This was my first Styled shoot that I planned and coordinated myself! Along with some amazing vendors and friends!! We went with a boho, elopement, and rust toned style which I think turned out AMAZING!!
The main goal of this styled shoot was to showcase diversity and inclusivity among our couples! If you don’t already know by now – I am not just a photographer, but I am a Social Worker too! I graduated in May 2020 with my BSW from VCU! One of the most important things I learned is how important representation is. We had four couples, one LGBTQIA couple – Samantha & Brooke, and 3 couples of color. We were originally going to have George Dennehy (@thatarmlessguy) and his wife model for us as well, but unfortunately a Covid scare put them in quarantine.
Kendall from Mahogany Hill Weddings who helped coordinate and decorate for the shoot and I were talking about this as we planned the shoot and I remember her saying that as a person of color herself, she thinks a lot of black brides may be timid to embrace elopements and boho because they don’t feel welcome. That made my heart sink, and also made me even more excited about planning this styled shoot!
We decided to make it elopement themed, not just because of COVID but also because elopements are simply AMAZING! I just absolutely LOVE elopements and the reasons why are 1) elopements allow for more emotion and attention on you and your partner in a deep and intimate setting, 2) elopements allow for total customization and the ability to have your wedding wherever you want, with any décor you want (as long it is allowed at your location) and with the people you want/don’t want to be there, 3) elopements take away stress from planning a big wedding, 4) elopements are an experience not just a wedding! When my husband and I eloped last summer, we chose to elope in San Luis Obispo, CA because I fell in loveee with the gorgeous scenery, and my only wishes were to get married to my best friends in a beautiful location in a beautiful dress and with a photographer to capture it all!
Elopements have stolen my heart and business anouncement – I will be transitioning my business in 2022/2023 to only focus on elopements/small weddings 50 people or less. I started wedding photography in 2017, and have been to weddings of every size – from 2 people to 300 people and while I still love bigger weddings and think they are great, elopements fill my adventure loving, free spirited soul.
Wedding Planner & decor rentals – Kendall with Mahogany Hills Weddings
Jewelry – Blushing Gold Bride, & Independent Youth
Dresses – Revive yo Soul & Eleanor’s Bridal
Flowers – Ariel Lane Designs
Jacket – Weddings by Whim
Hair and Makeup – Nicole Laughlin MUA & Co
Cake – Sliced Cake Bar
Invitation Suite – Rachel Lettering Events
Venue – The Market at Grelen
