ava and bens elopement at grist mill cabin

Last February, I had the privilege of photographing Ava and Bens intimate elopement at the Grist Mill Cabin in Quicksburg, Virginia. I have been reminiscing the day as their anniversary draws near, so here is a detailed recap!

The day started with a cozy breakfast inside the cabin. Ben and Ava had invited Ava's sister and Bens best friend along, so the four of them spent the morning drinking coffee and hanging out. When I arrived, I could tell the vibes were immaculate and that we would all get along wonderfully. Anyone who instantly offers me coffee right off the bat is a great person, in my book!

I was instantly stunned by the sheer creativity and quaintness of the cabin as it is beautifully decorated from ceiling to floor (no joke!) Since there was an abundance of decor all throughout the cabin, I had plenty to work with for detail shots.

Cute hand towels that the cabin had

After breakfast, they then went to separate ends of the house to get ready for their ceremony. Ava with her sister, and Ben with his bestie.

With Ava being a makeup artist and hair stylist, she made herself up beautifully (curling your own hair is no easy task! I was impressed.) After Ava was done getting ready, she took time to write out her vows. Enya was playing in the background creating the most peaceful environment filled with love and contentment.

Ben headed outside just before Ava so that they could have a first look before their ceremony. He waited on the back patio in front of the beautiful red mill wheel as she ascended the back steps towards him. I'll tell you, I never tire of first looks. Every time is so, so special. I have to work hard not to cry so that I can see what I'm taking pictures of.

After their first look, they went straight into their ceremony of exchanging personal vows. This was a tear jerker, also. I'm a sap and I love this job.

We took some formal photos all around the outside of the cabin. Since it was February, there was still a little snow left on the ground and it was a little chilly, but we managed just fine! The property the cabin sits on has a multitude of photo locations, changing up each frame. We enjoyed walking around and seeing what the property had to offer.

Now, Quicksburg isn't too far from Mount Jackson, and Mount Jackson is home to the historic Meems Bottom Bridge, so we traveled there for some more formal photos.

We finished off the day back at the cabin where the newly weds enjoyed a home cooked steak dinner. It was cozy, it was intimate, it was perfect. It was so special for me to document. The Grist Mill Cabin is a hidden gem, it was the perfect setting for Ben and Ava's big day.