Old Town Elopement   |   Alison & Luis   |   Alexandria, Virginia

 

Old Town Winter Elopement –

I now understand why so many photographers love to shoot elopements.

There is a calmness to an elopement that you do not get with a large-scale wedding. They are so intimate – just you, the couple and the officiant. You have no structured timeline and every detail of the day is totally catered to the wants of the couple.

Alison and Luis found me through the Seven Oaks Lavender Farm website last year. They were looking for a natural light portrait photographer for their upcoming winter elopement and really liked my style and use of candid images. We met in Old Town Alexandria over lemon tarts and tea at la Madeleine one chilly winter evening and they told me all about what they had in mind for their wedding day.

With both of their families living far away, planning a wedding was hard. Rather than force one or both parties to travel, they decided to have their ceremony in town, just the two of them, and have out-of-town celebrations later with family.

You never know what February is going to bring weather-wise. We had grey skies and blustery temps that felt like snow, but we lucked out with no precipitation. Alison was prepared for the temperature with her elegant emerald dress and long white shaw. She was even wearing brown combat boots underneath, but you couldn’t see them except for in one photo! 🙂

The ceremony was held in Founders Park at the edge of the main streets in Old Town. They said their vows in English and Spanish to tie Luis’s heritage into the ceremony. Alison’s had heirloom pearls hanging from her neck and held a homemade bouquet (Trader Joe’s florals for the win!!!). The bouquet was dotted with pussy willow that paid tribute to her late high school friend.

After the ceremony, we spent a relaxing evening together walking the streets of Old Town. Their ring details are some of my all-time favorites. And I always love portraits in the infamous bricked alleyway 🙂 The two ended their evening with a romantic dinner downtown.

Congratulations Alison and Luis! I’m so glad I got to know you through this process, and wish you both the best in the years to come!