I started Epic Mountain Elopements because I love elopement couples and I want more of them. But also because I've spent enough time in the Gatlinburg market to know what a lot of it looks like, and it looks like a conveyor belt.
Short. Sweet. Next.
I spent most of my adult life in hospitality and tourism. I know what a good experience feels like and I know what a bad one feels like. I know how much it matters to feel like a person and not a transaction. And I know that your wedding day — even if it's just the two of you on a mountain — deserves better than a drive-through ceremony and a photographer who's already thinking about the next couple before you've even said your vows.
That's not what this is.
I'm Celeste, wife of 27 years, mother of 4, dairy goat farmer, and storyteller.
Spending time with my family is my favorite past time. I think our kids still like hanging out with us (3 of them are adults now), so I'm riding that wave for as long as I can.
I love to hike, float in a clean lake, road trippin' is livin', and I can talk about goats until the cows come home — except no cows for me, 'cause them things will kill ya. We like to pretend we're farmers, so we live on a small farm. It's very possible that I am watching a goat on camera, waiting for her to go into labor right now.
I am originally from Vermont, but I was raised in Texas, and then I spent the first half of my adult life in Florida. We started vacationing in Gatlinburg in 2005, and by 2010 we were trading Mickey Mouse for Mountains. Moving to Tennessee was one of the best decisions we ever made, and I have never regretted it.
My love for photography was written in the stars long before I had any idea that I would find myself on this path. I'm a Pisces. They say we're creative & artistic by nature, but I never thought of myself that way. I grew up watching my father develop pictures in a dark room, so maybe he just rubbed off on me, but I have been taking pictures for as long as I can remember.
Photography was always something I did for fun. It took years of hearing people tell me that I should actually start doing it professionally before I would finally take that step. I'm so glad I did, and I am truly thankful for the encouragement and support of my friends and family because, without them, I never would've believed I could actually do this. It really IS my dream job. I just wish I started 20 years earlier. "Do what you love, and you'll never work a day in your life." True story.
Now, it's not just me telling these stories. My son, Jacob Martinez, is my trusted partner for every elopement. He's been by my side for the past 3 years, offering incredible content creation and videography. Having Jacob as part of the team is a dream come true — it's such a joy to work alongside him while we chase light on mountain balds and capture the moments that make your day impossible to forget. Together, we bring your story to life in photos and film you'll cherish forever.
Now let's go find your mountain.