This Virginia elopement was shot at three locations — we began at an airbnb/vacation rental called Bailey’s Retreat outside of Charlottesville where their ceremony also took place. Rainy and Joey have been legally married for about a year and were planning a big destination wedding in Mexico when they found out they were expecting a little one. So they opted to go for a smaller celebration closer to home and invite just immediate family.

After their ceremony, the family went to hang out in cabins while we drove up to the Blue Ridge Parkway for couples portraits, ending the night at Ravens Rock. Once the sun set, we drove into Charlottesville for some night portraits on the downtown mall. Afterward, the couple met their family for a late dinner celebration at a local restaurant.

I share this story of their day because many people think you “just” need an hour or two for elopement coverage and that couldn’t be farther from the truth. “Just” because you are eloping, does not mean your day doesn’t deserve to be covered as intentionally, artistically and completely as a traditional wedding. In fact, the vast majority of my couples choose to book me for 6 hours for their elopement. And, except for weekday courthouse elopements, I don’t take on elopements with less than four hours of coverage.

So what do you DO for six hours on an elopement day? We take detail and getting-ready photos. We do a first look. We hike to your ceremony spot and document your vows and first kiss and howl your joy at the mountains. We drive up and down Skyline Drive or back into the wilderness of Dolly Sods or hike up to a special overlook on the mountain, hopping in and out of the car for vistas or taking pictures as we walk. We pop champagne and eat cake or donuts or baklava or whatever it is that floats your boat. We take photos of any guests you might have or maybe just of your dogs (who may be your best witness), and we set up a picnic or meet for dinner at a restaurant or vacation rental. We dance under stars or make a campfire and roast s’mores and drink whisky.

In other words, we make the day totally and completely a reflection of you. You do what you want to do. And I, as your photographer and guide, will help you make that vision come to life.

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