Bryce Resort Wedding | Shenandoah Valley Wedding Photographer | Blue Ridge Mountain Wedding Photographer | Adventure Wedding Elopement
As best said in the words of @revjessieanne that my brain might scramble up now “When you love each other so much you get married on a Friday, and again on a Saturday. Then you hop on a plane and do it all over again”
On a Friday in June in the front yard of the house Marianna grew up in, surrounded by a chunk of this bi-costal duo’s friends and family, and some families on zoom, they tied the knot for the second time. The first time on the land where they are building their forever home together. This first week of June was the ode to their Virginian love story. This first evening of everyone coming together to stay together as if it was summer camp. All us eating, laughing, playing, and staying in cabins next door together soaking up the beauty of @bryce_resort and the mountains of Virginia. Hearing stories of their love, sharing in some lovely beverages (shout out to @athleticbrewing for the slew of NA goodies fueling this adventure). As Marianna and Cody, aka Wildpack and Trail dad, have carefully crafted out two weeks across two states worth of events and fun to celebrate their love and their love story. Which began with a trip to Washington, a spark on a camping trip, and a lot of plane rides back and forth to finally end up in Marianna’s home base of Virginia together. Now becoming one unit of wholeness with all of their collective humans and all the fuzzy pups too.
On Saturday some of us woke up early, headed out to nearby Lake Laura and paddled with the sunrise. Then we rested up to meet again at Lake Laura where we all hiked together around the lake so this duo could get married again in the sunshine on top of the dam overlooking Lake Laura. After our afternoon hike and vow time we all ended up at Swover Creek Farms and Brewery in nearby Edinburg, VA where we respectfully ate all the food and drank all the beers and had ourselves a wonderful time. As the evening wound down and some departed back to their homes, the rest of us headed back to Bayse, VA to have another bonfire and continue to hang out until brunch and goodbyes on Sunday.
Spring House Farm | Spring Run, PA | Franklin County PA Wedding Photographer| Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer
Ben and Lindsey’s June farm wedding at Spring House Farm was an absolutely lovely day. Lindsey’s mom owns this lovely venue nestled in the hills of Franklin County Pennsylvania and you can tell she takes such pride in it. Up on the hill above the reception area tents started to appear, as the vibe was very come and stay and celebrate. The summer woods were an absolutely stunning cove for their ceremony as one of the two blue grass bands of the day greeted guests arriving. The lovely florals by West Virjeni added to the lovely day and peppered everything with a fantastic array of colors. The day was filled with so much laughter, dancing, good food, and fun all around. Which fits this duo so well. Lindsey runs a food truck and catering company called Lottie Dottie Catering, and they both adore a good festival and had just celebrated at Delfest right before their wedding. So the transition was perfect.
Backyard Microwedding | Clarksburg, MD Wedding Photographer | DMV Wedding Photographer
Shellina and Leo’s story evolved overtime in the most beautiful way. Leo was her brother’s best friend for years. Eventually they met and their story began to no ones shock. Their wedding day was absolutely lovely. It was a smaller affair with all of the important bits and people at Shellina’s family home. Large trees created the perfect protection from the hot sun, the sprawling lawn was freshly tended to. Her father’s collection of prize roses sprinkling in all the colors throughout the landscaping. Their puppy Lucy ran around having the time of her life. We all danced, ate, shared stories, and just had a wonderful day all together celebrating Shellina and Leo and their love.
Dolly Sods Elopement Photographer | West Virginia Elopement Photographer | Davis, WV Wedding Photographer
Peyton and Samuel met in a parking lot on their college campus in 2019 and the rest was history. They got engaged at one of their favorite places, Dolly Sods. Dolly Sods was where they first went on vacation together with Peyton’s parents and sister. In a similar fashion, their elopement consisted of Peyton, Samuel, her parents and sister joining us as we wandered all over the sods together hiking and having a blast. They took me to the spot where Samuel proposed to her and that was where they read their vows to each other.
Swallow Falls Elopement | Deep Creek Lake Elopement | Swallow Falls State Park | McHenry, MD | Deep Creek Elopement Photographer
Miranda and Mohamed met 14 years ago through a friend in college. Mohamed is from Morocco and Miranda’s father grew up in Morocco so they instantly hit it off. Their Deep Creek Lake elopement was a wonderful mellow spring day. Miranda wore a traditional Moroccan wedding dress as a surprise. They had their ceremony at a lake house and afterwards we swung over to Swallow Falls State Park and captured some photos around the park.
The Stables of Rolling Ridge | Germantown, MD Wedding Photographer | DMV Wedding Photographer
Samantha and Richard met 8 years ago through some of their mutual friends. They decided to have a lovely spring wedding at The Stables of Rolling Ridge near Germantown, MD. After the ceremony we all rolled our way to Senor Tequila’s in Downtown Germantown, MD where are all had a blast and the mariachi band even played for the couples first dance together.
