I am a Virginia elopement and small intimate wedding photographer who specializes in capturing fun, authentic, candid shots by using a series of prompts to help you interact naturally with each other and forget there is a camera in your face, giving you the space to show up authentically as you are! Helping you to look and feel wild and free on your special day and really revel in those pockets of special moments.
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Virginia Elopement Photographer
Speacializing in findind easy access locations for those who don't want to hike!
so happy you're here
“Elopements aren’t just captured here—they’re thoughtfully created.”
So you love the idea of a nature elopement but don't want to hike on your elopement day?
Have no fear. I have thousands of locations that are easy access including just a short walk from the car that are just as beautiful as if you hiked 10 miles up the side of a mountain.
Easy access Elopements
I know not everyone likes hiking and some are not physically able. As I was an avid hiker I got to explore every cranny and nook of Virginia and the surrounding areas. I was diagnosed with Intersitiail Lung Disease in 2024 and put on oxygen when I am moving. This made it hard for me to hike and I know there are so many others out there like me who either can't or just don't want to do the hike. I found so many locations along my journeys that are easy access and have epic backgrounds. I am so excited to be able to offer these unique lopcations to you. Some I have found by just driving around and seeing a pretty spot and tracking down who owns the land to ask permission to shoot on it. I have a very extensive list of locations that include; trees, mountains, rivers, creeks, waterfalls and so much more.
"You are my heart, my life, my one and only thought". —Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
“Once again, Janel has exceeded our expectations. Right from the get-go, she's excellent at communication and keeping us up to date with everything, made sure to get to the location early to help us find our way, such a sweetheart throughout the entire shoot and so much fun to be around, and really allowed us to be ourselves throughout the experience. The location she chose was beyond perfect, and her staging choices for the photos were perfect. All the photos look amazing and her turnaround time went by in a flash. “
Testomonial
-Claire Webber
I m obsessed with elopements! There is just something about forsaking tradition and taking the road less traveled to forge your own path.
Being surrounded by nature and frolicking in the wild while living out your greatest love story is just the best time spent ever.
I love planning events almost as much as that. It really just fills my cup. I will be for you so much more than just the crazy lady taking your wedding pictures.
I will be your personal assistant, planner, cheerleader, therapist, travel advisor, elopement planner, hiking/trail guide, expedition leader, and so much more than just your expert photographer.
I cannot wait to help you plan the most epic, unique, personalized elopement you could ever dream of.
I'm Janel
Hey Ya'll
we're ready to book!
Elopement vs. Wedding
so you aren't sure whether you want to have an elopement or a wedding and what the difference is between the two?
I am going to break it all down for you here so you can decide which is the best option for you. We will go over all the differences, likeness, and everything in between until you are ready to make an informed decision about your own special day!
Photographer
Travel Guide
Elopement Planner
Best Friend
Jaci DeHart
“The entire process was great. The communication was quick and all of the technology was user-friendly.
Still have reservations about whether I could be the right photographer for you?
I am so very excited that you are here looking over my website deciding if I am the right photographer for you. Choosing a photographer is like finding the perfect little black cocktail dress. It might take some shopping around but once you find the right fit you know it immediately. The process should be fun and exciting for you. It should feel like making a new friend. Your photographer will be with you through the most important moments of your life, you should love their style and feel connected to them. I hope that I can be the right fit for you. I want to show up for you, support you, help you capture your vision, or come up with one if you don't have one. I want to make you feel like a FREAKING ROCKSTAR! I want to capture the love you share, intimate moments, shared looks, and loving touches.
[“The myth/objection/misconception that’s on your dream clients mind” - in their own words]
If you dream clients have a common misconception that they believe that holds them back from understanding the value of your offer, or a common fear/worry, dispel this myth right away, reassure them. This could also be a space to continue to highlight your differentiators and spell out exactly what makes you different from your competitors (i.e. the “myth” or “objection” could be something that most other photographers do/require/say that you don’t agree with).
Make sure this is 100% unique, very personal, “on brand”, and speaking directly to a specific couple—focusing on excitement, emotions, and desires.
ADVENTUROUS. EXCITING. UNIQUE. PLAYFUL.
WHIMISCAL. ROMANTIC. INTIMATE. CAPTIVATING
A Meaningful Experience
I like to take a laid-back approach to photography, because really who wants to voluntarily put themselves into an awkward situation? I usually start with some ice breaker games to put you at ease, these are super fun! Then I give a series of simple prompts to encourage natural movement and interaction, all while directing you. This eliminates the whole "what do I do with my hands" question. Leaving you confident and secure with no fear about whether you are doing it right. Most guys hate getting pictures done for this exact reason but, 9 times out of 10 the guys always leave saying that was actually fun. Click below to read more about the experience you will have while doing a photoshoot with me!
Learn More
This guide will truly help you all the decisions that you will have to make along this journey and open your eyes to some possibilities you may not have known even existed.
With the elopement Guide
your Day
Plan
Free download here
Elopement vs. wedding
With Love, Janel
Free Resources
Free 'Camera Confidence' Guide
How to elope in virginia
Engagement Sessions
Read The Blog
Elopement guide
ALTR: A Wedding Industry Summit
The Gram
that will last a lifetime
It's about raw emotions, natural connections, having fun and creating memories
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