Style Inspiration

14 Ways to Make Your Elopement Day Special

14 Ways to Make Your Elopement Day Special

Being an Elopement Photographer based in Shenandoah National Park, I am constantly being asked one question more than any others. This question is, “GABRIELLE, HOW CAN I MAKE MY ELOPEMENT SPECIAL?”

Blue Ridge Mountain Top Proposal and Photo Shoot | Shenandoah National Park Surprise Proposal

A few days before this very Friday that Jacob proposed to Kaylea, he gave me a call and asked if I’d be available. We came up with a plan that Johnny and I would set up a picnic at this overlook that Jacob chose and wait for him to show up with Kaylea. The day before, I drove up to the overlook on Skyline Drive to give it a look at the same time that Jacob was going to be proposing the next day. I took photos and sent them to him so that he could pick a general area where he’d pop the question so that I’d know where to set up.

Then, the day came and Johnny and I went up there VERY early, set up our picnic, and waited. There were a lot of people showing up at this spot because there was a forest fire on the opposite side of the valley, so Rangers and other photographers were popping up - asking us two weirdos with the picnic facing the smoke “watching the fire, eh?”

We were a little worried that it would be super busy, but right before Jacob and Kaylea showed up, the crowd died down.

As soon as he popped the question, we went right into a little photoshoot. It was the absolute best, because the two of them could not stop smiling. I asked Jacob what else he had planned for the day, because leading up to showing up on the mountain they had stopped at other memorable places - he said he had more plans, but he couldn’t tell me because they were still a surprise for her.


If you’re thinking of proposing this holiday season and want it photographed (I promise your love wants it photographed too) Johnny and I are here! We loved our chilly little picnic and scheming together. Johnny even took a few of these pictures too (:


Skyline Drive Proposal | Surprise Proposal Ideas | Proposal and Photo Shoot | Shenandoah National Park Proposal | Engagement Photo Shoot | Adventurous Proposal Ideas | Holiday Proposal | Christmas Proposal