Kayla and Jake wanted a wedding day that reflected their unique love story. They didn’t want a  cookie‑cutter ceremony or the big wedding stress. They wanted something intimate, adventurous, and deeply personal. And their Shenandoah National Park elopement in October was exactly that! As long-time DMV locals with a passion for the mountains, this was the perfect “close‑to‑home” location.

A lot of couples I work with fall into two categories: They always knew they didn’t want a big wedding OR they’ve already had one before and want something more personal the second time around.

Jake and Kayla? A little of both.

Jake had already done the big wedding before. Kayla, on the other hand, never felt comfortable with the whole traditional wedding scene. With a small, close-knit family, the idea of a big production felt forced, like she’d be performing instead of celebrating. So they chose to elope in a way that felt true to both of them, with the full support of their families.

How Jake Proposed to Kayla

As many proposals, this was the perfect mix of surprise and intentionality. Jake proposed during what Kayla thought was a birthday trip for their friend out to Shenandoah for winery hopping. Kayla almost didn’t go, but a few very convincing friends made sure she didn’t miss it.

The big moment happened after having a fun birthday celebration and during the getaway trip at the AirBnB. Jake’s daughter greeted Kayla at the door, then led her to the patio where giant “Will You Marry Me” letters, Jake, and a group of loved ones were waiting. Her mom and best friends flew in to be there for this, how sweet! She was shocked, overwhelmed (in the best way), and completely surrounded by love.

When I asked them in their questionnaire what drew them to each other, their answers were so thoughtful and heartfelt. It’s one of my favorite parts of the elopement planning process—getting to know each couple, their story, their vibe, and what matters most to them. That way, we can create a wedding day that truly reflects who they are. For Kayla and Jake, it was clear from the start: they laugh together, love adventure, and crave both cozy and celebratory moments, so we wove all of that into their day.

A Relaxed Morning at the Airbnb

Their day started slow and sweet at their Airbnb just outside the park. They hung out together, made breakfast, played music, and enjoyed the quiet morning. When I arrived, I started with photographing all their personal, intentional details. They truly put so much love and thought into those!

Elopement Detail Ideas to Make Your Day Personal

They chose custom-designed stationery (complete with a fun floral pattern on the back!), custom vow books, a Lord of the Rings-themed tie clip (YES!), and even a watch Kayla had engraved for Jake. These little details matter. They tell your story just as much as the big moments.

Want ideas for meaningful elopement details? Here are a few to consider:

• Custom stationery or elopement announcements
• Personalized vow books
• Your rings + a ring box in your wedding colors
• Heirloom accessories (pearls, bridal jewelry)
• Tie clips, cufflinks, watches, or custom hangers
• Shoes (yes, they deserve a photo!)
• Perfume/cologne
• A wedding sign, postcards from your location…
•  Even a cake topper can hold meaning just like theirs did!
  

A Quick Engagement Photo Session Ahead of Their October Shenandoah National Park Elopement

After hair and makeup, Kayla and Jake changed into cute outfits for a few quick “engagement-style” photos in the yard, since they never had official engagement photos before. It was lightly sprinkling, so we busted out my clear umbrellas and got cozy. I am obsessed with how her green dress looked against the autumn foliage!

Pro tip: if you want full engagement coverage, it is best if you book that separately. And while I normally don’t do this, I was happy to do this for the couple. However, you should always ask your photographer what their packages look like and how they work!

Getting Ready and a Sweet First Look

Then came the official getting ready moments. They took turns in the master bedroom while I captured each of them in their final touches. The anticipation built, and when it came time for their first look in the living room, Jake’s reaction said it all.

Cake, Charcuterie, and Beautiful Table Styling

After soaking in that moment together, they shared a charcuterie board (yes, please!) and cut their wedding cake. Kayla styled the table so beautifully! 

I usually recommend doing something special, like cake, at the Airbnb before we head into the park, unless we specifically plan to come back to the Airbnb at the end of the day. Sometimes that works out because couples do dinner with guests or want photos of everyone hanging out at the end of the night. However, at other times, we plan to end photography coverage in the park, so returning to the Airbnb isn’t feasible, hence, doing the cake cutting at the beginning of the day works really well. 




Scenic Overlooks and Moody Vibes at Shenandoah National Park in October

We packed up and made our way into Shenandoah National Park to explore a few scenic overlooks. It was a stunning October day with crisp air, colorful leaves, and just the right amount of moody clouds. 

Kayla made her bouquet herself, and it looked amazing in the soft light and fog. Shenandoah’s stone walls are iconic! You’ll often see me have couples stand or sit on them to get those dreamy, layered mountain shots.

Kayla also brought a custom black leather jacket with “Happily ever after” painted on the back (florals in her wedding colors included). It was such a fun, personal touch, and a perfect layer for the cooler weather.

Pro tip: Fall weekends in Shenandoah can get crowded, so choosing a weekday is key in October, as the high number of tourists on weekends during this season can make it challenging to find a nice, private spot.

Hiking to Stony Man for Private Vows

Next, we headed to the Stony Man trailhead. Jake helped Kayla swap her wedding boots for hiking shoes (such a cute photo moment!), and we made our way up through golden leaves and misty trees.

At the summit, they shared private vows—just the two of them, no officiant, no distractions. I always step back to let couples have that space while capturing it from afar. They’d chosen to legally do the paperwork at home so their mountaintop ceremony could be fully intimate and symbolic.

A Private First Dance and Blue Hour Photos

And then… their first dance. It looked so ethereal with the mist rolling in and those golden leaves in the backdrop. They played their song from a phone speaker and danced like no one was watching. It was absolutely amazing!

As the day wound down, we took a few final photos at a second overlook near Stony Man during the blue hour. Kayla wrapped her bouquet in fairy lights, and we captured rich, moody portraits with soft glows and twilight skies. It was a beautiful, intentional close to their adventure-filled elopement day.

Ready to Plan Your Elopement in Shenandoah National Park in October?

Kayla and Jake’s elopement was proof that your day can be whatever you want it to be. Want to slow down and make coffee together in the morning? Do it. Want to hike up a mountain in a sparkly jacket and boots? Yes. Want to cut the cake before your vows? Absolutely.

I’m here for the couples who crave personal connection, intentional experiences, and finding adventure wherever they can. If this sounds like you, whether you’re eloping in Shenandoah National Park, Washington, DC, or anywhere else on the East Coast, I’ll be there to support you on your adventure and cheer you on! 

You can inquire with me here to get started planning your elopement together. Let’s chat about how we can make your elopement day feel exactly like you. I look forward to connecting with you!

Kayla & Jake’s Shenandoah National Park Elopement Vendors

Hair & Makeup – Brides by Briana 

Floral Hair Piece – Etsy 

Matisse Women’s Nashville Rhinestone Western Boots – Bootbarn 

Black Tux – Purchased from Kohl’s 

Elopement Stationery – Zazzle