My name is Gernelle but friends call me Elle :)

My goal is to step out of my comfort zone and get social all over the world! I'm rebranding myself as an elopement and lover's adventure photographer so if you're in a relationship or you're a lady who wants some new pics, I'd love to meet up with you while I'm traveling around to add you to my body of work.

I want to go on adventures starting this year. About two years ago, I quit my corporate job to work on my photography full time and spend more of my days having experiences and meeting people. In other words, I'm a free agent!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I want to have new experiences and meet interesting people. I want to get over my shyness with strangers, make friends all over, experience different cultures firsthand and take images along the way. I'll also hook you up with some great pics for your instagram account if we hang out together.

Interests

• fashion
• photography
• dancing
• dining
• cooking
• walking
• thrifting
• reading
• traveling
• adventure
• instagram
• making friends
• twitter

Music, Movies, and Books

Indie, calming tunes, gospel, pop, instrumental hip hop, folk and the like.
Books, hmm, I read to learn most days but I do enjoy a good blog post!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I'd have to say getting married. My husband is the best man that I know. He believes in me, challenges me, spoils me and is a true friend.

Once we were married, we had to adjust to life together. Though I tried really hard, I was unemployed for the first six months of our marriage. When I finally found a job, it was as a part-time barista. This was an extremely difficult time for us.

Brandon had a great job but my little paycheck meant having to go without everyday luxuries like the internet and furniture. Budgeting was always stressful and did nothing for us in the romance department. Brandon had grown up in the city, so he would go and play tennis or golf to relax but I didn’t have many friends to turn to; I was lonely. Of course we had some good times but for the most part, it was a struggle. After our first year, we moved in with his parents in order to stack up some savings for a better living situation. This new situation had its challenges but during that time, we started dreaming together for the first time.

We wanted to live in a place where we both could thrive professionally. We wanted a fresh start in a place where we didn’t know anyone so we could become the people we wanted to be without social pressure. After six months, we moved to Texas and started living in a new way. Brandon had more time for me and I started taking a greater interest in movies and other things that he enjoys. With only God and each other to lean on, we strengthened our marriage and friendship. Budgeting is still a work in progress but we get it done and then have some fun together. I was blessed with a salary job (2 years in February), have started my own company and we don’t have to flinch when it comes to the occasional spontaneous purchase.

Brandon and I just celebrated four years of marriage last October. I can’t believe its been that long already but here we are making our way through this life together. Sticking with our little tradition, we put on our wedding attire and hit the road. Brandon and I visited the Dallas World Aquarium first. It was so cool seeing the animals and fish up close. Brandon got creeped out while looking at a huge spider and a bird pooped on me, lol. Luckily it only hit the train of my gown and I just clipped off that part with some scissors. After our visit, we took a horse and carriage ride around the area before doing a little shopping at the mall. It was so much fun!

Teach, Learn, Share

Teach: I'd be happy to teach people about photoshop and photography

Learn: I want to learn Spanish and Japanese

Share: meals, interesting stories, and exchange social media deets :)

What I Can Share with Hosts

I'd be happy to cook a few meals and be your walking/jogging buddy (though I'm not very fast hahah). We can get our stretch on, swap stories, or just chill and work in the same space to keep each other company.

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States