“I focus on providing a designer experience. It’s not just about a checklist of services. It’s about collaborating with my clients to create a day that reflects who they really are.”
Katrina “Addi” Addison, the creative force behind Destination Eloped, is a maestro when it comes to to planning destination elopements or destination weddings. Addi combines a lifetime’s worth of artistic eye, impeccable organizational skills, and deep love for helping her clients craft a truly personalized experience. From curating the perfect vendors to designing every detail of the ceremony and capturing it all through her versatile photography, Addi ensures that every couple’s big day is uniquely designed strictly for them.
Beginnings: From Hospitality to Weddings
In 2014, Katrina Addison took her first steps towards her prominent destination elopements role she now holds within Asheville’s elopement and micro wedding community through a corporate pressure-cooker. Now, Addi now stands victorious and on the side of artistic expression. Have you ever heard of Intercontinental Hotels? For them, she was a traveling General Manager, based out of New York City, and was a Rescue Manager who trained GMs who couldn’t dig themselves out of financial trouble when they failed to utilize their event spaces to their potential.
Event spaces – Addi promoted weddings and corporate events in one of the world’s largest and most prestigious hotel chains. “I essentially started out as an event planner, doing not only weddings but corporate events and teaching GMs and directors of sales how to navigate attracting people into the property.” But there was another passion she had brewing at the same time. “I was studying photography. And my dad was a photographer his entire life, so I was always around it. He was a professional artist, and photography was one of his muses. He was also an incredible musician and woodworker—you name it.”
So juggling an 80-hour workweek left little time for creativity, Addi decided to pursue the path more attune to her artistic side instead. (and this has made all the difference, says Robert Frost) “I just decided one day to lean into my gift of photography. Hey, I had always done it at an amateur level.”
Fast forward to 2016 when Addi moved back home to North Carolina and took her 2nd position with an entrepreneur from Australia who was opening wedding venues in the US. But after about a year Addi knew it was time to leave and go out on her own. “During that time, I had the idea of destination elopements because I knew in NYC, elopements were becoming really popular. I was already planning to starting my own business, anyway.”
It was actually a visit with her parents that sparked the inspiration to take the plunge. “I was visiting my folks, and they were showing me all their photos about how they eloped. I didn’t even know they had—I always thought they had a big wedding!” she said with surprise. “I spent that very night developing my own website, and did research on competitors who did elopements and micro weddings in the area. I went as far as meeting with them for some ideas. One of the only two who were in the business told me she was about to retire from the business altogether. This meant if I started I’d be one of the only two specialists in Asheville. That was it! I started my business.”
The Formation and Evolution of Destination Eloped WNC
Today, Addi’s focus is on creating truly personalized destination elopements experiences for her couples by getting involved in their entire process. “I’m looking for individuals who are more interested in the designer’s experience,” she explains. Addi’s involvement goes far beyond logistics—she collaborates with couples to ensure every detail reflects their vision and aligns with the venue and environment. “I’ve had brides send me photos of dresses, asking for advice on what would work best for the setting,” she shares. “From what they wear to the type of flowers they choose, even the design of the arch, I help guide them to create a cohesive and beautiful look that feels authentic to who they are.”
Photo Credit: Destination Eloped
But it wasn’t always this way. When Addi launched Destination Eloped WNC in September 2016, her approach was very different. “By the end of December, and in only three short months, I had done 68 elopements,” she recalls. “I immediately got hit with so many leads—it was crazy. I was on the phone nonstop, calling photographers and officiants, and there were days when I had three or four elopements happening at the same time. At first, I just about killed myself because I had teams going everywhere.”
Over time, she realized this approach wasn’t sustainable. “When I got in more deeply, I wanted it to represent excellence, but I was so undervalued because the churn rate didn’t permit me to shine my artistic talents,” she says. “I started experimenting with packages and pricing to find the sweet spot. With higher pricing, I turned away the lower end business more often, and I became someone who valued intentional planning and photography.”
This shift led to what Addi calls “the designer’s experience.” “It’s custom rather than cookie-cutter,” she explains. “I want couples choosing destination elopements to be a part of the designing process. Where it used to be just an elopement package, now it’s about creating something unique for each couple.”
Reflecting on the transformation, Addi sees how her journey has shaped her expertise. “We’ve entered a time where destination elopements and tiny weddings aren’t an exception—they’re the standard,” she says.
