Gosh… I have SUCH a special job! Michelle and Ryan are married, and I got to document their day for them AND for their family and friends who were all at home! The pandemic has done a serious number on wedding plans this year, but it is always so encouraging to me when couples make incredibly challenging decisions to keep their friends and family members safest. That’s just what these two did! They were originally supposed to tie the knot on Saturday in ARUBA, but in an effort to keep their family and friends safest, these two decided to postpone their destination wedding a year while saying I Do, just the two of them, on their original wedding date! I can only imagine how much of a bummer it was to make that call, BUT by the time their day came around, you could tell that the only thing these two had on their minds was their EXCITEMENT to officially be husband and wife.
These two actually met while working for Hyatt in VA! Their first year+ was actually long-distance, with Michelle in Virginia, and Ryan in Orlando. Soon though, Ryan moved back to DC… and later, he asked Michelle to be his wife in PARIS! She was there for work, and he came for a visit towards the end of her trip. He got down on one knee at the Trocadero, right in front of the Eiffel Tower! Though they had talked about getting engaged that year, Michelle didn’t think Ryan had the ring or asked her parents already. She was SO surprised!
Fast forward to their wedding day, and though Leesburg is nowhere close to Aruba, their smiles said it all! These two were SO excited to be married— it didn’t matter where it happened. With their closest family members tuning in on Zoom, and just me and their officiant as in-person witnesses, these two said their vows, exchanged rings, and OFFICIALLY became husband and wife! Following their ceremony, we got to explore so much of downtown Leesburg! I’ve been to Birkby House a few times but never got to explore the streets surrounding the venue! Michelle and Ryan had explored town on foot a few times before and worked SO hard to find a few amazing spots for us to visit. We had so much fun touring and finding cute spots to tuck away for portraits!
I cannot WAIT for you to see more from their gorgeous, intimate elopement!
Getting everything ready for the people at home! 
I saw so many happy faces on this laptop screen! Michelle and Ryan… you two are so loved!
MARRIED! 
Saying hi to their sweet families! 
And now time for some gorgeous portraits!!
Michelle… you make one STUNNING bride! 
We wrapped up our time together, as these two opened cards from each other! This was such a sweet moment! 
Congrats, you two! It was such an honor to document this day in your love story!
A special thank you to those that made their day so magical:
Ceremony Location: Birkby House | Officiant: Diane Stanley | Bridal Dress: Lilly Pulitzer | Floral Design: Conklyns Florist | Makeup: Chloe’s Beauty Studio
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