Exploring Life & Business with Rose Groves of Matlai Photography

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rose Groves.

Rose, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Sure! My journey into photography was anything but linear. I actually started out in the world of behavioral economics and foreign policy—I even did a fellowship with the European Parliament in Brussels. But somewhere along the way, I realized the traditional 9-to-5 path wasn’t for me. I craved freedom, creativity, and a life that didn’t require asking for vacation days.

After years of traveling to over 55 countries and living in 7, I found myself constantly drawn to storytelling through imagery. I picked up a camera, started documenting the wild, beautiful places I explored—and quickly realized I could turn that passion into a business.

Today, I run Matlai Photography, where I specialize in photographing adventure elopements and destination weddings in places like Iceland, Alaska, and Colorado. I also coach other photographers through my mentorship program, Wildly Booked, helping them carve out their own paths into destination work.

It’s been a winding road, but every twist led me closer to the freedom-filled, purpose-driven business I have now—and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Absolutely not—and I think that’s part of what makes it worth it.

The journey into entrepreneurship, especially in a creative field, is rarely smooth. There were plenty of moments where I questioned whether I was “good enough,” especially in the early days when I was hustling for bookings and wondering if anyone would ever pay me to travel with my camera. I’ve dealt with imposter syndrome, burnout, slow seasons, and the unique challenge of balancing a travel-heavy business with motherhood.

I also had to learn to rewire my mindset around things like pricing, visibility, and being the face of my brand. I didn’t come from a background in marketing or business, so a lot of this I had to figure out on the fly—with lots of trial and error, and a few tears along the way.

But every challenge taught me something that helped me grow—not just as a photographer, but as a business owner and a human. And now, I get to pass those lessons on to the photographers I mentor, which makes the tough stuff feel even more meaningful.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Matlai Photography?
My business is built on the belief that your wedding day shouldn’t feel like a performance—it should feel like you.

I run Matlai Photography, where I specialize in adventure elopements and intimate destination weddings for couples who want something wildly personal and deeply intentional. Think: hiking to a secluded alpine lake at sunrise, saying vows on a black sand beach in Iceland, or sharing a quiet moment in a cozy Airbnb tucked in the forest. I help couples dream up a day that actually reflects their relationship—not what Pinterest says it should be—and then I document every messy, beautiful, windswept moment of it.

I’m known for creating space where people feel comfortable being fully themselves. I bring both logistical know-how (travel planning, permits, timelines) and emotional support (hype woman, calm presence, snack bringer) to every elopement.

What sets me apart? It’s not just that I’ve traveled to over 55 countries or that I’ve photographed over 100 elopements—it’s the way I blend storytelling, experience design, and deep empathy to give my clients something unforgettable.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud of how Matlai Photography has stayed rooted in authenticity. I don’t do cookie-cutter. Every experience is custom, because every love story is wildly different. I’ve also expanded into coaching through my program Wildly Booked, where I mentor other photographers who want to break into destination work and build intentional, values-driven businesses.

Whether I’m photographing a windswept ceremony on a cliffside or coaching someone through their first international booking, my goal is always the same: help people step into the boldest version of their story.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
One of my favorite childhood memories is waking up before dawn in Nairobi, Kenya, where I grew up, and heading into Nairobi National Park with my family. My parents would pack up the car while it was still dark, and we’d drive into the park just as the sky started to turn pink and gold.

I loved the quiet anticipation of those early mornings—eyes peeled, searching for movement in the grass or the bush. Spotting a giraffe’s neck peeking above the trees or the flick of a lion’s tail felt like finding buried treasure. Sometimes, if the animals were farther away, my dad would let me climb on top of the car to get a better view. I absolutely loved that, scanning the horizon with the wind in my face, looking for anything I could find on the horizon.

Those moments taught me patience, curiosity, and how to appreciate the wild beauty of the world around me—things that are still at the heart of what I do now as an elopement photographer and storyteller. That early sense of wonder never left me.

Pricing:

• 8 hour: $6500
• 6 hour: $5500
• 4 hour: $4500

Contact Info:

• Website: https://matlaiphotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matlai_photography/

Image Credits
Rose Groves. Matlai Photography