Elopement in Virginia | The Commonwealth Hotel

Working with Laura & Joel for their perfectly planned Virginia elopement was such an amazing experience. When we spoke on the phone for the first time, I learned they were looking for simplicity from their wedding photographer. All the while, Laura absolutely gushed about Joel and what she loved about him. We actually talked for an entire hour talking as if we were friends catching up after a small time.

Then, she told me she wanted her day documented showing “pure love and joy” between everyone involved.

When the day came, I met Laura in her hotel room at The Commonwealth.

The music was playing and she was getting ready in the bathroom with her sister-in-law. Soon, her family joined her and spent some down time prior to the ceremony. It was special to document her mother and aunt having their makeup touched up.

Laura mentioned she didn’t really care about all the details of the day. She wanted it documented that her family was meeting Joel’s family for the first time. So, we did things exactly as they wished; while I followed along for the ride.

We made sure to focus on those truly imperfect, sentimental moments that Laura described to me. It was like watching her story actually come alight just as she described on the phone – with not a single detail missed.

To watch Laura and Joel walk into that Richmond Courthouse for their perfect Virginia elopement to be married by one of their friends, with their family sitting front row was incredible and awe inspiring.

The singular takeaway from Laura and Joel’s special Richmond, Virginia elopement is this: A wedding day isn’t about the flat lays, or the details. It’s not about things needing to be perfect. It’s celebrating the real moments with the ones we love. And finally, it’s those solid memories that create a strong foundation for a wonderful forever.