This is the stuff, guys. The stuff that sets my soul on fire. Maria reached out to me after I commented on her post in an elopement facebook group. I’m a member of a few of those groups, and rarely shoot my shot because those posts searching for photographers usually get over 100 comments. So the fact that she chose ME out of all of those hundreds of comments blew my mind. This was a dream job for me- and I was so nervous I wouldn’t knock it out of the park. Luckily, Maria & Ryan ended up being two of the kindest, most down-to-earth souls Roman and I had ever had the pleasure of working with!! From their engagement session at Big Meadows to their elopement & day after session, we had the BEST time getting to know them, their families, & their pups. We instantly clicked. It made their elopement feel MUCH more like a vacation in the mountains than my actual job.
Wedding Day Schedule
They started their elopement morning by getting ready with their family & friends at the most beautiful AirBnb. It was so zen- just a small group of people hanging out; girls helping Maria with her makeup & guys playing pool downstairs. They opted for a first look at the AirBnb so they could ride to the overlook together for the ceremony. After a beautiful first look, we hopped in the car to do the damn thing. In 15 minutes we were overlooking Shenandoah Valley getting these two married by one of their closest friends. No guests except their photographers and a lucky couple who happened to be getting engagement photos taken nearby- they were so sweet to pause their session for 10 minutes to make sure they didn’t disturb the ceremony. If you guys are reading this- THANK YOU!
As the sun began to set, we took advantage of golden hour for some newlywed portraits. Back at the AirBnb, their family & friends were starting to arrive just in time for a celebratory dinner. Ending the night with a Nothing Bundt cake and champagne under a homemade arbor was the absolute best way to top it off. It was seriously so simple & perfect.
A lot of people assume that an adventure elopement has to involve a 3am wakeup call and a 2 hour hike in the dark- but with the right location, it can be so simple! This overlook was right at the parking lot. The only thing to look out for are a few strangers enjoying the view. Most people are so understanding and just feel lucky to witness something so unique! It’s kind of a cool experience to roll up in the parking lot in a wedding dress and get married in front of 6 random sunset chasers. You all feel like you’re in this together for a quick moment. Elopements are so special in the way that there are zero rules.
Enjoy a few of my favorite images from such a special day for two amazing people who deserved every second!
Day-After Session
The next day, we opted for a “day-after session” before Roman and I headed home. It was everything. The perfect way to commemorate your wedding day, and who doesn’t love a good photo-op?
For more info on the elopement experience, check out this page, here!
xoxo, Jamie
[…] you know me or my work at all, you know that I love tall grass & golden hour!! I also love blue mountains, but considering they are minimum three hours away from me, it’s not always a possibility. […]
Where is this lookout?! This is so pretty!