A Mill Mountain Star Elopement in Southwest Virginia

In the embrace of Southwest Virginia’s beauty, Jenny and Adam’s elopement at Mill Mountain Star was a touching celebration of their deep love and commitment.

Filled with love, happiness, and a sense of excitement, their close-knit celebration turned into an amazing adventure. This blog tells the story of their important day, starting from getting ready and their first glance at the Fire Station One Boutique Hotel, to a fun pizza picnic and heartfelt ceremony at Mill Mountain Star, and ending with beautiful pictures taken during blue hour with the shining star in the background.

A bride and groom hold hands and cheer and smile excitedly after their elopement ceremony at the Mill Mountain Star overlook in Roanoke, Virginia.

Getting Ready at Fire Station One

Jenny and Adam began their day in different places, preparing for a significant moment in their love story. Jolina Goad from Jolina Does Makeup worked her magic on Jenny’s makeup, sparking excitement and joy. Following that, Emily Poindexter from Embellish Hair Studio styled Jenny’s hair beautifully, amplifying her joy and anticipation. Dressed in a stunning gown from Newfangled Bride, adorned with twinkling sequins and featuring a unique bodice design, Jenny looked absolutely radiant. Before capturing moments in photographs, she took a poignant moment to pen heartfelt promises to Adam. Mark Frye from Creative Occasion Events crafted her stunning bouquet, adding an extra touch of elegance.

Meanwhile, Adam took some solitary moments to pour his heart into heartfelt promises to Jenny before preparing for their first look in the stairwell. Mark’s creative touch extended to Adam’s pocket square, adorned with florals reminiscent of Jenny’s bouquet. Among Adam’s ensemble, his most cherished piece was his great grandfather’s cufflinks.

A marrier sits at a desk and writes her vows in a hotel room at Fire Station One.

A bride on her elopement day holds a bouquet of flowers up for a photo in her hotel room at Fire Station One in Downtown Roanoke.

Their Historic Stairwell First Look

The historic stairwell at Fire Station One provided a captivating setting for their first look. As Jenny descended and Adam ascended the stairs, a simultaneous dance that felt like a nod to their shared journey, the echoes of their past resonated in the air. These echoes whispered tales of the moments that had led them to this cherished moment. Their exchanged glances, a blend of excitement and deep affection, painted a portrait of enduring love.

A marrier in her wedding dress with her bouquet walks down the stairs of the Fire Station One hotel as her partner walks up the stairs for their first look on their elopement day.

A groom smiles widely on his elopement as his soon-to-be wife comes down the stairwell at Fire Station One in her wedding dress.

Pizza Picnic at Mill Mountain Park

Their day continued with a picnic that exuded comfort and familiarity. A HUGE pizza from Benny Marconi’s and a couple of IZZE’s, one of their favorite refreshment, were tokens of shared moments and simple joys. It was a pause in time, a moment to savor each other’s company and the warmth of their connection. During their picnic, Jenny and Adam had a surprise four-legged visitor.

A couple places a large pizza from Benny Marconi's and two IZZE drinks on a picnic table and smile towards at one another as the groom serves a slice to his bride.

Two marriers on their elopement day at Mill Mountain Star sit at a picnic table with a Benny Marconi’s pizza and two IZZE’s and feed each other a slice.

Exchanging Vows Against the Majestic Backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains

At Mill Mountain, there are two overlooks, both offering breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Downtown Roanoke cityscape. The more renowned overlook positions the Roanoke Star, also known as the Mill Mountain Star, directly behind you. The other, named Rockledge Overlook, sits just a few steps away from the main overlook with the star. Surprisingly, many visitors overlook this spot because they’ve already enjoyed the sights they came for, making this area quieter with fewer visitors.

The added perk? No hiking required for this view! Although hiking to the overlook is an option, Mill Mountain and its amenities are a short drive from Downtown Roanoke. Considering these factors, Mill Mountain’s Rockledge Overlook set a majestic stage for Jenny and Adam’s simple yet beautiful ceremony. Against the backdrop of the stunning Roanoke skyline and the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, Jenny and Adam exchanged their vows, rings, and a first kiss, marking the beginning of their new chapter together.

