Tucked away in a historic and rustic Roanoke Airbnb in Virginia, amidst the serene beauty of the Appalachian Mountains, Meredith and Ryanne embarked on an extraordinary journey of love and commitment.
Their elopement was a celebration of their unique bond and a testament to the power of love amidst the rustic charm of a historic Roanoke Airbnb in the Appalachian Mountains. Let’s delve into the love story of Meredith (she/her) and Ryanne (she/her) as well as the details of their unforgettable elopement, filled with heartfelt moments, joyous celebrations, and a touch of whimsy.
The Chosen Venue
The stage for Ryanne and Meredith’s Roanoke airbnb elopement was set at the the Campbellite Cookhouse, the name of the Airbnb they stayed in, a hidden gem that perfectly captured the essence of rustic romance. Surrounded by lush greenery and majestic mountains, this secluded cabin offered the ideal backdrop for Meredith and Ryanne’s intimate celebration. With its weathered wood and vintage charm, the cabin exuded warmth and character that perfectly suited the couple’s vision. Here’s a little more information about the Airbnb from the listing; I particularly enjoyed this section:
“This Historic Primitive Appalachian Cabin was once the Campmeeting Cookhouse for the now defunct Religious Sect the Campbellites. Men forbidden from entering, it was an oasis of community and connection for the women who were required to keep their hair long and their voices low. Lovingly restored to is rustic/simple charm with modern amenities it still provides a private oasis perfectly located to all the Roanoke area has to offer. Now men and dog friendly!”
The First Look
Meredith and Ryanne decided to start their journey together with a special “first look.” They got ready separately, their excitement mounting as they prepared to see each other in their wedding attire. In the cabin’s yard, the moment arrived. As Meredith stood in anticipation, Ryanne turned around upon cue. Their eyes met, and their faces lit up with sheer joy. After their heartwarming first look, Meredith helped Ryanne put on her airplane cufflinks and boutonniere, while Ryanne delicately placed Meredith’s airplane necklace around her neck.
Airplanes hold a special place in their hearts, symbolizing their unique connection, dating back to their very first date at a local Mexican restaurant. Here, Ryanne had unknowingly initiated a tradition by folding their check into a paper airplane at the end of their meal, a gesture Meredith found to be very sweet. Over the years, their house became adorned with paper airplanes from the countless dates and cherished memories they had created.
The Ceremony
Under the open sky and surrounded by the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Meredith and Ryanne exchanged their vows. The ceremony was a touching blend of tradition and personalization. The couple chose to include a handfasting ceremony, a Celtic tradition symbolizing the binding of their lives together.
As they held hands, their friend and officiant-for-the-day, Caty, Meredith’s person of honor, skillfully wrapped a cord around their wrists, sealing their commitment to each other. Cassie, Ryanne’s person of honor, played an important role in the ceremony as well; as she held onto Meredith’s bouquet, she also ensured the flow of the ceremony by handing Ryanne and Meredith’s vows and rings as well as the rope for their handfasting to Caty. I loved how they incorporated their close friends on this special day.
The vows were heartfelt and beautifully written, reflecting the deep connection between Meredith and Ryanne. Their promises to support each other through life’s ups and downs resonated with everyone present. As they exchanged rings and shared their first kiss as a married couple, cheers erupted from the group, echoing through the mountains.
Dinner and Dessert are Served
To cap off their perfect day, Meredith and Ryanne couldn’t resist sharing their love for something unconventional at traditional weddings: chicken tendies and fries! This playful addition to their celebration spoke to their fun-loving personalities. As the evening continued, they savored this comfort food, appreciating the simple joys of life and love.
For dessert, Meredith and Ryanne surprised their guests with a towering display of Krispy Kreme donuts. This unconventional choice delighted everyone, and it was a visual masterpiece. The tower of donuts provided a whimsical touch to their celebration, a reminder that weddings can be both elegant and fun.
Meredith and Ryanne’s Roanoke airbnb elopement was a celebration of love, uniqueness, and joy. Their elopement perfectly encapsulated their personalities and their love for each other and was a reminder that weddings can be as diverse and individual as the couples themselves. Meredith and Ryanne’s choice to celebrate their love in a rustic cabin, surrounded by the beauty of nature and with two of their closest friends, was a testament to their love for each other, their desire to create a day that was truly their own, and to enjoy it with the people that mattered most to them. Their Roanoke airbnb elopement was a magical start to their new life together, and it left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of being a part of their special day.
Meredith and Ryanne’s Love Story
Ryanne and Meredith have been together for two years and they’re both certain that they’ve only spent one week apart during those two years. The pair met on Tinder and talked for about a week before they both knew that they were meant to be together.
Ryanne proposed to Meredith in September 2022 on their vacation to Miramar Beach in Florida. They had a date planned on the beach around sunset and Ryanne wrote “Will you marry me?” in the sand and Meredith wrote in the sand her response: yes! Meredith loves that Ryanne always sees the positive side of things, even when things can be frustrating. Ryanne loves how Meredith can always make her laugh and feel happy.
I’ve known them since December 2022 when they filled out my inquiry form to hire me as their elopement AND engagement photographer. Their Roanoke Star adventure engagement session was so fun! We woke up early before the sunrise to snap some incredible photos out in nature. Read more about their adventure engagement session and check out the photos from our time together here.
Meredith and Ryanne’s Wedding Vendors
Officiant (Tabletop Service): Casey Anderson
Meredith and Ryanne’s Hair: Lauren, Zee’s Salon
Meredith’s Hair Color + Touch Up: Brittany Knight Hair
Meredith’s Makeup: Emily, Zee’s Salon
Meredith’s Lashes: Adava, Kae Galore
Meredith, Caty, and Cassie’s Nails: Innovation Nails
Catering: Three Notch’d Brewing Company
Donuts: Krispy Kreme
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, and Lindsey Page and Taylor’s Fishburn 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:
