.

TARA TUBB

MY LIFE HAS BEEN AN ADVENTURE

I'VE GOT THIS WHOLE TRAVEL THING DOWN

I was born in Kenya. Before I turned 10 I had lived in 4 different countries.  Now as an adult, travel and cultivating experience has become part of the narrative. As a highly experienced international traveler, I’ve encountered it all. This matters, because navigating travel whether to the Colorado Rockies or to the remote fjords of Iceland, on top of planning a wedding is quite frankly brutal . I help you navigate everything, and take badass pictures too. 
 Like most things in life, I believe that a sense of humor, a touch of patience and a generosity towards humans everywhere goes a long way. This goes for how I approach my work as well - so while I am your expert and guide, I'm also just down to earth and love adventuring. 
Can't wait to share your destination wedding with you.  

BOOK YOUR DAY

We want to elope but don't know where to start.

You've made the pros and cons lists.
You've debated the various scenarios and landed on something that recognizes your distinct relationship. 

Sweet. 

Now what?

Lets talk! Whether its a 50 person weekend in the mountains of Colorado, a remote cottage in the countryside in England or a 2 person adventurous elopement in Iceland - I've seen it all.
And I am here to help.

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JOURNAL

THE

LATELY IN

Come along on my recent adventures and get expert advice

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A traditional wedding wasn’t for me

THEN

MY PARTNER & I ELOPED

(AND WE NEVER LOOKED BACK)

I’m Rose, the artist behind Matlai Photography. My partner and I decided to elope years ago, and it was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made.

Fueled by my own experience living overseas and expertise traveling the world, I’ve now made it my mission to help all couples create a day that ignores what they’re ‘supposed’ to do, and focuses on what feels right.

So if you’re ready to marry the love of your life on top of a mountain or in the middle of the desert, I’ll be there. My bag is packed and ready to go, so let’s start planning your adventure.

LEARN ABOUT MY LIFE

JOURNEY

THE

BEGINS

Wondering where to start?

Planning an adventurous or destination weddings can feel overwhelming. With years of travel and over 100 planned weddings under my belt, I’ll walk you through the entire process seamlessly and will always listen to your needs. 
From choosing the perfect location to planning logistics and final details, I’m here for you. And when the day finally arrives, I’ll give you breathtaking photos that bring you back to your best day again and again. 
Afterall, you deserve to feel like the most authentic self on your wedding day. 
Because here's the thing - with over 100 elopements and weddings in my back pocket, you can rest assured that youre in the best hands. 

I’M HERE TO LEND AN EXPERT HAND

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VIEW MY PHOTOGRAPHY SERVICES

WHERE WILL YOUR LOVE TAKE YOU?

Destination WEDDINGS

Colorado weddings

There’s nothing more intimate than saying ‘I do’ surrounded by the beauty of untouched wilderness. If you desire to say your vows and have the adventure of a lifetime with your favorite person, I would be honored to capture it all. Together, we’ll design the day you’ve always hoped for and get breathtaking photos you can keep forever.

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In my home state of Colorado, you simply cannot beat the incredible mountain peaks or the near endless supply of craft breweries. I have lived and worked in this great state for over 20 years - so can guide you on the best places to go!
Whether its taking to the skies like Irmina + Brian in this photo or you need more inspiration 
For more inspo from this elopement in the Rockies, check out the Featured Blog post on Green Wedding Shoes! 

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We made this experience so amazing and captured every moment beautifully

My husband and I booked Rose for our elopement and couldn’t have asked for a better photographer! We immediately felt like she was a friend we had known for years. She made this experience so amazing and captured every moment beautifully. Thank you so much for making our day so special! I’d give 10 stars if I could!

ERIN JOINER

PHOTOGRAPHER
EDUCATION

Ready for your camera to take you on your biggest adventures?

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START PLANNING YOUR ADVENTURE WEDDING

Let’s create an extraordinary experience

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