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adventure fuji x intimate wedding Virginia

Dustyn and Mariama – Sunrise Wedding – Grayson Highlands

bride and groom kiss at sunrise wedding in Grayson Highlands - natural edit - fall foliage

Dustyn and Mariama were married atop a grassy knoll, surrounded by a grand dawn landscape, speckled with meadows, fall foliage and rock outcroppings. The views were absolutely legendary. We didn’t see any ponies. Maybe the ponies don’t like cold wind or maybe they’re afraid of weddings. It could be either or neither or both. I’m no pony expert.

massie gap parking
bride and groom at massie gap parking lit by flashlight
silhouettes of wedding guests hiking to sunrise wedding in Grayson Highlands

The day before, they had pre-staged everything at a top-secret location roughly one mile up the trail to Mount Rogers. We all hiked in in the dark. The old alpine start!

An aside about hiking boots…and if you know me at all, you already know this. If you don’t know me, let me fill you in…I’m at home when I’m in my boots.

bride enjoys the sunrise at adventure wedding in Grayson Highlands - natural edit
silhouettes of bride and groom climbing on rocks at sunrise in the Grayson highlands
black and white photograph of wind blowing brides dress at sunrise
silhouette of bride and groom climbing on rocks in hiking boots
wedding rings tattoo
couple kiss on top of mountain at sunrise wedding in Grayson Highlands - natural edit - fall foliage
bride and groom walking through meadow at sunrise wedding in Grayson Highlands - natural edit - fall foliage

Dustyn and Mariama’s ceremony has been described by many, myself included, as quaker-style. “We keep hearing that from everyone. Quaker style.” replied Mariama, shrugging off the fact that they unintentionally planned a psuedo-quaker ceremony. I guess that’s just how cool they are. The quaker ceremony is a wonderfully relaxing alternative to the stiff and repetitive way of getting married. I won’t go into depth on the topic here, but definitely look it up if you’re seeking a no-frills, yet still very meaningful event.

sunlight hitting top of mountain in Grayson highlands illuminating trees with fall foliage
guests hiking in to sunrise wedding in Grayson Highlands - natural edit
sunrise wedding gathering in the Grayson Highlands Virginia
bride and groom play guitar and sing at sunrise wedding in Grayson Highlands - natural edit
sunrise wedding in Grayson Highlands - natural edit - large vista backdrop with fall foliage
wedding guest speaking about bride and groom at sunrise wedding - documentary style photography
a hiker along the trail at sunrise wedding in the Grayson Highlands, Virginia
panorama of bride and groom climb on rocks in the Grayson Highlands of Virginia with blue sky
bride and groom looking at vista in the Grayson highlands
bride and groom in serious pose - sunrise wedding in Grayson Highlands - natural edit
mountain laurel in Grayson highlands
bride and groom standing on rock at sunrise wedding in Grayson Highlands - natural edit

The Grayson Highlands and a Quaker Ceremony at sunrise: 10/10 would highly recommend. Congrats to Dustyn and Mariama!

Categories
Engagement Weddings

josh and ellie – forest engagement

creek walk engagement session on vsco film and kodak tri-x

"Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine." – Anthony J. D’Angelo

creek walk engagement session on vsco film and kodak tri-x
creek walk engagement session on vsco film and kodak tri-x

creek walk engagement session on vsco film and kodak tri-x

creek walk engagement session on vsco film and kodak tri-x

creek walk engagement session on vsco film and kodak tri-x
creek walk engagement session on vsco film and kodak tri-x
creek walk engagement session on vsco film and kodak tri-x
creek walk engagement session on vsco film and kodak tri-x

creek walk engagement session on vsco film and kodak tri-x

creek walk engagement session on vsco film and kodak tri-x