Gorgeous and romantic, as a wedding day was meant to be.

There’s something charming about eloping with the person that means the world to you. It’s intimate. It gives leeway for a quintessential fairytale experience where you let your emotions flow, unhinged. You get to spend your most important day with your heart constantly synched to your betrothed—as it should.

This was the experience at Friends Meeting of Washington on September 1, 2021, when Diamond Thompson and Ben Smith exchanged their vows.

A Perfect Elopement for the Sweet Couple

Eloping has a nice ring to it.

The beauty of an elopement is the intimacy of celebrating your love story. But as Diamond and Ben proved, this does not mean you entirely forego the traditional elements of formal weddings. You can still celebrate the day with your loved ones; you can still walk down the aisle and, of course, cut a yummy cake.

Notice the matching floral print?.  “Details make perfection, and perfection is not a detail.”—Leonardo Da Vinci

A wedding is just as much a momentous, emotional occasion for the parents as it is for the couple.

Don’t forget the dessert.

Some bubbly to celebrate.

The venue offered a charming setting and backdrop oozing with personal and romantic moments. The vibe was one that we could all understand in our hearts. It was love—and the ceremony overflowed with it.

Eye Contact, How Souls Catch on Fire

Catching a glimpse of his Diamond (pun intended). They say the eyes are the window to the soul, the place where true love sparks from.

Someone’s got all the heart eyes for her husband

This image captures every emotion burning on that day. “Anyone can look at others’ eyes, but Lovers can see into each others’ souls through the eyes.”—Larry Latta

All Cameras on the Gorgeous Bride

Who says you can’t wear a traditional wedding during an elopement? I had a great time capturing this timeless and slinky dress Diamond owned like a fairytale princess. Snow White would be oh-so-delighted.

The dress simply looked divine with the complementary headdress.

The epitome of an effortlessly chic elopement dress.

Preserve the Moments and Memories

Elopements are intimate, which is why it’s important that you hire a professional wedding photographer to capture all the in-between moments. Documenting your day immortalizes the treasured memories—and you’ll likely come to cherish the details captured when you look back at how lovingly you looked at each other on the big day.

Congratulations, Mr & Mrs. Smith!