The Davis Wedding | Elopement in Richmond, Virginia
Wow, what a year, you guys! What an exciting, crazy, unexpected, and BEAUTIFUL year. I’m not sure I’ve fully wrapped my head around the fact that it’s already the end of December, nor the fact that we’re welcoming a brand new year already. This was by far the busiest year in history for all of us wedding photographers, but I must admit, the time really flew since I was having fun. One of the goals I had set out to accomplish this year was to branch out and document more elopements. When Dian & Eric contacted me about their plans to travel to Richmond for their intimate event, I knew I was the perfect fit for their big day.
I find elopements fascinating since they’re not the typical day that I’m used to. Here’s the scoop behind Eric and Dian’s Elopement Story, in Eric’s own words: “Because of the pandemic, we decided to elope to Big Bear Lake in California on 10/10/2020. It was just us and our two best friends. We wanted to keep everything small, but then we felt bad when everyone wanted to go to our wedding. We originally planned to do a West Coast and East Coast wedding the following Spring, but because of travel restrictions, we had to postpone.”
“So, later that year, we threw a beach wedding and party for all of our friends in Malibu in October of 2021. It was great to get everyone together after living through quarantine for so long. Since half the family is on the East coast we did a family get-together/re-enactment so they could experience a little bit of a wedding as well. Hopefully, if travel remains open in 2022, we’ll have a final big wedding in China for our traveling friends and Dian’s family.”
I’m a firm supporter of those who choose to pave their own wedding-day-way. Especially during such restrictive times, it’s important that we get creative and customize our celebrations in a way that still speaks to our souls. Eric and Dian said their “I do’s” over a romantic dinner in front of their closest east-coast friends and family. Elegant floral arrangements added a pop of color to the classic ivory affair.
My favorite moment of the day was when Dian pulled out a gorgeous long white coat and shyly asked “Do you think I should wear this in some of the photos, or leave it behind?”. My jaw dropped. “Bring. The. Coat,” I said. You guys… she brought that coat and workedddd itttttt. I absolutely love when brides add in an element of their own style.
My favorite details of the day were, by far, Eric & Dian’s wedding rings. Coming from someone who holds a different set of rings in her hand every weekend, these were by far the most unique I’ve seen. My interest was especially perky in regards to Eric’s ring; complete with intricate detailing, bronze accents, and custom engraved coordinates on the inside, I must have spent 15 minutes toying with its beauty through my lens. I mean, if you’re wearing it for the rest of your life, it may as well be stylish AF, amiright?!
A quick Exit Interview with the Groom:
Question: What was it like to work with Ashley Dorton Photography leading up to your wedding day?
Eric’s Answer: Ashley was very communicative and great to work with, using her photo portal all the information needed was easily found in one place.
Question: Tell us about your experience with Ashley Dorton Photography on your wedding day!
Eric’s Answer: Ashley seamlessly guided us through couples pictures integrating the surroundings and made sure to pull family members and incorporate everyone into the shoot. It was a breeze to work with her as she helped pose and organize the photos.
Question: What was it like to work with Ashley Dorton Photography on your wedding day?
Eric’s Answer: Knowing it was a busy time of year, Ashley kept us up to date with when to expect our wedding pictures, and we were so excited when the time came to see them.
Question: What was your favorite highlight/memory from working with Ashley Dorton Photography?
Eric’s Answer: It was cold and windy on our wedding day and Dian’s veil was getting blasted around in the wind, but Ashley took the opportunity to capture some great shots using the wind.
Question: Advice to brides thinking about booking Ashley Dorton Photography for their wedding day?
Eric’s Answer: Make sure to book early and plan ahead, because who knows 2022 might get crazier than what we’ve already experienced (hopefully not).
To Eric and Dian,
Thank you for having me document your special day, East Coast style. You both were incredibly fun and interesting to get to know, and I honestly feel cooler after having met you. Thank you for trusting my vision, for being SO kind, and for bringing those EPIC coats. If only you could have taken me back to the West Coast with you… (by the way, I totally travel and wouldn’t hesitate to jump on a plane to China lol). But seriously, keep me in mind ;).
Cheers to the kind of love that deserves three (maybe four) celebrations!
Xo,
Ashley
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