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

Ivy & Nick | Blue Ridge Mountain Sunrise Engagement Session | Shenandoah National Park

Ivy and Nick drove all the way down from Maryland early in the morning to meet me while it was still dark for this sunrise in the Shenandoah National Park. They would have left by at least 5am (and look how absolutely beautiful Ivy is!) This session was mind-blowing, I've never seen a sunrise like this one. It was in October, and was ridiculously freezing, but they were champs, and I think I speak for all of us when I say it was worth it.

I will always be up for waking up at all hours for another shoot like this in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Megan | Golden Hour Portraits in the Shenandoah National Park | Blue Ridge Mountain Photographer

I met Megan years ago, she was dressed as Cruella De Vil, with the long cigarette and long fur coat. She was obviously incredibly elegant, down to the way she spoke, but then she made a huge impression on me that night as one of the funniest people I had ever met. I honestly don't know how I could ever explain Megan, but I was so thrilled when she asked me to take her portraits so that maybe I could capture it on camera.

We met up for some Chai tea, then drove on up to the Shenandoah National Park and spent the rest of the evening, until the slightest drizzle started, just exploring and finding lovely little spots along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Having a photo shoot like this, just for fun, and just for her, was just so good for the soul. Going out, exploring, playing with light and wind and hair, wearing a beautiful velvet blue dress (from Anthropologie, nonetheless) and just laughing and having genuine fun in front of the camera - it was so wonderful and makes me love photography and the memories it can make and save even more.