Christina and PJ’s wedding day at Mill Mountain Park in Roanoke, Virginia was a beautiful blend of intimacy, sweetness, and fun. Their story, starting with a gym meet-cute set up by their personal trainer, leads us to this magical May day where they chose to celebrate their love in a way that was uniquely theirs.
“Early Bird Gets The Worm!”
Christina and PJ would describe themselves as “very private people”. They felt it more true to them to have an intimate moment together for their wedding day rather than throw an elaborate party for other people. They didn’t want any other opinions involved and, at the end of the day, the end goal for them was to get married and celebrate their love. When they had their hearts set on going to Mill Mountain Park for their ceremony, I knew, being a Roanoke native, that it was going to be crowded 1.) at sunset and 2.) on the weekends so, when we talked more about their elopement and weighed our options, we came to the decision to have a sunrise ceremony on a weekday at Mill Mountain Park. However, we all knew that that meant a very early rise, especially since Christina was having hair and makeup done beforehand.
Thus, Christina and PJ’s wedding day began in the early morning hours, long before the sun made its appearance. At 3 AM, Christina and PJ were already up and getting ready for what would be one of the most special days of their lives. The atmosphere was filled with a ton of excitement. When I walked into their hotel room at Fire Station One, I was delighted to find Christina already getting started on hair and makeup (shoutout to Angela and Kara for driving from Lynchburg to do a full glam look on Christina before the sun rose!!). The three of them were jamming out to the latest rap hits and preparing to take a shot together.
I took PJ out of the room to snap some photos of him in the Bunkroom… bet you wouldn’t have known that these were taken at 4am, huh?! When I was wrapping up with PJ, Christina left an envelope with his name on it on the bar counter. PJ sat down to read the note and was brought to tears — happy ones, of course! I can tell he was so excited to marry her. PJ then went to the car to start packing up for their ceremony and picnic while I snapped photos of Christina on the iconic and antique stairwell at Fire Station One.
First Look at Mill Mountain Park
As the sky began to lighten, we made our way to Mill Mountain Park for Christina and PJ’s first look and ceremony. This moment was filled with anticipation and raw emotion. PJ stood with his back turned as Christina approached. When he finally turned around, his face lit up, and he did a full 360-degree walk around his stunning wife-to-be, taking in every detail of her look. The two got very emotional and teary-eyed and PJ kept saying things like “wow”, “this is perfect”, “you look so beautiful” to Christina. They took in the moment together while overlooking the Roanoke city skyline and the Blue Ridge Mountains. This intimate moment set the tone for the rest of the day, filled with joy and love.
Ceremony at Mill Mountain Star Overlook
After their first look, it was time for their ceremony. The sky remained cloudy but you still saw some golden hues to the right from the almost complete sunrise. As the pair exchanged their rings, both Christina and PJ couldn’t hold back their tears of joy. The officiant, Casey, guided them through their promises, and when it was time for their first kiss as husband and wife, there wasn’t a dry eye around. The overlook provided a breathtaking backdrop, making their union even more unforgettable. I instructed them to take in this moment however they like while I stepped away with the officiant for a few moments.
Breakfast Picnic at Mill Mountain Wildflower Garden
Following the ceremony, the couple headed to Mill Mountain Wildflower Garden for a delightful breakfast picnic. The setting was perfect—surrounded by blooming flowers, the soft morning light, and a babbling man-made pond. They enjoyed a spread of their favorite breakfast foods, taking a moment to relax and savor the first few hours of their marriage. This picnic was not just a meal, but a celebration of their love for nature and each other, creating a serene and beautiful start to their day.
Dinner at Cedar’s
After their picnic, Christina and PJ went back to their hotel and I went back home for our midday break. Listen… we needed our naps after waking up around 2-3am, okay!! After our midday break, the festivities continued in the evening with a dinner at Cedar’s. Known for its amazing Mediterranean cuisine, Cedar’s was a fitting choice for Christina and PJ, who share a deep love for this type of food. Walking hand in hand through downtown Roanoke to reach the restaurant, the newlyweds were greeted with cheers and congratulations from nearby towns folk. This public acknowledgment of their private celebration added a fun and communal touch to their intimate day.
Wine Tasting and Cake Cutting at Well Hung Vineyard
The evening continued with a wine tasting and cake cutting at Well Hung Vineyard. The cozy, yet upscale atmosphere of the vineyard was perfect for this intimate gathering. Christina and PJ enjoyed sampling a variety of wines, savoring each sip as they reminisced about their journey together. Once they finished their wines, it was time for their cake cutting. They were eager to eat their white chocolate lime cake made by Blush Baking Co. When they shared their first bite together, they both looked at each other wide eyed and PJ broke the silence and said “I’m so mad I haven’t had this cake sooner!” which made us all laugh. The cake cutting was a sweet highlight, symbolizing their new life together. Their favorite wines and the delectable cake made for a delightful end to their evening.
A Quick Wedding Announcement Photo in Front of a Roanoke Mural
To cap off their unforgettable day, Christina and PJ posed for a wedding announcement photo in front of a vibrant Roanoke mural, one of many in the city. This photo opp was a fun and creative way to announce their marriage to the world. The mural’s colorful backdrop highlighted the joy and excitement of their day. Holding their “Just Married” sign, they captured a moment that was both unique and deeply personal.
Final Thoughts
Christina and PJ’s wedding was a beautiful reflection of their personalities and their love story. Their choice to have an intimate celebration allowed them to focus on what truly mattered: their love for each other. The day was meticulously planned to include activities and locations that resonated with them, from the early morning rise to the evening wine tasting. As their elopement photographer and planner, it was a privilege to help them plan and execute this perfect day, ensuring every moment was memorable and true to their vision.
Their love for travel, food, and spontaneous dance parties shone through every part of the day, making it a celebration that was distinctly “them.” The special moments—PJ’s emotional reaction during the first look, the heartfelt vows at the star overlook, and the joy during their walk to Cedar’s—created a tapestry of memories that Christina and PJ will cherish forever. Their wedding was not just an event but a heartfelt expression of their shared journey and the adventures yet to come.
Christina and PJ’s Wedding Vendors:
Ceremony Venue: Mill Mountain Park (see venue here)
Lodging/Hotel: Fire Station One Boutique Hotel (Instagram, Website)
Hair: Angela Hall, Beauty by Angela (Instagram)
Makeup: Kara Sullivan, K Renee Beauty (Instagram)
Officiant: Casey Anderson (Instagram, Website)
Cake: Joanna Morris, Blush Baking Co. (Instagram, Website)
Did this blog inspire you to say “eff it” the big wedding and the traditions that come along with it? Are you ready to take the reins on your special day and plan your own intimate elopement in Virginia? If so, I’d love to be your photographer and capture your special day! Fill out an inquiry form to get started or check out my pricing to learn more about my philosophy, practice, and packages.
Need more inspiration? Check out Courtney and Nadine’s Duck Pond elopement and Frazier and Austin’s Heritage Park elopement.
Maybe you have plenty of inspiration, but you need planning resources, here a few blogs I’d recommend to help you get started:
