Ana and Marcelo had a courthouse wedding before their elopement. At first, they didn’t really know what eloping meant or how it could look. It all started when we were chatting over messages. Ana is a friend of mine, and I had already photographed a few moments of her and her fiancé back then. Their original plan was to go to the courthouse since they’re planning a bigger celebration in Brazil with their families. But after seeing a post I shared about another elopement, Ana got curious. She told me she had no idea what an elopement really was or how to plan one and if you're feeling the same way, you can read more about what it means and how to start planning it here.
We kept talking, and Ana got really excited about the idea of creating something more personal and intentional. Both she and Marcelo are adventurous souls who love the outdoors, so once they decided to elope, they already knew the kind of vibe they were going for. Ana shared the story of how they met and how the proposal happened, and from there, I began building a timeline tailored to their story. Since they wanted to include two towns and fully enjoy the experience without rushing, the best option was to go with a 12-hour coverage. In this post, I’ll walk you through what their day looked like and why giving yourself that kind of time might be one of the best decisions you can make for your elopement.
Getting Ready & Details
We started in the morning at their home with their cat, Rose, who of course had to be part of the celebration. They wanted to keep it as simple as possible, so while Ana was finishing up her hair and makeup, I captured some details around the house. Once Marcelo was ready, I took a few photos of him as well.
People sometimes overlook the getting ready portion when planning an elopement, but I truly believe it adds so much value to the story of your day. For Ana and Marcelo, capturing their home, their routines, and their time with Rose—who's already an older cat—will be a beautiful way to remember not just this day, but also the season of life they were in. One day, when they move out, these photos will bring back memories of where they used to live and what it felt like to share this chapter with Rose.
Photographer’s tip: Getting ready at home or in a space that feels like yours brings a unique layer of meaning to your photos. It makes the gallery feel less like a checklist and more like a memory capsule.
Ceremony and Vows Reading
Once they were both ready, we headed out to Morven Park in Leesburg, town where they first met, shared their first kiss, and spent time with their closest friends. We wandered through the park while they laughed and held hands, until we found a quiet spot they loved for their private vow reading. The rain tried to make an appearance, but it quickly passed, and we were able to continue with their day as planned. It's always a good idea to bring an extra layer, like a warm jacket or blanket, and maybe even some hand or toe warmers if we're going for a hike or spending extra time outdoors, but thankfully, the weather was very pleasant.
Taking time to enjoy it all
After the vows, I gave them some time to simply be, to breathe, take it all in, and enjoy the moment before we paused for a lunch break. That’s one of the best parts about eloping just the two of you: the day is completely customized to what you want and need. I always make sure to build in intentional breaks, whether it’s to grab a bite to eat (which can totally be part of the story. Think pizza at your favorite spot or lunch at that restaurant you love), rest your legs, or do a quick touch-up on hair and makeup if needed. Everything is planned with care to make sure you're fully present and actually enjoying your wedding day.
A location that tells their story
For the second part of the day, we drove to Harpers Ferry in West Virginia to visit the town where Ana and Marcelo got engaged. I usually don’t recommend choosing two towns or distant locations for the same day, especially when you're in wedding attire. It can take away from the experience if you spend too much time on the road. But since this spot was a priority for them and the drive wasn’t too long, I made sure to build a timeline that made it possible.
Another great option in situations like this is planning a split-day experience, where we photograph in one location on elopement day and explore the second one the following day in a more relaxed setting. This can work especially well if you’re planning to include guests or want both an intimate ceremony and adventurous portraits. But in their case, the 12-hour coverage gave us the perfect amount of flexibility to do it all in one day without stress.
The original hiking trail where Marcelo proposed was a bit too long and challenging for wedding attire, so I scouted an alternative nearby that still held the same charm and emotional connection. We explored the area as much as we could, walking across a scenic bridge, looping back, and heading up a trail that passed the ruins of an old stone church. Along the way, we spotted a group of deer peacefully grazing nearby. They didn’t seem to mind us at all, adding an unexpected but magical touch to the experience.
When we reached the top of the trail, we took our time soaking in the views, snapping a few photos, and just enjoying the moment. As the sun began to set and the temperature started to drop, we made our way back down before it got too dark.
Photographer’s note:
This is a great example of how thoughtful planning can keep things meaningful without the overwhelm. We still captured the magic and emotional weight of their story without the sweat or the struggle, especially since their elopement happened in mid-spring, when the weather can shift from warm and cozy to cold and windy in a matter of minutes.
More than just posed moments
Every part of their experience was crafted with their story in mind and the things they enjoy doing together. It wasn’t about checking boxes or hitting every “pretty spot,” but about creating something that actually felt like them. The 12-hour coverage gave them the freedom to be fully present—to laugh, explore, take breaks, and just enjoy each moment without feeling rushed.
This kind of timeline also gives space for spontaneity. We didn’t need to watch the clock every second or worry about squeezing things in. If they wanted to take a detour, add other activities, or just breathe and take it all in, we could. That flexibility can completely change the vibe of your elopement day and make it feel a lot more relaxed and personal.
Here is their thoughts about their experience:
"Stefani was absolutely amazing! My husband and I had gotten married at the courthouse but never had any photos. Stephanie helped us create a beautiful elopement session that felt personal and magical. She suggested meaningful locations like Leesburg, where we met, and Harpers Ferry, where he proposed and even included our cat in an at-home photo session! Every detail was thought through with so much care, and the photos turned out stunning. Stefani made us feel comfortable from the first meeting, listened to what we wanted, and added her creative touch. She’s thoughtful, kind, and incredibly talented. We couldn’t be happier with our experience. Highly recommend!"
So... thinking about eloping in Virginia?
If this feels like the kind of day you’ve been imagining, something simple, meaningful, and true to who you are, I’m here to help make it happen. Whether you already have a spot in mind or no idea where to start, we can figure it out together. I’ll guide you through the planning and capture your story as it naturally unfolds in a way that actually feels like you.
And if you're still in the “just looking around” phase, I’ve got you. You can read more about how to legally elope in Virginia or check out ideas for city elopements if hiking trails and parks aren’t your vibe. There’s no one right way to do this. Just your way.
Feeling ready or just curious? Reach out. I’d love to hear what you're dreaming up and help bring it to life.