The Ideal Client: Adventurous and Intentional
Addi’s best clients are luxury clients who bring a sense of adventure to their destination elopements. “I tend to work with out-of-town, destination elopement types who are well-traveled,” she explains. “I tend to relate to people who love to travel and experience something new. They see their wedding as part of a broader adventure, which is exactly what I love to help them create.”
Her connection with adventurous, well-traveled couples is deeply personal. “I talk to them about all the reasons why they want to plan a destination elopement,” she says. “I’ve been a traveler throughout my entire life. I’ve been to Germany, Russia, backpacked in Toronto, out west, through national parks, and lived in places like Montana, Long Island, NYC, and Virginia Beach. All over. I’ve always loved being a daredevil, and I relate to people who are adventurous like that. And the couples who seek out destination elopements gravitate to me.”
And although Addi uses the term “luxury” to describe her approach, she emphasizes that her pricing is fair and accessible. “It’s a luxury experience rather than luxury pricing,” she says. “People in my business all over are overpricing themselves, and it’s becoming an issue. We don’t want to price ourselves out of the market. So I won’t price gouge.”
For Addi, the ideal client isn’t just about a destination elopement budget—it’s about mindset. “I like working with people who want something meaningful and are excited about creating something unique together,” she says. “My goal is to give them an experience that feels intentional, adventurous, and completely reflective of their own story.”
How Addi Chooses Partner Vendors
Photo Credit: Destination Eloped
Addi’s says she sets a high-bar when it comes to selecting vendors to work. “I only choose people who produce consistently excellent quality work,” she explains. “I limit choices to two vendors per category and only five venues that are truly exceptional. I want my clients in a controlled climate with specialists who deliver excellence.” She’ll provide a carefully vetted list of options for everything a couple might need. “I’ll guide them to the right people for officiants, photography, catering, music, DJs, live bands, and more,” she says. “It’s a small, curated list that guarantees quality and ensures the day runs smoothly.”
She adds that flexibility is possible, but only when vendors meet her rigorous standards. “Clients can bring in their own vendor, of course, but I need to vet them,” she says. “Some companies don’t allow any input, but I’m open—as long as the quality aligns. For example, I can’t let a poor photographer affect my branding because it’s ultimately a reflection on me. If it’s a master photographer? I’ll gladly review their work.”
Addi’s Versatile Photography Vision
……including an Emphasis on the “Dark and Moody”
Addi’s photography style has evolved and doesn’t lose track of what’s trending. “When I finished my master’s program in 2020, I found that more and more people wanted that dark, moody look,” she notes. This approach emphasizes deep tones, rich contrasts, and a focus on emotion and atmosphere, aligning with the dark and moody wedding photography style.
Addi insists her lifelong pursuit of photography gives her versatility and she can easily cater to the entire spectrum of styles and preferences. “I can really edit in any style my clients want,” and says. She collaborates closely with everyone so their photos are a reflection of their own personal vision of how those photos should look in the end. “Maybe some want dark and moody, and others want their photos filled with color and vibrance—they have the say-so.”
Photo Credit: Destination Eloped
In addition, Addi’s gone old school and has expanded her offerings to include film photography, tapping into a growing nostalgia for vintage aesthetics. “On top of adding film to my repertoire, I even added a nice Polaroid camera and give my clients a bunch of those—they’re really growing in popularity,” she says. These grainier textures are reminiscent of the 1950s and can appeal to clients seeking a timeless and authentic feel. “A lot of young people are circling back around and are intrigued by how wedding photos used to look,” Addi observed. In essence she seems to honor both contemporary trends and classic styles.
In Sum: Two Enthusiastic Thumbs Up for Katrina Addison and Destination Eloped
Katrina Addison has been an incredible partner with Weddings Over Waterfalls as we continue to grow within the local wedding venue community near Hot Springs and Asheville. She’s earned glowing praise from every couple who has either had their destination elopements or weddings here, with many highlighting her thoughtful approach, keen attention to detail, and the genuine care she puts into making their day truly unforgettable. Addi’s photography has also left a lasting impression—many of her stunning photos are featured right here on our site. Her work exemplifies professionalism, creativity, and a deep commitment to creating unique, meaningful weddings, and we’re always thrilled to have her and her team collaborate with us.