The Venues at Lucas Farm | Deep Creek Lake | Deep Creek Maryland Wedding Photographer
Morgan and Adam’s fall wedding in Deep Creek Maryland was an absolute stunner. The fall foliage was out to play at the Venues at Lucas Farm in Garrett County, MD. It was a wonderful day in October where the rain came all the way down. Seeing as I’ve known Morgan since she was in pre-k it was basically like a family reunion/ high school reunion since our catholic education blessed us with the weird magic of tiny class sizes and everyone knowing everyone. It was so wonderful to see so many friends and family members.Fall at the Venues at Lucas Farms is a full stunner too, the freshly updated venue brought the magic of a multitude of barns for all the things. Obviously the winner was the dock with the gorgeous trees towering overtop. While we were dodging waves of rain we were still able to soak up the beauty of this stunning Western Maryland venue. With the plethora of friends and family, the party full of love and laughter rolled on with a full dance party with ABBA and Taylor Swift bumping through the barn as we all got down and had a total blast❤️❤️
Maryland Farm Wedding | Maryland Wedding Photographer| Western Maryland | Mountain Maryland
Connor and Kristina's rustic boho farm wedding at their family farm was a lovely day. The views on Jackson Mountain in Lonaconing, MD were absolutely stunning. We started the day down the mountain and in town at their home for the getting ready festivities. Where all the bridesmaids donned matching pjs and we popped champagne and had a toast. After that we got Kristina into her dress and watched her mother absolutely bawl her eyes out. Everyone got a first look that day, her mom, her dad, her bridesmaids, and then eventually Connor did as she floated down the aisle. This day was a rare one where I got to be a second shooter, which means basically I get to handle all the details or little missed moments, capture the backups of things, and make sure everything runs smoothly. It’s often something I try to do at least once a season. Something about being out of the driver seat is nice for relaxing the mind and enjoying the flow of it all. This day was perfect for that. Their puppy Finn was running around living his best life. The kiddos were doing their thing. The wedding parties on both sides were large and full of their own goofy spirit. Just even the views themselves were beyond stunning and fully made the day and I think we took full advantage of that.
Pittsburgh, PA Wedding | The Garden Room at The National Aviary | Pittsburgh, PA Wedding Photographer
On a lovely June day in Pittsburgh, PA Bridget and Justin were married in the Garden Room at the National Aviary. Bridget used her past house party planning experience to help plot the most wonderful and fun day with all of their friends and family. Every table had it’s own flavor of cake, each place setting was 3D printed along with their cake topper. The florals were inspired by Bridgerton and they fully gave the garden party fantasy. Her veil was hand embroidered by their refugee house mates, and their daughters were their flower girls. Photos of their story ( including their first Tinder conversation from when they met in college at Appalachian State) and loved ones lined ever ledge. All the details were done with care. Including flash mob dances, galavanting with various birds, and a surprise changing color LED dress. Everyone had an absolute blast and the day flew by for sure.
Berkeley Springs, WV Elopement Microwedding Wedding| Berkeley Springs, WV
Glen and Mary decided to have an intimate fall Microwedding at a lovely backwoods Airbnb in Berkeley Springs, WV. Their kids and families all came together to make a gorgeous small late fall wedding day for them. Once the sun went down we broke out the lanterns and played outside under the moon and stars.
Cumberland, MD Wedding | Maryland Wedding Photographer | Cumberland Country Club
The late fall colors of Heidi and Dan’s wedding day paired with oddly warm weather made for the most stunning and chill day. First they said their vows and sung together in the church where they met. They were both in the choir and Heidi noticed Dan pretty quickly from there. So watching the service take place, seeing friends of mine in attendance, and taking in the overall energy of Christ Lutheran Church in LaVale, MD while knowing their love story made this all feel extra cozy and wonderful. Once the service was done we trekked over to the Cumberland Country Club for their reception in Dan’s old Plymouth which was also a star of the show for the day. It was a lovely a low key affair which perfectly reflected the two of them and their low key energy.
What’s the difference between a Microwedding and a Elopement and what’s best for you?
Wanting to get married somewhere cool? Wanting to just have an intimate affair? Maybe you are looking to find an awesome location that is affordable for a small wedding. This guide is the place for you to start the ball rolling in your mind.
Engagement Photos | The Ultimate Guide
Most likely you have never had professional photos taken before and are beyond clueless on what all it entails and how you should dress and act during your session. Let alone what kind of session do you have in mind. Welcome to the ultimate engagement guide to help you sort through some of that. Below I will try to ease your mind and give you a step by step guide to help create some masterful and emotive images that truly capture you and your love together.
Colorful Fall Deep Creek Elopement Microwedding | Deep Creek Lake | Swallow Falls State Park | Deep Creek Elopement Photographer
Mariah and Jen’s fall microwedding style elopement at Swallow Falls State Park in Deep Creek, Maryland was a wonderful and colorful affair. Mariah chose a pink wedding dress to match her pink hair and it was fabulous. The ceremony was done in a Native way to nod towards Jen’s heritage. It was beautiful to watch each element being represented and the traditional use of cornmeal and feathers in action was fabulous (I would post more of those, but the officiant didn’t wish to be published publicly). So hopefully the tidbits give you some of the vibe. Their friends and family surrounded them in so much love and were troopers as we popped through the park and hit each waterfall along the way. Thank you so much to Mariah and Jen for hiring me to capture your day. I had such a blast capturing your love.
