Jessi & Austin | Luray, Virginia | Sunrise Engagement Session

I've known Jessi for a long, long time. We went to the same dance school, and then we were in the same Public Speaking class in college! She even has a very embarrassing video of me giving a speech about pointe shoes that she could definitely use as black mail. I was so, so happy to hear from Jessi that ONE. She was engaged and TWO. She was looking for a wedding photographer and THREE. There's an adult ballet class nearby that I definitely need to check out asap. 

We had a very, very early morning for this shoot, since they had a bit of a drive to meet me at the lake. It was also so cold! But early mornings are the best for snuggling, so that's an automatic win for engagement photos. This was my first time meeting Austin, and he's absolutely wonderful. They were so sweet and lovely and I did very little to pose them because they were perfect together. I cannot wait for their wedding next month!

Mandi & Jordan | Shenandoah River | Intimate, Backyard Wedding

Mandi & Jordan's wonderfully, sweet, intimate wedding on the Shenandoah River in Luray was an incredible and different experience than any I have had before.

When all you want is you and your love and close family members, and you don't have a full day of festivities, but just a small exchange of vows (right on the edge of the Shenandoah National Park, with views of the mountains, and the sound of the river) with a deeeeliccccious dinner and cake, then that is what you shall have.

Venue : River Dell Bed & Breakfast
Hair & Makeup : I Do by Laura
Cake : Bijou's Sweet Treats
Flowers and Arbor : Vivian's Flower Shop

Shawna & Chris | Sunrise Mountain Top Vow Renewal | Shenandoah National Park

Five years. Shawn and Chris's vow renewal on the Shenandoah National Park, at sunrise, was much like an intimate wedding or elopement. It was just them and Johnny and I on top of that mountain. Chris played his guitar for Shawna on their wedding day 5 years ago, and wrote new vows this year to sing for her.

Shawna and Chris got ready in their airbnb before dawn with coffee, we had a lovely time chatting away with Laura while she did hair and makeup. We loaded up the goodies for their picnic from Sweet Bella's and their flowers from Flourish Root and were on our way, chasing the sunrise. 

We set up on top of the mountain in a beautiful little field. Chris played guitar while Shawna set up the food and little vases of flowers before they exchanged their vows written for each other. They sat down for their cranberry scones, apple pie, berries, pears, cheese, and apple cider. 

Location : Shenandoah National Park
Hair & Makeup : I Do By Laura
Florals : Flourish Root
Picnic & Decor : Sweet Bella's Homemade Treats