I don’t even know where to begin to express our wonderful experience with Shanmari! Our day began with a major snowstorm, which led to our car getting stuck to the point we never thought we were going to get out! Shan spent 20 minutes in the freezing cold helping us dig it out so we could make it to the most beautiful waterfall, and take the most gorgeous photos. Anything we needed, Shan had our back and went above and beyond in creating the perfect day. She gave us plenty of time to just be the two of us, while somehow capturing more moments than we ever could have imagined. From the sweeter moments like us reading our vows to the unforgettable memories of us using the hand warmers she (thankfully) provided, our favorite part of the gallery she sent as was the story it tells of us <3. The entire day was laid back, there were no strict timelines and she definitely centered the day on us and how we were feeling - which we so appreciated. it was slow-paced and couldn't have been more romantic thanks to the environment she curated for us. We were able to have a slow, relaxing morning getting ready together and eating breakfast (also brought to us by Shan) while still having plenty of time to get the outdoor pictures that we wanted. Basically, this review is a long-minded way of saying, if you're not RUNNING to book Shan for your elopement, what are you even doing?! She's simply the BEST and her genuine desire to make the day all you want it to be and more is so evident. There’s truly not enough amazing things to say about her and our experience working with her! <3 <3 <3

There aren’t enough words to describe how amazing Shanmari and Avonture Elopements was in making our day as special as it was. Going into the process was a bit scary at first just because you worry about how can someone else envision what you and your significant other have been planning for so long and in many cases what you’ve been thinking about your entire life. But from the very beginning through talking to Shanmari and filling out a questionnaire for her to get to know us and what we want, it was clear that we had nothing to worry about and she would do everything that she could to make our day as perfect as we could have imagined. In the day of our elopement, as I’m sure many people are, we were very nervous, we woke up at 4am in order to climb a peak before sunrise, and we also forgotten some things at home that we needed. But without a doubt Shanmari was there to not only to make us feel comfortable but also made sure we had everything we need. Even things we didn’t know we needed, she had ready and made the experience so easy for us so we didn’t have to worry about anything. She also made sure it was FUN, through her stories, her jokes, and just amazing personality, she made a usually exhausting day, so enjoyable and stress free. Even though we were tired, we couldn’t help but have so many laughs and create so many memories. And if that wasn’t enough, the pictures were absolutely amazing. Truly, no exaggeration, they turned out amazing and easily the best pictures I have not only of my wife and I but also of myself probably in my whole life. It seems like every single day I’m going back and looking through them and I just can’t help but smile because they capture just every emotion I feel about my wife that I’ve never been able to put into words. The pictures make we feel so much pride in that day and my wife. The day of our wedding, Shanmari, my wife and I went in as strangers but I can truly say that the day ended with us as friends. So for anyone even considering eloping, please do yourself a favor, and just contact Avonture Elopement’s. I promise you will not regret it. She will make your day one to remember for the rest of your life.

Shanmari Shehaj of Avonture Elopements was not just an excellent wedding photographer but was amazing throughout the process! We found her online and reached out to her to be our photographer for a small wedding five weeks out and had nothing else planned (including no idea on part of the country). From the first conversation, her energy was contagious. Shan got to know us as a couple, our wants for a location and researched on her own prospective places. When we selected one from her suggestions, she then went further and helped compile a list of potential vendors. She stayed in contact and offered helpful reminders leading up to the big day. She traveled in early to scout the area for picturesque places and captured BEAUTIFUL pictures of us and the area. Not only did friends of ours say that our wedding photos looked like they should be in a magazine, but we had multiple guests comment on how great Shan was as a photographer before they even saw the pictures. Shan did what we wanted but also provided great guidance and voiced her expertise clearly so we could capture the best pictures. Would highly recommend!

We had the privilege of a photoshoot with Shanmari in Cape Town, and it was an amazing experience!
She has a true eye for capturing beautiful, authentic moments and guided us effortlessly without making us feel posed or stiff. Her approach is so natural, which made the session feel relaxed and fun.
Plus, she’s such a sweetheart - warm, friendly and genuinely invested in making sure we felt comfortable and enjoyed ourselves.
We are thrilled with the photos, which perfectly captured our time together. Highly recommend Shanmari for anyone looking for a talented, thoughtful photographer!

Working with Avonture Elopements was nothing short of a perfect experience, having someone as experienced as Shanmari will surely help your day go smoother. She has this incredible skill of really capturing photos in the moment so you barely even know she's there at times. On top of that, she was extremely flexible and so creatively navigated around any of the small obstacles we encountered on our day. In addition to all the amazing skills and talent, Shanmari is a loving and super fun person that anyone would be so lucky to have plan and photograph their special day. She will make sure that you are getting everything you want, and I'm certain that you'd only have regrets if you didn't book her!

I am a black queer bride and I was absolutely blown away by the artistry and humanity Shanmari shared with me and my fiancée leading up to and during our engagement shoot. It started with her questionnaire to get to know us—we got the chance to talk about our relationship and introduce ourselves to Shanmari while spending some time together—it was a built in date! Shanmari was patient welcoming and understanding and made the day and absolute blast. Her suggestions for attire and location were spot on and she even helped me orchestrate my proposal! I appreciated her ability to make us feel safe and beautiful during the shoot and then present us (right on time btw) with photos that are nothing short than magical. I would recommend Shanmari’s talents to any couple just wanting to be themselves, be ethereal and have a great time! It was an absolute pleasure. 10s across the board!

I recently had the pleasure of working with Shan, and can I just say, WOW! We eloped in South Africa and she organized the shoot, locations and props all the way from the States.
What stood out most was her ability to create a relaxed environment that allowed for natural, unposed moments to unfold. It’s clear that Shan has an eye for storytelling through photography.
I couldn’t be happier with the results and would highly recommend her to anyone in need of a talented and dedicated photographer.