Spooky Fall Elopement | Oldtown, MD | Paw Paw Tunnel | Western Maryland Elopement
Rebekah and Nova landed on the idea of a Friday the 13th Elopement at the Paw Paw Tunnel on the C&O Canal in Oldtown, Maryland and they proceeded to go all out. This Victorian Era and spooky inspired elopement featured lanterns, top hats, spooky tunes, the late hours of golden hour into sunset, a freshly renovated overlook ontop of the over 3,000 ft long tunnel, and more. The ceremony was inspired by the day and featured the duo breaking their own mirror in order to make their own bad luck together and have a sense of control over that. They decided to end the evening by taking a walk into the stagnant Canal water together in order to fully cement their union.
Swallow Falls Elopement | Deep Creek Lake | Swallow Falls State Park | McHenry, MD | Deep Creek Elopement Photographer
So this fall in Garrett County absolutely provided per usual. For example this adorable globetrotting duo and newest residents to Western Maryland got to enjoy a fabulous fall day at Swallow Falls State Park. Considering Alex first moved from Boston to Turkey and then met his lovely wife, Katie. I’m beyond happy they decided Mountain Maryland was the place to settle down and call home. We wandered around enjoying the lovely fall day in their wedding attire and did an elopement style shoot to celebrate their wedding anniversary.
Rainy WV Homestead Wedding | West Virginia Wedding Photographer | Hampshire County WV
Ivy and Ryan’s wedding was a total blast. But it was absolutely filled with all the things that were different than what was expected. We started the day hiding from the total monsoon outside inside Ivy’s family home, in Hampshire County, WV, which is absolutely stunning. Her dad has this lovely touch of nostalgia decorating that spoke to my soul, plus the staircase was rescued from another home in Cumberland, MD and transplanted here. I then realized I knew the majority of the wedding party already. So all the goofy energy flowed as the house filled up with people and I felt like I was in high school again. I also played a lovely game of I spy in capturing all the kitties of the day. Vows kicked all the booty, and we learned that Ryan is a total gentleman and took his sweet time in perusing Ivy. Which was adorable. Ivy and her dad kicked it with surprises. His tie featured a photo of them printed inside it. He made a ring she had lost ages ago magically reappear. The rest of the day was full of lots of rain, laughter, drinking, dancing, and joy ❤️
Green Ridge State Forest Microwedding Elopement | Flintstone, MD | Cumberland, MD Wedding Elopement Photographer | Western Maryland Wedding
Jenna and Blake decided to have their elopement style microwedding at Zumbrun Overlook at Green Ridge State Forest in beautiful Mountain Maryland. This duo decided to do the thing under the afternoon sun on a clear sky early September day. In attendance were all of their family, and a surprise audience of roughly +200 Hispanic hikers doing a team hike of the Great Eastern Trail . Thank you guys for being awesome and cheering Blake and Jenna on, and for hiding out and holding the team split while we did the thing. You all are fabulous❤️Congratulations to Blake and Jenna, May life always gift you good surprises ❤️**Nerd note for my hiking couples: Green Ridge State Forest is the largest continuous block of public land in Maryland. The park is 46,000 acres and spans two counties. On the side closest to 68 you are right against the PA state line as some trails continue into Buchanan State Forest. On the other side you are right near Paw Paw, WV and the Paw Paw Tunnel. During Covid lockdowns this is where you could find me every day. Finding different little gems throughout the park, or camping close to the best swimming holes. The park itself is definitely designed for serious outdoors people, with rough roads, and long steep hiking trails. It’s also a research first sort of space, some trails are nicely marked and easy to follow. Other ones… not so much.
Rocky Gap State Park Wedding|Flintstone, MD|Cumberland, MD Wedding Photographer| Western Maryland LGBTQIA Microwedding
Angela and LaDonna decided to have a Viking themed microwedding at Rocky Gap State Park where they met in Western Maryland with their lesbian camping group. They were surrounded by all of their friends and their children, They decided to do an elemental themed ceremony around a giant fire pit once the sun had set. So we worked in reverse, starting with couples photos, then dinner, then once the sun set the ceremony began.
Deep Creek Wedding |Brodak's Banquet Hall| Deep Creek Maryland Wedding Photographer
Harley and Nicole tied the knot with their friends at family at Brodak’s Banquet Hall in Oakland, MD in Deep Creek. It was a full Garrett County shin dig, with everyone chipping in to help out, from a close friend making the wedding cake, to another being the DJ, to the boys riding their motorcycles around before the got dressed. Thank you so much to Harley and Nicole for picking me to capture their day and for being fabulous.