Harrisonburg, Virginia: Melrose Caverns | Ellen + Gabe

We love when a wedding day feels just like the couple being celebrated and Ellen and Gabe’s sweet Melrose Caverns wedding in Harrisonburg, Virginia was the sweetest example of that. The venue sat like a stone castle nestled in fields and cow pastures and we found the most delightful nooks and crannies for portraits. You could feel the cold air blowing up from the caverns themselves and the history of the site added a special uniqueness to the day.

Gabe and Ellen chose to forgo the traditional wedding party and instead started their day with simple quiet moments between just the two of them and then celebrated the biggest reunion of dear friends from their days at the University of Virginia. During the reception I caught Ellen standing in the doorway gazing at her friends and family having such a good time together. I remarked that they had the coolest friends and she turned to me with happy tear-filled eyes to agree. Ellen and Gabe have this quiet comfort about them and their love. Their day wasn’t fussy and they weren’t worried about the details- they were just filled with joy at the idea of finally being husband and wife.

This year we’ve been given the gift over and over of couples who don’t feel at all like clients because they welcome us so warmly as friends. Gabe and Ellen are a perfect example of this. As we said our goodbyes we were already brainstorming ways to hang out with them again. Gabe and Ellen, we think you guys are the coolest and we were honored to witness the beginning of your marriage. Enjoy a few of our favorites from your sweet day!

cheers!
b + a

Venue | Melrose Caverns

Catering | Scrumptious Suppers

Wedding Dress | Ellana Couture

Cake | Megan Smith- friend

Shoes | Mod Cloth