Can you imagine planning to elope to Vegas only to be told your flights are cancelled? I think Elle and Sam are the ONLY ones this happened to during this COVID-19 era. Seriously! They were planning to elope then were forced to stay at home and get married.

There were a couple silver linings to these circumstances though (aren’t there always?!). First, they were able to celebrate with their families. Their “micro-wedding” was filled with family and friends (and less than 10 people, of course!). In order to stack the guest count, one of Elle’s best friends was the officiant! It was so sweet! They were also able to include their sweet Great Pyrenees pups, Zeus and Nina, which was one of the highlights of Elle’s day.

Plus, look at this gorgeous place where they were able to have their wedding celebration! This was my first time shooting at the Clifton Inn even though my childhood home is just five minutes down the road. It is seriously a hidden little piece of paradise in Charlottesville. Caleb and I actually returned a week later for our six-year anniversary for a lovely dinner!

Lastly, they were married on June 4th, which happened to be their TEN-YEAR DATING ANNIVERSARY! I love that they were able to get married on a date that is so significant to them. This seems to be a new trend with couples who have had their wedding plans changed due to COVID-19. It makes for some sentimental weekday weddings and I am here for it! It drizzled just enough to give them some good luck on their wedding day before giving us some nice, even skies for plenty of portraits!

This was my first micro-wedding that I photographed, and I am so thankful that Elle and Sam trusted me with their day. Honestly, I loved the intimacy of the small setting. After their ceremony, we had a toast that celebrated them and then we were able to wander the grounds for portraits while everyone else went and changed into comfier clothes for their small dinner under the gazebo and bistro lights. They enjoyed dinner and drinks with [most] of their closest family and friends and the celebration truly remained about them.

Elle and Sam, thank you! And although the Clifton isn’t Vegas, you guys had a beautiful entry into marriage and I hope that your marriage is equally as beautiful!

Venue | The Clifton Inn – Charlottesville, Virginia
Hair & Makeup | Elizabeth Wilson
Skin & Lashes | Charlottesville Skin & Lash
Florals | The Watering Can