Not every elopement day runs perfectly on time. Traffic can throw things off, the weather can shift, and sometimes you find out a local biking marathon is taking over one of your planned photo spots. But for Lana (she/her) and Christian (he/him), their wedding day was still everything they hoped it would be: romantic, relaxed, full of meaningful details, and centered entirely around each other. I had the absolute honor of documenting their Liberty Trust Hotel elopement in Roanoke, Virginia on April 30, 2025—and let me tell you, this one was special.
Getting Ready & Photographing the Details
Though their ceremony took place that morning in Northern Virginia at Occoquan Regional Park, I met up with Lana and Christian later that afternoon once they arrived in Roanoke. Originally, we had plans to start at Carvin’s Cove, but with unexpected construction and traffic delays on their drive down, we shifted plans and started at Liberty Trust—where they’d be staying, dining, and celebrating later that evening.
I arrived beforehand to photograph some details for them, including the interior and exterior of the hotel and the inside and outside of The Vault. When Lana and Christian arrived, I helped them get settled into the hotel and reassured them to take their time getting out of their “car clothes” and getting ready for their first look. While they got ready, I snapped photos of their cake before they cut into it later that evening.
First Look Down the Stairwell
Once they were dressed, we staged their first look inside the Liberty Trust Hotel. The building has an old-world elegance—it used to be a bank and you can feel the history in the walls. If you’re interested, you can read more about the history of Liberty Trust here!
I met Lana on the mezzanine level to photograph her at the top of the stairs. Her dress had a soft elegance with a v-neckline, delicate straps, and a train that flowed beautifully as she walked. She carried a small white purse and made the smart choice to wear her favorite flats—comfort always wins. Meanwhile, I had Christian wait on the main level at the bottom of the stairs for further instructions. From above, I made sure he wasn’t peeking—and noticed how sharp he looked in his navy three-piece suit.
We chose the stairwell for their first look, and the moment felt cinematic: Christian stood waiting, slightly nervous, while Lana slowly descended the steps. You could feel the anticipation in the air. When they saw each other, everything softened. They smiled. Breathed. Took each other in. It was such a grounding moment in an otherwise full day.
A Private Dinner at The Vault
Dinner followed at The Vault inside the Liberty Trust Hotel. As far as fine dining goes, this one checked every box. Christian and Lana love a good food experience and this private dinner hit the mark: shumai, mushroom tarte, and a shared steak to finish it off. What made it extra special was where it took place—inside the actual old vault of the bank, surrounded by thick doors and history. The hotel even gifted them a bottle of wine, a nod to something they love doing together: sharing wine and good conversation.
I had dinner while they ate, giving them space to soak in this part of their day. It felt peaceful, unhurried, and deeply personal—exactly what an elopement should be.
From Downtown Roanoke to Mill Mountain
After dinner, we walked through downtown Roanoke to get back to their car. It was warm and slightly humid, but we barely noticed with the buzz of city life all around. People passed us and shouted congratulations. It felt like the entire town was cheering them on.
I rode with them as they drove up to Mill Mountain. Christian put on some chill music (they love listening to deep house trance together while driving) and we made our way through downtown and up the winding road. The sun was starting its descent, casting golden light through the trees.
Sunset Portraits at the Roanoke Star and Rockledge Overlook
Mill Mountain at sunset is pure magic and we started at the main overlook where the light was still glowing. Lana and Christian stood hand-in-hand, taking in the Blue Ridge views, and we snapped portraits that felt equal parts editorial and intimate.
We then explored a more private spot—just a short walk away but much quieter—where they had a chance to breathe and take in the moment without any onlookers. Afterward, we made our way to the Mill Mountain Star just in time for it to light up! We grabbed portraits before and after the star came on and the soft white glow from the lights made everything feel dreamy and cinematic.
