an elopement story | virginia beach photographer

I love elopements. Nothing fancy, just love. I was so excited to be contacted by this couple to document their wedding day. Unfortunately, the Commonwealth of Virginia doesn't typically allow phones of any kind or photography of any kind in the courthouse, so I was there as a witness and to document the moments as they exited the courthouse and entered into the world for the first time as man and wife. What an incredible honor it is to be asked to document such a momentous occasion.

It was an overcast, chilly, Friday morning in December. We didn't mind at all. The bride wore a simple, elegant wedding gown and the groom a modern and classy grey suit. As we walked through the courthouse, we could hear murmurs of "beautiful" and "how sweet" and "look at those babies!". More than one person came out of their way to greet their girls and tell them how fancy and beautiful they looked. Can you blame them?

Their story has been 8 years in the making. Eight years, a move all the way across the country, and two perfect little humans later...and here we are. They began on a blind date, set up by friends. The decision was made to meet at a local dog park, but when the big day came- he called and said his dog had eaten a dozen chicken wing bones and needed to go to the vet. Although she thought he was blowing her off, he convinced her to still meet him for a hike instead. The hike went on for hours and ended at a local Pizza Hut where they split a giant pepperoni pizza. And as they say, the rest is history.

The 100lb 10 month old puppy chicken wing eater ended up being just fine. He has gone on to destroy bookshelves, books, shoes, pools, fences, and more- just like a good puppy should.
And what's the best way to celebrate marrying the love of your life? Changing in the parking lot and heading to brunch, of course.