One afternoon while driving around Hawaii on vacation, my friend Savannah texts me to ask if I was available in two weeks to photograph her friend’s intimate elopement in Virginia. “I think I am but hold on–let me check my Calendar to make sure.” Sure enough, I was available! It had been over a year since I had seen her in person, so I was doubly excited to not only photograph a wedding but to see her again once I got back home!

How We Met

Danielle and Esar hired me on the spot the day I confirmed, and honestly I don’t think I could have met a better couple to wholeheartedly trust me to photograph their wedding day with less than three weeks’ notice! Meeting them in person felt natural and like I was reconnecting with old friends. Danielle and Esar originally planned on getting married July 2, 2022 and having a full wedding with all of their friends and family. In the middle of planning, they realized they just wanted to get married and enjoy being husband and wife! After the last year of craziness, who can blame them?! They planned an intimate elopement at Ballenger Farm along the Virginia countryside.

The Big Day

I arrived at Ballenger Farm on a bright and sunny afternoon. Warm Spring weather greeted us for the outdoor ceremony and anyone who knows a Virginia Spring knows this is a blessing! Their immediate families and two best friends joined together for a total of nine in attendance (not counting the chickens, goats, ducks, bunnies, and cats roaming the property). The rest joined in remotely over Zoom. After a father-daughter first look, a brief ceremony, family portraits and some bride & groom portraits, everyone gathered together over an intimate dinner in the farmhouse. Congratulations to the new Mr. and Mrs. Mlika! I hope married life is just as joyful as you two are!!

VENDOR TEAM

Venue | The Ballenger Farm

Photography | Lauren Dieckhaus

Bridal Dress | Jesus Piero from Your Dream Bridal

Groom’s Tux | The Black Tux

Hair & Makeup | Nicole of DC Bridal Hair and Makeup

Florals | Lace & Ivory Floral Design

Catering | Magnolias at the Mill

Cake | La Madeleine Bakery

Officiant | Joy Andreasen of Whispers of Joy