Virginia Boho Shenandoah Valley Elopement
One day this past February, we loaded up in the car and drove four hours from Virginia Beach to Shenandoah National Park in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. The weather was an absolute dream—70 degrees in February! I mean, CRAZY, right? But that’s just how Virginia weather is. One day it’s freezing, the next, it feels like the middle of spring. We couldn’t have been more excited, anticipating the gorgeous views and crisp mountain air.
But when we arrived at the park entrance, we were greeted with an unexpected surprise: the park was closed due to downed trees from an ice storm. Now, at first, I honestly thought we were being pranked. I mean, the whole park closed because of some trees? There’s no way. But after asking a few more times to double-check, we realized that the closure was real, and we had to quickly change our plans. Should probably mention that this shoot was for fun, not an actual wedding.
At this point, we were all a little bummed, but Trey (the groom) was quick on his feet and did a quick search for a backup location. And just like that, we found a hidden gem tucked away just off the road. Instead of getting to be on top of the mountains like we had originally planned for this Boho elopement, we ended up exploring a beautiful valley, and it was absolutely perfect. The valley turned out to be just as stunning as any mountaintop, with rolling hills and natural beauty that took our breath away.
As we explored this little pocket of beauty, we found trees still holding onto their gorgeous orange and gold leaves, a stunning reminder of fall in the middle of winter. Honestly, I’m still baffled by the warm temperatures and the lingering foliage in February. If you don't believe me, take a look for yourself in the photos below. We quickly dubbed the location the "Enchanted Forest," and it truly felt like a magical place. Everything about the day felt surreal—a winter day that felt like spring with leaves still hanging on the trees. If someone had told me we had entered the Twilight Zone, I would’ve believed them!
Trey and Nicole were truly the best. From the moment we started, they were up for anything, and I couldn’t have asked for a better couple to experience this adventure with. They were ready to roll with whatever came their way, and their excitement and positivity were contagious. I couldn’t help but smile the entire time as we ran around the valley, making memories and capturing beautiful moments. And let me tell you, we definitely had some fun along the way!
At one point, we danced to the "Dirty Dancing" soundtrack in the woods—yes, you read that right. We had the best time dancing around to “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life,” laughing and just enjoying the moment. As if that wasn’t enough, we turned up the Spice Girls and rocked out to “Wannabe” in the middle of the forest, too! It was the kind of day that made me feel so thankful to do what I do—capturing moments of pure joy with people who know how to have fun and enjoy each other’s company.
We wrapped up the session by heading back to a cozy spot for some Mediterranean food and cupcakes. Is there any better way to end a day full of adventure and fun? Seriously, I don’t think it gets better than that. It was the perfect end to a perfect day. From exploring the enchanted valley to dancing in the woods and indulging in some amazing food, it was a day filled with laughter, love, and unforgettable memories.
In the end, I couldn’t have asked for a better elopement session. The location, the couple, the vibe—it all came together perfectly. Despite the weather challenges and the unexpected changes, we made it work and had an incredible time. And if I had to do it all over again, I wouldn’t change a thing. So here’s to more adventures, unexpected twists, and moments that remind us how lucky we are to be living this life!
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