My Favorite Elopements and Intimate Weddings - Maryland Wedding Photographer
In the days of this global pandemic the wedding industry is pretty limited when it comes to actual weddings. But just because we can’t have big traditional parties doesn’t mean couples can’t get married. While not being able to celebrate with all your friends and family is super disappointing, there are still options out there. The big weddings may be cancelled and postponed, but love isn’t and won’t be.
Today I wanted to share some of my favorite small weddings and elopements that I've photographed over the years and why I loved them.
Annely + Johnathan
I met these two on the day of their intimate wedding. Their love and excitement was so infectious.
They got married at Quiet Waters Park in front of a small group of friends and family, reading personal vows to each other. I loved how their intimate ceremony felt even more intimate inside the gazebo from their guests creating a circle around them. Also, the food at their restaurant reception was killer! Dine in restaurants aren’t really an option right now but plenty are doing take out so you can have a great easy meal for everyone still.
Dian + Ben
These two cuties had a mid-day frolic around downtown Rockville before getting married in front of a couple friends and family members in a little courthouse ceremony. We made just enough time to hang out and relax taking photos before the ceremony began. I loved how these two kept things elegant without being over the top. Their outfits and the location will help keep these photos looking classic and timeless forever.
Brian + Heather
Okay I’m a little biased on this one because Heather is a good friend of mine. I was crying on the phone when she called and asked me what I was doing the next couple of days cause her and Brian decided to get married. Naturally, I loved every little bit. I loved the simplicity of it all, how Heather and Brian both just rolled with everything that was happening. I loved seeing them both get ready together, and I loved seeing how happy and excited their parents looked. They ended up just quickly getting married in front of Brian’s apartment building and we all couldn’t have been more excited. I also loved their Shake Shack reception.
Alexa + James
The elopement to top all elopements. Alexa and James and I all flew out from Maryland for their elopement outside of Portland, OR. While I always love a good adventurous elopement, this is what felt really right for these two specifically. Some highlights were, Alexa making her own bouquet from found flowers and plants. James’ fern for a pocket square. Their officiant giving them privacy during their exchanging of vows, and with the roar of the waterfall behind them I’m pretty sure Alexa and James are the only two who heard them, which just feels super romantic. Finally, them sharing their first dance in the Pacific Ocean.
Rachel + Dylan
These two definitely deserve a who ass blog post all to themselves with everything they’ve had to go through to get married. But for now let’s just appreciate that they are married, despite everything. Their families rallied together to throw them a little backyard wedding in just a couple days and it went and looked incredible. I loved everything. Backyard weddings will always be my favorite.
I know with everything going on right now things can feel really sad and hopeless but I hope these photos inspire you to get out there and make your marriage happen if you want to happen. Marriages aren’t about the parties and tablescapes and dance halls. They’re just about you and your partner coming together.
But there’s also so much validity in just postponing everything if an elopement or smaller ceremony isn’t what feels right for you. Marriages don’t make relationships great or better or more valid. Strong relationships make great marriages. It’s totally okay to wait!