If you’ve ever dreamed of a wedding day that feels equal parts adventurous and heartwarming, Sarah (she/her) and Russ’s (he/him) Massie Gap elopement is the perfect inspiration. Their day was simple, beautiful, and true to who they are as a couple. Sarah and Russ were ready to celebrate their love in a way that felt right for them.
We started the afternoon at Massie Gap in Grayson Highlands State Park. Then, we wrapped up the night with a cozy dinner and first dance at their Airbnb, Highland Hideaways’ The Overlook. From start to finish, it was a day filled with laughter, fresh mountain air, and thoughtful personal touches.
Gearing Up for their Massie Gap Elopement
Once we parked at Massie Gap, Sarah and Russ loaded up their backpacks with their wedding attire. Sarah draped her dress right on top of her hiking pack, while Russ tucked away his suit. They hiked together toward the trailhead latrines, which doubled as their “getting ready suite” in true outdoorsy fashion.
Russ stood guard with Sarah’s pack while she went inside to change. When she was finished getting ready, she stepped out of sight and Russ got ready as well. I photographed him slipping on his tie and stormtrooper cufflinks, a little detail that hinted at their shared love of Star Wars. The whole process was refreshingly simple and set the tone for the rest of the day.
Massie Gap Trail First Look
For Sarah and Russ’s first look, we found a walking trail just off the Massie Gap entrance, shaded by trees and close to where they’d gotten ready. Russ stood facing away as Sarah walked up behind him and tapped him on the shoulder. When he turned around, his face lit up. There was that mix of relief, joy, and awe that makes first looks such a favorite moment to document. They laughed, hugged, and soaked in the privacy of the moment before heading up the trail.
Hiking to Ceremony Spot
For Sarah and Russ, hiking isn’t just a pastime—it’s something they love to do together. The short trek to their ceremony spot gave them time to breathe and laugh together. As we moved along the trail, the mountains unfolded around us, each turn revealing another sweeping view. Grayson Highlands always deliver when it comes to dramatic landscapes, but that day felt especially fitting.
Massie Gap Ceremony
At the top of the trail, Sarah and Russ chose a simple spot overlooking the ridgelines. No arches, no decorations, just the two of them framed by the mountains. They exchanged vows and rings in a ceremony that lasted only about fifteen minutes, but carried the weight of the decade they’ve spent together.
It was personal and unhurried, full of small smiles and quiet pauses. Their first kiss as a married couple was cheered on by the wind rushing across the ridge. It’s the kind of ceremony that proves simplicity can be just as moving—sometimes even more—than any scripted tradition.
Golden Hour Portraits
After the ceremony, we stayed near Massie Gap for portraits. The landscape gave us no shortage of backdrops! The wide-open fields, jagged ridges, and soft golden light as the sun started to lower were stunning. Sarah and Russ were naturals in front of the camera, but what made their portraits shine was their comfort with each other. They laughed and leaned into the wind, more focused on each other than on my camera.
Dinner & First Dance at the Airbnb
When the sun dipped behind the mountains, we packed up and made our way back to their Airbnb at Highland Hideaways. The cabin sat glowing warmly against the night sky, waiting to host the final chapter of their wedding day.
Dinner was cozy and relaxed—just the two of them sharing a bench, snacking on grapes, cheese, and charcuterie, and raising wine glasses etched with Star Wars’ most iconic lines: “I love you.” “I know.” Between bites and laughter, it was the perfect mix of romance and fun—exactly their vibe.
After dinner, they stepped outside for their first dance. Under the dark sky, with only the firelight flickering nearby, Sarah and Russ swayed together to You Are In Love (Taylor’s Version) by Taylor Swift. It was intimate, emotional, and the kind of moment that makes you forget anyone else exists.
Sarah and Russ’ Love Story
Sarah and Russ’s story began back in 2012, when they were juniors at James Madison University. Russ noticed Sarah in a history class, decided to sit next to her, and the rest is history. That one small choice turned into something lasting and steady—exactly the kind of love that feels meant to be.
Fast-forward to December 2021, when Russ planned to propose. The original plan was delayed by rain and a change of heart about going to the farmer’s market, but in the end, the moment was perfect. In the middle of downtown, with a friend snapping photos, Russ asked and Sarah said yes. Even though she had a hunch it was coming, the surprise still landed.
Together, their relationship has been shaped by adventure and play: hiking, kayaking, traveling, battling it out in Pokémon or Mario Kart, and spending quiet time at home with their cats, Luke and Leia (yes, another Star Wars nod). Their wedding day reflected all of this—a balance of lighthearted fun and deep love.
Final Thoughts
From the very beginning, Sarah and Russ knew they wanted their Massie Gap elopement to feel true to them—laidback, heartwarming, and beautiful. From slipping on wedding attire at the trailhead latrine to exchanging vows with the mountains as their witnesses, every part of their day was intentional and grounded in what mattered most.
Their story goes all the way back to a JMU classroom in 2012 and, on their wedding day, that steady connection came through in every moment—from their laughter during portraits to the way they swayed together under the stars for their first dance.
Getting to photograph their day wasn’t just about capturing epic mountain views (though those were definitely in abundance). It was about documenting a relationship rooted in love, playfulness, and so many thoughtful personal touches—including stormtrooper cufflinks and wine glasses quoting Leia and Han. I’m so honored I got to be a part of it!
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.
Sarah and Russ’s Massie Gap elopement is proof that your wedding doesn’t have to follow tradition to be meaningful. They leaned into what felt right for them and ended up with a day that was just as fun, heartfelt, and personal as their love story.
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 some ideas:
- FahTesha and Ashton’s Downtown Roanoke Wedding at Century Plaza
- Kaitlin and Rob’s Martinsville, Virginia Elopement
- Melissa and Marshall’s Blue Ridge Mountain Wedding in Virginia
- Christian and Lana’s Liberty Trust Elopement in Roanoke, Virginia
- Elli and Joey’s Timber Hollow Overlook in Shenandoah
Are y’all in need of more planning help? I’ve got ya covered! Check out some of my free elopement planning resources below:
