S1E0 How Eloping Changed My Life

Hello and a wholehearted welcome to the Empowered Elopement Podcast!

My name is Daniela Monzi and I am so glad you’re here. 

In case you don’t know me, I am a destination elopement and intimate wedding photographer based out of San Francisco and Philly. I made the transition to focus solely on smaller weddings 2 or 3 years ago, and it’s been life changing for me. 

I got interested in elopements because my husband and I ended up eloping and it was the best decision we could have made. However, we didn't feel supported and the process was really eye opening. As an elopement photographer, I didn't want my clients to ever feel the way we did. 

My hope for this podcast is to share stories and tips for getting married, in maybe a non traditional way. I really want to hold space for those who don’t see themselves or their type of dream wedding represented in the wedding industry. 

I know this podcast is called the Empowered Elopement Podcast, but my hope is not to alienate anyone having a large wedding.

My goal is to amplify the voices of the smaller, ‘non traditional’ weddings, as well ask important questions about the wedding industry and the rituals we have today. 

The most important thing to me on my wedding day, and on each couple’s wedding day that I photograph, is being present.

I want everyone to be able to FEEL what it is to get married. When you’re buzzing through the day, and have a million people around you for 14 hours straight, it can be a lot to your nervous system.

I want to talk about ways to make your wedding day, big or small, feel really intentional. I want you to feel empowered in the choices you are making when it comes to your wedding day. I want you to do what makes YOU happy, not anyone else. 

I truly just want to create a safe place where we can talk about the things that people don’t talk about. Like, how actually stressful it is to get married, how much time, money and energy it takes to plan a wedding. 

I think hosting a podcast is the perfect role for me because I have always been that curious girl who asks a million questions. Ask my friends and family, it sometimes drives them nuts how many questions I ask. 

I want to lean into this part of myself, and hold space for these sometimes tough conversations. I sure wish a podcast like this existed when I was engaged. 

If you have any suggestions for people I should interview, or you would like to be a guest on the show, please send me an email at empoweredelopementpodcast@gmail.com 

That’s all for now. I can’t wait for you to hear the episodes I have been pouring my heart into the last few months. 

See you in episode one!