We met at Bacon Hollow Overlook in the quiet hours of the sunrise in Shenandoah National Park. The blue morning light was beginning to grow stronger as we stood over the Blue Ridge mountains in the light, peaceful breeze. We were all so excited to finally have James & Gabby’s elopement day arrive.
We started with a sunrise first look at Bacon Hollow. The first moments of their elopement were so sweet to witness and document. From there, we travelled up Skyline Drive in Shenandoah to the Point overlook where we hiked down the short trail to an amazing rock outcropping. We took some time to relax there as Gabby & James let their feelings sink in before their ceremony in Big Meadows. The portraits we got were stunning.
We followed Skyline Drive down to Big Meadows where we spent a few, quiet moments in the forest on Story of the Forest trail where we got incredible shots. Afterward, we travelled through the meadow to James & Gabby’s ceremony spot where their friends and family were waiting to greet them with warm, loving support.
James & Gabby’s ceremony was absolutely lovely and so heartfelt. They began by asking for their friends and family to take their rings one by one to warm them and give best wishes as they exchanged their handwritten vows. It’s always so special to me to witness my couples’ vows and really such an honor to be able to capture the raw emotions of the beautiful experience.
After their ceremony, we hiked down the Rose River fireroad to the bridge at the bottom for James & Gabby’s first dance. They had really wanted to do something special at the bottom of a waterfall and the bridge at the bottom of Dark Hollow Falls was perfect for their first dance.
I’m so unbelievably happy that Gabby & James chose me to help plan out and document their extraordinary elopement. From the laughs during our very first consultation through to the excited high fives at the end of their elopement, it was such a truly amazing experience.