Anna and Brandon are both from Charlottesville, Virginia. Brandon is a Virginia Tech grad working in engineering, while Anna, a University of Virginia alum, is exploring opportunities in education. Their little family is complete with Kiko, a lively two-year-old golden retriever.
elopement details:
Season: June
Package: Chateau de Sceaux
Ceremony: Chateau de Sceaux Garden View
Photos: Trocadero, Louvre, Alexandre III bridge
The Weather: A Sunny Day
Anna and Brandon with their dog Kiko
The Highlights
CHASING THE DREAMS TOGETHER
Anna said "I really wanted a beautiful architecture for my wedding. We knew that we wanted to elope, and everyone we know speaks so highly of Paris."
Our challenge was to plan a classic yet modern elopement for Anna and Brandon, combining meaningful traditions in a way that felt truly theirs. Modern elopement with the best, most beautiful traditions.
The couple's story begins here.
Anna didn't want to have a traditional big wedding. She envisioned something more intimate, more personal. Yet, she cherished the beautiful traditions of weddings – the emotional vow exchange, the symbolic first dance, and those small, timeless moments that make weddings so magical.
Anna’s dress is Justin Alexander Signature Charleston style, square neckline with open back and ballgown silhouette.
Anna shared her dress shopping story, saying, "I found my dress online and knew I had to try it on, hoping it would be perfect. Although I didn't have high hopes, to my surprise, I realized that the first dress I tried was, in fact, the one!"
anna'S BRIDAL LOOK
the trocadero photoshoot
Louvre pyramids and gallery, extra purchase, additional locations. Here Tim did his signature panoramic shots to capture the architecture of Paris. For your elopement, do you want to have a photo with both of you with reflections and water at the Louvre?
The Paris photoshoot included stops at Trocadéro, Pont Alexandre III, the Louvre Gallery, and the Louvre Pyramids. At 9:00 AM, the ceremony began at the Château de Sceaux gardens, followed by a portrait shoot at the château. By 10:30 AM, they were driving back to the hotel.
Choosing June for an elopement in Paris means enjoying warm, sunny days, perfect for outdoor ceremonies.
As usual, we took care of everything logistics and driving-related.
To ensure Anna and Brandon had a relaxed and memorable day, Tim handled all the travel details. From their hotel pickup, they could sit back and enjoy without any stress.
the louvre gallery
Louvre gallery, another extra location. A place for candid shots and perfect closeup portraits. And of course, Louvre gallery is a great place for solo shots. Just look how happy and gorgeous Anna and Brandon are!
"Eloping is so fun! It was the best decision we made," Anna said, excited.
Anna and Brandon,
thank you!
Reflecting on Anna and Brandon’s elopement, we can’t help but feel grateful for the opportunity to be part of their unforgettable day. Wishing them a lifetime filled with joy, love, and countless adventures ahead!
Behind the Scenes: From the Team
Thank you, Anna and Brandon, for choosing me to plan and photograph your special day. It was a pleasure to incorporate meaningful traditions, like your first dance and family-inspired ceremony elements.
tim: planning and photography
Anna asked for a pink bouquet, and June is peony season—so pink peonies it was.
Helen: communication and flowers
"We want the most beautiful summer photoshoot," said Anna.
The chateau is surrounded by large gardens designed by André Le Nôtre, the landscape architect of Versailles.
FINAL THOUGHTS
When Anna received her photos, she wrote this sweet message:
Anna decided an updo would be more practical for the longer day. For makeup, she requested a look that was noticeable but not too distracting. She looked absolutely stunning on her wedding day!
Yana: hair and makeup
alexander III bridge
For the photos, Anna sent us these 3 requests:
1. To help with posing since the couple never had any professional photoshoots before;
2. Take a lot of unique and diverse images, try different posing and creative angles;
3. Perfect ceremony shots since the family won't be there.
Tim used multiple lenses and angles, so the photos are not boring. Anna asked for diversity, and we did it all. Photos from up above, photos from far away, candid shots, classic shots, motion and movement.
We invite you to take a look at the gallery and see how we did that. Tim took many diverse photos, some candid and motion included. As well as closer and solo shots and BW creative images.
Eloping and traditional weddings might feel totally different, but a castle elopement mixes the cozy vibe of eloping with the magical, romantic feel of a castle.
The ceremony took place in the gardens of the chateau, a setting that combines greenery and a panoramic castle view. The ceremony was very simple, focusing on the couple.
Anna shared her personal touch to the ceremony, saying, "We want to start our ceremony with a pre-written prayer from my mother, which Brandon will read. We will also incorporate handwritten letters from our friends and family.'"
Castles are associated with history, romance, and fairytales. Some couples choose a castle elopement for the art and unique arhitecture. It's a way to connect with the past while celebrating a future together.
The chateau's old-world charm for the traditional elopement.