Last year I shot my first elopement (it’ll be coming to the blog soon), and since then, I’ve photographed a few more. And MAN, do I love photographing elopements! If you’re engaged, you should consider eloping. Read on and I’ll tell you more. 🙂

What I’ve realized about elopements is that you can break so many rules. So many of the rules that lie within the traditions of having a wedding are often times the same rules that bring planning couples to their knees in frustration. They want something that doesn’t require a lot of intense planning (Side note: Not all wedding planning is intense) and something more intimate, more unique, more personal to them might be more fitting. They don’t want all the Pomp and Circumstance and they maybe even want to do it quickly. An elopement is just the ticket!

My most recent elopement might not even be considered an elopement by some. But after some quick research online, small weddings with very few guests that are planned in a short amount of time can in fact be called elopements. And that’s exactly what Ely and Aubrey had. Elyzabeth inquired in early December and was getting married on December 21st. She had a dress, shoes, a bouquet ordered and they were to do it all at Savage River Lodge near Frostburg, MD.

As their photographer, I felt like I could break some of my own rules. The intimacy and uniqueness and overall ease of the day really had me on a photographer’s high. I felt so much creative freedom and was able to produce some of my best documentary work (complemented by my normal photography style) ever, in my opinion. I felt like I had so much creative freedom to sit back, watch things unfold and capture them as they happened. And let me tell you guys, it was AMAZING! 

Jessica Fike Photography: Officially An Elopement Photographer. 🙂

Ely and Aubrey got ready in one of the cabins at Savage River Lodge. Ely’s sister helped her with her makeup and jewelry while Aubrey ran some things down to the lodge and waited for his bride…

This gorgeous spot was just outside their cabin. I just love the height and barrenness of the trees!

A bouquet of greenery and mistletoe to complement the season and allow Ely’s dress to really stand out!

The ceremony took place inside the main lodge area. The fire was burning, the space was quiet…and Ely and Aubrey were made official in less than 10 minutes…

The way she looked at him… 🙂

And the way he smiled at her…

Ely and Aubrey had just seven guests, all of whom were happy to accommodate my need to move about the space. 🙂

One of my favorites from the day…

And another favorite. We had the place to ourselves!

Champagne for two.

Aubrey found these two sticks outside their cabin and knew exactly where he wanted to put them…

Ely and Aubrey’s dinner reception included a first dance, cake, toasts and food…so much of what is part of a traditional, large wedding, just on a smaller, more intimate scale.

Yep, another favorite!

A special thanks to Ely and Aubrey for such a wonderful experience. You two welcomed me with open arms and trusted me from moment one. I so very much enjoyed my time with you and I love what we were able to capture together! And Savage River Lodge, you guys sure do know how to host an elopement! I can’t wait to come back for more. 🙂

P.S. This does not mean that traditional, larger weddings are bad and that I don’t love them anymore. They are absolutely still wonderful ways to get married and I still love them…and all their details and people and Pomp and Circumstance! But elopements have just become a recent, surprisingly big favorite of mine and I don’t plan on removing either from my line-up anytime soon!