Virginia Shenandoah Mountains Elopement
Let’s talk about Rob & Susan!
Some love stories feel like they were written by fate, and Rob and Susan’s is undoubtedly one of them. These two met three years ago in the most unexpected of places—Northern Spain. At the time, Susan was living and working in Washington D.C., while Rob was from Ireland. They both just happened to be walking the same stretch of the Camino de Santiago at the exact same time. Like seriously, what are the odds?! A chance encounter on this historic pilgrimage route led to something truly incredible, proving that love has a way of finding you in the most unexpected places.
From that moment on, Rob and Susan’s love story spanned countries and time zones. They took turns visiting each other, with Susan flying to Ireland and Rob making the trip to D.C. to be with her. Long-distance relationships aren’t easy, but these two made it work through years of travel, time differences, and countless video calls. But finally, they were ready to close the distance forever!
When Susan reached out to me about capturing their elopement in April, Rob was still in the process of obtaining his visa to move to the United States. They had been waiting so long for this moment, and it was finally within reach. Since Rob and Susan love the outdoors and hiking together, they knew they wanted to celebrate their love in a place that reflected their adventurous spirits. Shenandoah National Park in Virginia was the perfect spot! The breathtaking views, rolling Blue Ridge Mountains, and peaceful natural surroundings made it an ideal setting for their intimate elopement.
We set a tentative date in May, with the hope that everything would go smoothly with Rob’s visa approval. And just about a week before our scheduled date, we got the best news—Rob was approved! With the type of visa he received, they had 90 days to get married, so it was perfect that Susan had everything planned and ready to go. The excitement was real, and we were officially all set for their special day.
The weekend of the elopement arrived, and I met Rob and Susan at a charming little place they rented just outside Shenandoah National Park. They wanted their day to feel relaxed, natural, and truly reflective of who they are as a couple. We started with some sweet and simple “getting ready” photos, capturing the anticipation and joy of the day. There’s something so special about these quiet moments before the ceremony—Susan adjusting her dress, Rob straightening his tie, the little smiles and nervous excitement as they prepared to see each other for the first time.
For their first look, we headed to a nearby park with a beautiful secluded setting. First looks are always one of my favorite moments to capture, and Rob and Susan’s was no exception. The second Rob turned around and saw Susan, his face lit up with pure love and happiness. These are the moments that make elopements so intimate and unforgettable—the raw, genuine emotions that unfold in front of the camera. They shared a few private words, took a deep breath, and then we were off to Shenandoah National Park for more adventure.
The drive through Shenandoah was absolutely stunning. The Blue Ridge Mountains stretched endlessly in the distance, the sky painted in the soft hues of late afternoon. Once we arrived at our first location, we took our time exploring the park, capturing photos along scenic overlooks and winding trails. Rob and Susan embraced every moment, running hand in hand through open fields, laughing as the wind played with Susan’s dress, and taking in the incredible scenery together. Their love was effortless, joyful, and so much fun to document.
As golden hour approached, we made our way to the ceremony site. We had chosen an easily accessible overlook with a breathtaking view, but we were a little nervous about how crowded it might be. Luck was on our side, and we arrived to find it completely empty—just us, the mountains, and the setting sun. It couldn’t have been more perfect.
With the sun dipping behind the ridgeline, Rob and Susan exchanged their vows in a quiet, heartfelt ceremony. There was no elaborate setup, no distractions—just the two of them promising forever to each other. The beauty of an intimate elopement is that it strips everything down to what truly matters: love, commitment, and the start of a new chapter together. The emotions were real and raw, and I felt incredibly honored to be there capturing it all.
After sealing their vows with a kiss, Rob and Susan celebrated in the best way possible—with a sip of Scotch! They had picked up a special bottle in Ireland before Rob’s move, and they plan to take a drink of it every year on their anniversary. It was such a meaningful touch to their day and a tradition that will always bring them back to this incredible moment.
A few days after their elopement, Rob and Susan flew down to surprise Susan’s family with the exciting news. They sent photos back to Rob’s family in Ireland, who were just as thrilled for them. And while this was their official wedding day, their journey isn’t over yet—they have plans to throw a big celebration later this year with all their friends and family. It’s the best of both worlds: an intimate, meaningful elopement surrounded by nature and a big, joyful party with all their loved ones to come!
Looking back on this day, I can’t help but smile. Rob and Susan’s story is proof that love knows no boundaries—not distance, not time zones, not borders. Their wedding day was a reflection of everything they are as a couple: adventurous, deeply connected, and completely in love. It was an absolute joy to be a part of their journey and document this incredible milestone in their lives.
To Rob and Susan—congratulations! Your love story is one for the books, and I am so grateful to have been there to capture it. Here’s to a lifetime of adventures together!
