Elli and Joey’s wedding day was truly one-of-a-kind. It was adorable, sweet, and intimate—everything you’d hope for when two people tie the knot after eight years together. For their elopement at Timber Hollow Overlook and Jewell Hollow Overlook, they wanted nothing flashy or traditional. This was all about them, their bond, and the quiet beauty of Shenandoah National Park.
Getting Ready: “Sponsored by Jeep”*
Elli and Joey’s day started just before sunrise at Timber Hollow Overlook. The crisp fall air had a bit of a chill to it, so they came prepared. Elli (she/her) wore a stunning champagne dress but stayed warm with a cozy white sweater she planned to remove later. Joey (he/him) kept it stylish in green chinos, a button-down, and a light brown-gray sweater, perfect for fall. They later swapped their dressier shoes for hiking boots—because what’s an elopement in Shenandoah without adventure?
The two got ready using their Jeep as a makeshift dressing room. In the parking lot, they positioned the car between them, so they couldn’t catch a glimpse of each other before their first look. It was sweet, practical, and just so them—relaxed and laid-back. After all, this wasn’t about grand entrances or fussy details. It was about being together, enjoying the moment, and celebrating their love.
*For legal reasons, this is a joke. We were not sponsored by Jeep; this was an inside joke we had during their elopement that I thought would be funny to include.
First Look at Timber Hollow Overlook
When the time came for the first look, it was everything you’d expect from a couple who’s spent eight years by each other’s side—joyful, sweet, and filled with genuine emotion. Elli walked up behind Joey and tapped on his shoulder. When he turned around, his face lit up with the biggest smile and he hung onto Elli’s forearms as to ground himself. There were no big speeches or overly dramatic reactions. Just two people completely comfortable and thrilled to be right there, right then, with each other.
Ceremony Along Skyline Drive
Their ceremony was unlike anything that I’ve ever photographed. They chose not to exchange vows, which is such a unique and personal choice, but what they did include made the moment feel deeply meaningful. First, they broke bread and fed it to each other—something that spoke to their shared connection with Christian iconography and Joey’s Catholic upbringing. Then, they poured Martinelli’s sparkling cider into a glass and shared it together, a beautiful nod to communion. Following that, they tied a cord of three strands, symbolizing the strength of their bond.
Their ring exchange was simple yet touching, followed by what might be the most adorable moment of all—they made a pinky promise. What started as a joke in their relationship had turned into something they both valued as an “honor-bound oath.” And, of course, they sealed it all with their first kiss as a married couple!
Portraits with the Blue Ridge Mountains
With the ceremony wrapped up, it was time for portraits and Timber Hollow Overlook couldn’t have been more perfect! We wandered around, capturing moments on the big rock at the overlook, where the group already there kindly stepped aside and congratulated the newlyweds. The golden morning light, paired with the early fall colors just beginning to show, created a stunning backdrop for their photos.
Breakfast Picnic at Jewell Hollow Overlook
After our time at Timber Hollow Overlook, we hopped in the car and drove over to Jewell Hollow Overlook. This was where Elli and Joey planned to have their breakfast picnic—one of the many special, intimate moments that really made this day theirs. They laid out a simple spread of cheese, meats, grapes, and apples and shared coffee on the rocks at the overlook. It was such a peaceful, grounding moment for the two of them, away from the world, just soaking in the beauty of the park and the significance of their day.
Who Says You Can’t Have Dessert for Breakfast?!
Of course, no picnic is complete without dessert! Elli and Joey shared a mini tiramisu cake—sweet, simple, and totally perfect for their vibe. Watching them sit there, sipping coffee, laughing, and sharing cake was the epitome of what makes elopements so special. It was just them, enjoying the moment, with nothing else pulling their attention away from each other.
Elli and Joey’s Love Story
Elli and Joey met during their freshman year at George Mason University and, as they described it, became friends after some mutual friends invited them to hang out and play video games. That simple beginning led to something pretty amazing! Over the years, Elli and Joey built a life together centered around hiking, playing video games, enjoying coffee, and indulging in random, yet delicious, charcuterie boards from whatever snacks and cheeses are in their kitchen.
Elli and Joey’s Wedding Day
I had the pleasure of helping Elli and Joey plan their entire elopement. From scouting locations to organizing the timeline, it was a true collaboration. They didn’t check their phones once and were able to fully enjoy their day without worrying about logistics. I also helped them plan personal touches, like their breakfast picnic and mini tiramisu dessert.
Elli and Joey’s wedding day was everything you’d want in an intimate elopement—sweet, laid-back, and filled with personal moments. They shared bread and sparkling cider during the ceremony, made a pinky promise, and enjoyed breakfast on the rocks. Their day was all about love and connection. It was an honor to be part of it and I can’t wait to see their future adventures.
If you’re reading this and you’re newly engaged, the traditional wedding scene isn’t your vibe, AND you want something way more exciting than a courthouse visit, you’re in the right place! My name is Cameron (she/her) and I’m a Virginia elopement photographer and partial planner; I’d be absolutely honored to help you plan and document your elopement day. Fill out an inquiry form to start planning your elopement in Shenandoah National Park (or anywhere else in Virginia) or check out my pricing to learn more about my philosophy, practice, and packages. I offer elopement packages starting at four hours!
Check out other couples who said ‘eff it’ to the traditional wedding plans and chose an elopement in Shenandoah National Park instead. Read their stories and feel inspired by the magical and stress-free days they’ve created for themselves: Laura and Ted’s Tanner’s Ridge Overlook Elopement and Hunter and Troy’s Blackrock Summit Elopement.
Feeling inspired but need some help with planning? I’ve got you covered! Check out some of my elopement planning resource blogs below:
