Olivia & Trent | Martinsburg, West Virginia | Summer Horse Farm Wedding

This wedding. Let me tell you. This was one of the most fun experiences I've ever had - which is to be expected when there's a whole lot of moonshine to be shared. Olivia & Trent got married in a horse barn - not a venue meant to look like a horse barn, but a legitimate horse barn that they dressed up so beautifully. It was an incredibly hot day, but their reception was out under the stars, and went well into dark. It was a wonderfully wild night of dancing, and I'm so excited to finally go back, relive this myself, and share this wedding with you all.

Jessi & Austin | Lake At Cedar Hill Summer Wedding | Linville, Virginia

Jessi and I met when we were younger and danced at the same studio through highschool. Then Jessi and I were in the same public speaking class in college my first semester, and we just keep bumping into each other throughout life. Every time I see her or hear from her, it’s an instant mood-lifter. When she reached out asking me to photograph her wedding, I was thrilled because Jessi and her family have always been a happy presence throughout my life. The idea of photographing such incredible people on their WEDDING DAY was just too much. I also photographed their engagement session - a freezing sunrise on Lake Arrowhead in Luray. It’s one I share a lot of photos from, so I’m sure you’d recognize it - Jessi & Austin’s Engagement Session Blog.

The expectations of this being a ridiculously joyous day did not fail me - this was one of the most fun wedding days I’ve ever photographed. It was stunning - the mismatched plates, the weather was so warm and breezy, and the dancing was just incredible. I keep reminiscing on this day as if it were my own wedding, it was just that wonderful.

I’d like to shout out this venue, too. They are pretty new and they are AMAZING. I cannot recommend this place enough. Look at this ceremony location?! And the light in the reception barn?! I just can’t wait to go back here!

March | Hiking Elopement in Shenandoah National Park | Waterfall Elopement in Virginia

A mix of wedding and weekend getaway in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The alarm was set for 3:30am and I honestly have no idea how many miles it ended up being, but it was so peaceful and meaningful and fun. Stephanie and Steve incorporated their favorite books into what felt like multiple ceremonies throughout the hike.

Stephanie’s favorite book is “Cat’s Cradle” and in it is the boko-maru – the supreme act of worship by the Bokononists, which is an intimate act of contact between the naked soles of the feet of two people - so part of their elopement was this little ceremony.

They climbed rocks, took their shoes off, crossed across streams, and read. It was amazing. All before 9am, and then they went back to their cabin and hot tub.

Hi! I’m Gabrielle and I am an adventurous wedding, elopement, couple, family, and portrait photographer. If you’re interested in visiting the Shenandoah Valley, Blue Ridge Mountains, or Shenandoah National Park, I’d love to help you plan your visit as well as a photo shoot of your time here.

I have helped couples plan their elopements and small weddings in Shenandoah National Park - with suggestions of places to go, things to do, and awesome spots for food and drink to make your wedding day into a wedding getaway in the awesome local small towns.

Interested in a shoot and a few days away in the Virginia mountains? Reach out! I’d love to chat.