One of my favorite moments happened at Rockledge Overlook. We stopped there as the last bit of sun dipped behind the ridgeline. A nearby group was having a barbecue and their dog Loofy barked enthusiastically until we said hello. The group congratulated Christian and Lana and offered nothing but kindness—just a small but sweet moment that made their evening even more special.
Cake Cutting Back at Liberty Trust Hotel
We ended the evening back where it all started: at Liberty Trust Hotel. Their cake—an Italian Cream cake from Evie’s Bistro & Bakery—was adorable. Decorated with maraschino cherries, crushed nuts, and a hand-piped “Congratulations!” it was exactly the kind of simple, thoughtful detail that made the day so them.
The staff at the Liberty Trust Hotel were amazing, quickly helping us with plates, forks, and a cake knife so Lana and Christian could cut and enjoy their cake. They shared a few bites, offered me a slice (I’m still thinking about how good it was), and then gave the rest to the hotel staff as a thank-you. It was such a lovely full-circle moment to wrap up the evening.
Christian and Lana’s Love Story
Christian and Lana’s love story is full of intention, connection, and deep companionship. They first met through a dating app and had their in-person first date on January 12, 2025. From that day on, they’ve been inseparable. As Christian beautifully puts it, “Lana is my heart and I am her soul.” While they come from very different backgrounds, they share a grounded worldview, a deep respect for love and marriage, and a calm, quiet joy in simply being together.
Some of their favorite moments are the small, everyday ones—sipping coffee as the sun rises, cuddling up to a Netflix movie, going on long park walks, and stopping to admire the flowers. They love sharing a bottle of wine at a nice restaurant, getting massages, and driving with the windows down to deep house trance music. They even enjoy shopping for each other. Whether it’s a road trip or a flight to somewhere new, they cherish traveling together—especially to peaceful places surrounded by beaches, forests, or mountains.
Their proposal was deeply personal. After a trip to the white beaches of Pensacola—a place where their bond truly deepened—Christian proposed to Lana back home on March 8, 2025. For their wedding, they knew they didn’t want anything performative or overwhelming. With Lana’s family still in Ukraine and unable to travel due to the ongoing war, they decided to keep their day small and centered on what matters most: their love and shared commitment to one another.
Final Thoughts
Lana and Christian booked me just weeks before their wedding. In that short time, we created a complete timeline together (including travel from Northern Virginia), locked in vendors, and secured lodging. I helped them find a local bakery who could deliver a custom cake on short notice, and when we had to pivot plans due to delays and surprise events (looking at you, Elmwood Park bike marathon), we rolled with it and still created a stress-free, meaningful day.
Their wedding wasn’t about big fanfare or formal traditions—it was about savoring each other, honoring their journey, and creating new memories in a city surrounded by mountains and light.
Are you excited to start planning your Virginia elopement?
Whether you’re planning ahead or thinking about a last-minute elopement, I’m here to help you create something intentional, flexible, and 100% you. No pressure, no stress—just a day filled with real connection and stunning memories.
If we haven’t met yet, I’m Cameron (she/her)—a Virginia elopement photographer and partial planner. I’d be absolutely honored to help you plan and document a day that feels authentic to y’all from start to finish.
Reach out to me today to schedule your free consultation call! Let’s turn your dream elopement into a reality. Curious about my packages and pricing options? Head over to my pricing page for more information. I can’t wait to hear from you and help you bring your vision to life!
More Resources & Inspiration for your Virginia elopement
Looking for more inspiration? Here are a few more elopements I’ve photographed that might spark ideas:
- Elli and Joey’s Timber Hollow Overlook Elopement in Shenandoah National Park
- Jenny and Adam’s Mill Mountain Star Elopement in Southwest Virginia
- Laura and Ted’s Tanners Ridge Overlook Elopement in Shenandoah National Park
- Frazier and Austin’s Heritage Park Elopement in Blacksburg, Virginia
- Hunter and Troy’s Blackrock Summit Elopement in Shenandoah National Park
Are y’all in need of more planning help? I’ve got ya covered! Check out some of my free elopement planning resources below:
