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

Alyssa & Jesse | Winter Vineyard Wedding in Luray, Virginia | Faithbrooke Vineyard & Venue

Alyssa & Jesse were married on November 12th, exactly one year after Johnny and I got married ourselves. It was a Sunday wedding, magically warmed after a freezing week. Just warm enough to have the ceremony outside, with a view of the Shenandoah National Park and Blue Ridge Mountains, which was up in the air until the day-of. Both of their families travelled down to Luray for the weekend and spent the days leading up to Sunday exploring a bit. I met them there at Faithbrooke a couple of hours before the ceremony where Alyssa surprised Jesse with a whisky decanter, complete with their first dance song's lyrics. They had a beautiful first look, and we spent the time before the ceremony with close friends and family.

Alyssa & Jesse were so welcoming, so sweet, from the day of their rehearsal until the evening I left their reception. Alyssa insisted I take a reception favor (eucalyptus bath salts!) I'll always remember this wedding, since it shares an anniversary with Johnny and I now - and the whole day while I was there capturing their celebrations, it reminded me of my own, and even more so of all the other weddings I've been so blessed to be a part of. 

Thank you so much to Hilary Hyland Photography who joined us and helped photograph alongside with me and to Faithbrooke Barn & Vineyards for the stunning venue.

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