Wedding

Lisa & Stuart | Shenandoah National Park | Post-Wedding Sunrise Couple Portraits

White Sails is named after a quote from a book, The Scarlet Pimpernel - “Silhouetted against the ever-changing sky, a graceful schooner, with white sails set, was gently dancing in the breeze.” When I read this quote years ago, I knew I would name my photography business White Sails. It summed up everything I hoped my business would be. It followed the description of a woman, stepping out on her porch, looking out to sea. It spoke to my romantic, dramatic heart, and played with my imagination. This photo shoot with Lisa & Stuart has brought that vision to life, all on their very own. This was no styled shoot, it wasn’t a drawn-out plan. It was Lisa & Stuart and real, honest, incredible love.

4:00am wake up - I hardly slept the whole night anyway, out of excitement. I had made a whole sunrise playlist for this very shoot, but once I got to our meet up spot and lay down on the stone wall, I knew we wouldn't need any music. It was warm, but dry. Not humid, not hot. With the most glorious breeze. It was unlike any weather I had every encountered, the most perfect weather. I wish I could take the wind, the weather, the sounds, and the feelings surrounding this photo and post it for you all. I can honestly still feel it. 

Lisa wore Stuart's grandmother's wedding dress, she altered it herself. Stuart is a carpenter, he made his cufflinks and their ring boxes. Their first date was hiking Old Rag - a pretty intense hike in the Shenandoah National Park. They were married 6 days before we took these photos. We listened to the birds chirping, let the wind take over. Lisa was barefoot for this entire photo shoot, and it made me want to be, too. It was relaxed - the actual wedding day had passed, but the excitement of being newly married still lingered. It was just repeating moments of calm and awe the entire morning - mixed with the sunrise.

Sunrise is more changing and dramatic than sunset. It is the most peaceful experience. I will always be grateful for this photo shoot with these two wonderful people.

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