A couple on their elopement day exchange their vows at the Rockledge Overlook in Roanoke, Virginia.

A couple on their elopement day exchange their vows at the Rockledge Overlook in Southwest Virginia.

Blue Hour Under the Mill Mountain Star

As the day gently transitioned into evening, the enchanting blue hour bathed everything in its ethereal glow, creating the perfect ambiance for more portraits. As our time together was drawing to an end, I proposed going to the bridge leading up to Mill Mountain for some captivating portraits against the backdrop of the illuminated star in the distance. Excited for this added adventure, Adam and Jenny eagerly joined in! This moment became the highlight of our evening. Passing cars honked their horns and cheered with ‘beautiful!’ and ‘congratulations!’ as the couple posed, creating an atmosphere filled with joy and warmth. It was an uplifting and heartwarming experience.

A couple on their elopement day embraces on a bridge leading up to Mill Mountain Star during blue hour in Roanoke, Virginia.

A blurred out couple embrace and look in opposite directions as the Mill Mountain Star illuminates the sky in Roanoke, Virginia.

Jenny + Adam’s Love Story

In the process of planning elopements, I incorporate various moments to understand the couples I work with better. For Jenny and Adam, I started with an elopement planning questionnaire to delve into their unique love story. Here’s a peek into their responses:

How did you and your significant other first meet?

“We met in high school.”

What is your proposal story?

“I proposed to Jenny while we were still in high school around the age of 17. I knew Jenny was the one for me, so I asked my Mom if she had a ring I could propose to her with until I could get her a real diamond ring, and she gave me a little gold ring that consisted of 2 hearts connected together. One night on Jenny’s parents back deck after we had spent the day together I proposed with the ring my Mother gave me, she said YES! Many years later after we were out of high school I got a diamond engagement ring and gave to her, a few years after that we got married.”

What are your favorite things to do together? What makes you two “you”?

“Watch movies & tv shows, go out to eat, hiking, go to coffee shops. We both are into art and are both creatives and our businesses are a great fit together since I own an advertising agency and she is a photographer.”

Testimonials

Jenny and Adam’s elopement at the Mill Mountain Star truly captured the depth of their love. It was more than just a milestone; it reflected their shared memories, unspoken understanding, and their commitment to journey through life together. This day reaffirmed their strong bond in a setting that highlighted the grandeur of the universe.

As Jenny and Adam’s love story unfolded under the iconic Mill Mountain Star, I had the honor of documenting their special moments. Here’s what they had to say about their experience working with me:

“Me and my partner adored Cameron! We were looking for an elopement photographer and were nervous about who to choose. Cameron made us feel like we were just hanging out with a friend. We felt so relaxed and comfy with her and she helped us so much throughout the day. Her work is amazing! If you’re looking for an elopement photographer, definitely reach out to her! You won’t be disappointed.” – Jenny (she/her) and Adam (he/him)

Jenny and Adam’s Wedding Vendors

Venue: Mill Mountain Rockledge Overlook

Getting Ready Space: Fire Station One

Bouquet and Pocket Square: Mark Frye, Creative Occasions Events

Jenny’s Hair: Emily Poindexter, Embellish Hair Studio

Jenny’s Makeup: Jolina Goad, Jolina Does Makeup

Jenny’s Dress: Newfangled Bride

Jenny’s Earrings: Ally, Daily Magic Shop

Recycled Paper for Vows: Write to Your Mom

Did this blog inspire you to eff the big wedding and traditions and to be selfish and have an 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 Anna and Ben’s Fire Station One elopement, Nalli and Rob’s Carvin’s Cove elopement, Lindsey Page and Taylor’s Fishburn Park elopement, and Meredith and Ryanne’s Roanoke Airbnb elopement.

Maybe you have plenty of inspiration, but you need planning resources, here a few blogs I’d recommend to help you get started: