Destrie and Zach met at school in Oklahoma. Destrie shared with me that when she first saw Zach at a bar, she told the friend that she was with “Him - Mine”. They have traveled hundreds of miles together as Zach’s job took him from Oklahoma to Maryland. I can imagine the discussions when deciding whether they would make the move together and see how their relationship would continue to grow. Obviously, they made the right decision and after Zach proposed, they discussed how they wanted to plan their wedding. They quickly realized that a large wedding didn’t fit what they envisioned and started to plan an elopement style ceremony.
Destrie reached out to me in March and shared their plans - an August elopement with just a few friends at one of Western Maryland’s state parks. The focus was on having a fun, heartfelt day and for the portraits to capture their immense love for each other - with all of the laughter, tears of joy and happiness. I was so excited at their plans and the intimacy and joy that I KNEW would be present. We talked about a few of the state parks and I mentioned the Tea Room at Gambrill State Park as being a good option which, after they scoped it out, Destrie and Zach fell in love with - especially as a good option in case of rain! Gambrill is a mountain park that is set on Catoctin Mountain and overlooks Frederick County, MD which was perfect for the natural/bohemian vibe that they wanted.
On August 4th, the sun was filtering through the trees as Zach waited to see Destrie for the first time. The blue and burgundy tones of Zach’s suite and Destrie's flowers were the perfect contrast to the forest greens and sunshine. Zach and Destrie couldn’t stop smiling and laughing together when they saw each-other for the first time, as they exchange their personalized vows, and tied symbolic knots on top of Catoctin Mountain. The happiness was infectious and I’m convinced that the forest was ready to join in!
Photography by Maryland Wedding Photographer Katherine Elizabeth Photography
Venue: Tea Room at Gambrill State Park
Florist: April Reardon - Wildflower Weddings
Hair/Makeup: Jordan Lewis - JKW Beauty
Gown Designer: BHLDN
Jewelry: Tacori