Raphi's Edits

Elopements

A smaller day, told just as fully

I am an elopement photographer in Northern Virginia, and I photograph elopements and intimate weddings across DC, Maryland and Richmond, or wherever the two of you want to say your vows. A smaller day almost never means less, it usually means more room for the moments that matter most.

Noushin and Nathan standing together on the grand staircase, framed by one of Bethesda Terrace's arches
Noushin and Nathan laughing at each other from across the arches of Bethesda Terrace
Noushin and Nathan with foreheads touching in a quiet moment under the arcade
Nathan dipping Noushin for a kiss beneath the ornate stonework of Bethesda Terrace
Nathan twirling Noushin in the Bethesda Terrace arcade
Noushin and Nathan sharing a kiss silhouetted against the bare winter trees
Noushin and Nathan holding hands atop a rock outcrop overlooking the lake, with the skyline behind them
Nathan dipping Noushin for a kiss in the park as evening falls
Noushin and Nathan holding hands in a station corridor, the warm light blurring around them
A long-exposure view of Noushin and Nathan beneath Grand Central Terminal's grand arched windows

How an elopement goes

An elopement moves at your own pace. There is no crowd to manage and no schedule to keep, so we can go wherever the light is beautiful and take our time.

Choosing the place
A courthouse, a church, a park you love, or a city you have always wanted to see. Closer to home that might be the DC monuments early in the morning, the Old Town Alexandria waterfront, a vineyard out in Loudoun or the river in Richmond. We will talk it all through on our planning call and choose the spot and the time of day with the best light.
The vows
Whether it is just the two of you and an officiant or a handful of family and friends, I stay close enough to capture the look on your faces and far enough back to leave the moment yours.
Portraits
With no guest list waiting, portraits can really breathe. We will walk, find a few beautiful spots, and let your day show up in the photos naturally instead of through a list of poses.
Celebrating after
A dinner, a toast, or a walk through the city. If you are celebrating with the people who matter most, I would love to be there for that part too.

Coverage is built around your day, whether that is a short ceremony or the whole day. You can add an engagement session beforehand, or photos of a celebration with family afterward.

Recent elopements

Questions couples ask

What counts as an elopement?

Any wedding that is mostly about the two of you. Some couples bring no one and others bring their closest family, and if your guest list fits around one table, this page is for you. Planning a bigger day? My wedding photography covers the whole celebration.

Does it have to be close to home?

Not at all! Noushin and Nathan spent their day in New York, from the arches of Bethesda Terrace and the paths of Central Park to the main concourse of Grand Central Terminal. If a place matters to the two of you, that is reason enough to go.

Can we add more coverage or a second shooter?

Yes. Coverage can run from a short ceremony to the whole day, and a second shooter can be added if family is joining you.

How long until we get our photos?

Your full gallery is delivered 4 to 8 weeks after your day.

Do you travel?

Yes! I photograph elopements across Northern Virginia, DC, Maryland and Richmond, and I love traveling for destination elopements too. Travel is built into the collection I put together for you.

How do we book?

I send over a contract and a deposit, and once both are in, your date is held. We will have a planning call before the day to settle on the place, the timing and every detail.

Planning something small?

Let's talk