Alexis and Wesley’s Intimate Sunrise Elopement in Old Town Alexandria

Alexis & Wesley, beaming and pregnant with their first child, were so excited to have a small, simple civil ceremony in Old Town Alexandria. We started the morning with their portraits right out the gate. They were dressed and ready to roll at sunrise, with a beautiful bouquet and boutonniere from Wegmans to top off their bridal/groom attire. We spent just under two hours shooting so many portraits!

Can you imagine? Two hours of portraits on your wedding day!! It was a dream, and they got SO MANY photos out of it. That is unheard of on a usual wedding day, where I’m lucky if I get 40 minutes of dedicated portrait time with the bride and groom.

Alexis looked beautiful in her white Lulus midi-length dress. And Wesley wore a black suit to top off the simple yet classic look. Alexis also wore a pearl pin from her Nana, pearl earrings, and a sparkling necklace. Her details were just gorgeous and so bridal.

As we moved around the park, we eventually came to a quaint residential courtyard. We walked in, and Wesley lit up with excitement. There, in the middle of the courtyard, was the grandest magnolia tree you’ve ever seen. Wes is from Mississippi, and he taught us that the magnolia is the state tree. So of course we had to get portraits with this piece of “home.”

Then, it was off to the ceremony to get these two married! We met with their immediate family members at Carlyle House. Once the officiant ran them through the flow of the ceremony, I set them up against the gazebo for a beautiful, glowy backdrop. As they said their vows, I just beamed. I can’t believe still that I get to do this for a living. Watching two souls make such meaningful, lifelong commitments to start a family together… it’s so beautiful.

Their Old Town Alexandria elopement ended with a few final “Just Married” portraits and photos with family. This intimate elopement was as full of love and joy as any elaborate wedding day.