There is something incredibly special about a wedding day that's focused purely on the love between two people—no frills, no fuss, just connection. Kaila and Brandon reminded us of that kind of magic when they chose to elope in the charming town of Clarksville, Virginia. Tucked away at Cooper's Landing Inn & Traveler's Tavern, their micro-wedding was everything intimate weddings should be: meaningful, quiet, romantic, and full of intentional moments.
The Charm of Cooper’s Landing Inn
We arrived that afternoon to a peaceful property bathed in soft, golden light. Cooper's Landing, with its old Southern charm, gorgeous gardens, and cozy corners, was the perfect backdrop. The inn has this inviting warmth, like it’s wrapping you in a soft blanket and telling you to slow down and savor every second. It felt like the venue was made for them.
Getting Ready in the Private Cottage
Kaila and Brandon had a private cottage for the weekend, and it was there that the day began. While they got ready, we got to work capturing every thoughtful detail. The intimacy of getting-ready moments always gets to us—those last quiet moments before "I do."
Brandon's nerves were calm but sweetly visible. He adjusted his suit while gazing in the mirror, probably imagining Kaila walking toward him in just a few short minutes. Meanwhile, Kaila was glowing as she finished getting dressed. The kind of glow that doesn't come from makeup or lighting, but from genuine happiness. She was a vision.
A Heartfelt Ceremony in the Gazebo
When it came time for the ceremony, we stepped into the garden, where the gazebo stood beneath the trees. Just the two of them and the officiant, with the breeze gently moving through the leaves—it was short, heartfelt, and completely them. They exchanged vows in the quietest way, yet it spoke volumes. No guests, no distractions—just love.
Portraits Around the Property
After the ceremony, we wandered the property with them for portraits. This is one of our favorite parts of intimate weddings: time. There's no rush. We explored every beautiful corner of the inn—the wisteria-covered paths, the wooden walls, the soft grass underfoot. They laughed, whispered, held each other close, and danced like no one was watching. Because truly, no one was.
A Wedding Night Boudoir Session
We eventually made our way back to their cottage for something a little more personal—a wedding night boudoir session that felt like a celebration in itself.
The bathtub was a perfect place to hang out with fresh strawberries nearby. Kaila and Brandon relaxed into each other, sharing fruit, soft touches, and sweet glances. These photos weren’t just about beauty—they were about trust, tenderness, and the quiet joy of simply being together. Later, they curled up on the couch, still in their wedding-day glow, wrapped up in each other.
A Glimpse Into Their Love Story
Kaila and Brandon told us some of their favorite memories together, and we could feel the joy in their words. "Visiting Chicago for the first time last year is one of our fondest memories," Kaila shared. "It was a wonderful trip and we found 'our' city." And the proposal? "We were walking our dog, and out of the blue, he drops down onto a knee and proposes. The fact that our dog was present is so important to me." Their love is playful, rooted in friendship, and full of shared experiences. They said it best: "We are the 'best friends' type of couple who spends the majority of our time together, so it is hard to pick out a favorite!"
Why We Love Elopements Like This One
This day, their day, was exactly what it needed to be. A wedding doesn’t have to follow a traditional script to be meaningful. Kaila and Brandon's elopement was proof that less really can be more—more intimacy, more connection, more time to just be with the one you love.
As wedding photographers based in Charlottesville, VA, we feel incredibly honored to be part of these stories. Every elopement, every micro-wedding, every backyard vow exchange reminds us why we love what we do. Capturing love in its truest form is our passion, and we couldn’t be more grateful to Kaila and Brandon for letting us into their beautiful day.
Planning Your Own Micro-Wedding or Elopement?
If you're planning your own micro-wedding or elopement, let Kaila and Brandon’s day inspire you. Whether it's a cozy cottage, a garden gazebo, or a bathtub full of rose petals, your love deserves to be celebrated in a way that feels completely, authentically you.
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