Nestled amidst the lush landscapes of Blacksburg, Virginia, Frazier and Austin embarked on a heartwarming elopement filled with love, laughter, and a dash of adventure. From hiking through the scenic trails of Heritage Park to exchanging vows in an intimate ceremony, their special day was a testament to their sweet connection and shared love for the great outdoors.
Hiking the Heritage Park Loop Trail
For Frazier and Austin, the journey began with a hike along the Heritage Park Loop Trail, a picturesque route offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains. Hand-in-hand, they relished in the beauty of nature and the promise of a lifetime together. The began their adventure armed with their film cameras and captured the serenity of the moment, documenting their love amidst the towering trees, since abandoned farm buildings and silos leftover from Brown Farm, and the Southwest Virginia hollers. With Frazier’s bouquet tucked into her backpack and Austin’s suit jacket clipped on his backpack, they embraced the rustic charm of their surroundings, creating memories that would last a lifetime.
Admittedly, Frazier, Austin, and I were all worried about the weather but, despite the forecast, the day turned out perfectly for their adventure! It only rained in the really early hours and not a single drop fell the rest of the day. Their spring day elopement varied in temperature; it was mostly cloudy with some spots throughout the day where the sun would poke out behind the clouds. We were constantly layering up and shedding off a layer throughout the day and the coldest parts of the day were during their ceremony and after dinner (where the wind picked up like crazy!). Despite the rapidly changing weather, it was still a really fun and sweet day.
One of my favorite moments was when the sun peeked out as we got on top of the hill during their hike. Frazier and Austin noticed a couple dancing across the way and it inspired them to start dancing and frolicking together. During this moment, I whipped out my Bluetooth speaker and asked if they’d like me to play a song for them. Their request? “Time (You and I)” by Khruangbin. It was THE perfect song for their impromptu dancing and frolicking moment and that memory, along with the song, will forever be ingrained in my brain.
Getting Ready for their Heritage Park Ceremony
After their invigorating hike, Frazier and Austin prepared for their ceremony. Frazier helped Austin get ready by tying his tie and Austin assisted Frazier with putting flowers in her hair after she finished braiding it ahead of the ceremony. The flowers were picked along their journey and I loved that they made it throughout the hike to be incorporated during their ceremony.
Against the backdrop of Heritage Park, surrounded by the beauty of nature, their officiant, Vanessa Waters, guided them through a heartfelt ceremony, setting the stage for their vows of love and commitment. With only each other in attendance, Frazier and Austin exchanged rings, symbolizing their eternal bond. Vanessa, a beacon of warmth and support, then stepped away, allowing the couple a moment of privacy to share their personal vows. It was a touching moment, filled with raw emotion and unwavering love.
As they gazed into each other’s eyes, pouring their hearts out in words of devotion, the world around them seemed to fade away, leaving only the echo of their love ringing in the air. With Vanessa’s gentle guidance, Frazier and Austin embarked on the next chapter of their journey together. As she announced them husband and wife, the air was filled with a sense of profound joy and newfound bliss.
Dinner and Dessert at Rising Silo
As the day drew to a close, Frazier and Austin celebrated their union with a cozy dinner at Rising Silo, a beloved brewery nestled in the heart of Blacksburg. For dinner, they each had a pizza (a vegan one was specifically made for Frazier! Bonus!) and shared a basket of fries because, you can’t go to Rising Silo WITHOUT having their fries and iconic Silo Sauce (a red-beet aioli that is so unique and out-of-this-world!). Before beginning to eat, Frazier and Austin did their special cheers handshake and laughed as they got to share the handshake with me and have it photographed.
For dessert, they enjoyed vegan cookies delivered to the brewery from Insomnia Cookies (with permission from the owner!) and indulged their sweet tooth with every bite. They sat next to the fire outside of the brewery and cuddled underneath a blanket they got from their car.
Reflecting on Their Special Day
For Frazier and Austin, their elopement was a celebration of love, adventure, and the simple joys of life. Surrounded by nature’s beauty and the warmth of each other’s embrace, they embarked on a journey of love and discovery, forging memories that would last a lifetime. As their elopement photographer, I had the privilege of guiding them through every step of their journey, ensuring that their day was as seamless and memorable as possible. From planning their timeline to scouting their venues, I was honored to play a part in their love story, helping them create a day that was truly magical.
Frazier and Austin’s Love Story
Austin was friends with Frazier’s roommate. He went to Frazier’s house several times and hung out with her roommates before meeting Frazier. Frazier likes to say that she just found him in her basement one day. Austin was introduced by Frazier’s roommate one day and continued to see each other with a group of friends and chat. Austin and Frazier first spent time together one-on-one several months later when Austin helped Frazier by taking photos for her headshot. The duo love to hike, ride bikes, take photos, take golden and blue hour walks, watch movies/shows, listen to music, travel, go to the sauna, connect with others, go to art galleries, and eat good food!
Frazier and Austin’s Wedding Vendors
Ceremony Venue: Heritage Park (see venue here)
Reception Venue: Rising Silo Brewery
Officiant: Vanessa Waters, Vows by Vanessa
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 Jenny and Adam’s Mill Mountain Star elopement and Hannah and Taylor’s Moss Arts Center Star-Trek inspired elopement.
Maybe you have plenty of inspiration, but you need planning resources, here a few blogs I’d recommend to help you get started:
