Daena and Stephen’s Shenandoah Elopement Story

Dive into the enchanting world of Daena and Stephen’s private elopement in Shenandoah, VA, set against the beauty of Luray Caverns. As your adventure elopement specialist and storyteller, we at EZ Elopements are thrilled to share this captivating journey with you!

A gorgeous couple share a first married kiss in the beauty of Luray Caverns.

A Vegas Encounter and a Love Story Unfolds

Daena and Stephen’s love story began in the dazzling lights of Las Vegas on April 12, 2015. A chance meeting at a hostel led to a night of laughter, a spontaneous drinking game, and an unforgettable stroll down the iconic Vegas strip. With a shared love of whimsy and the sitcom Frasier, they have built a beautiful partnership. Knowing their biggest adventures have been together, they wanted to continue the tradition with an intimate one-of-a-kind way.

Obstacles Lead to New Opportunities

With their elopement in mind, Daena and Stephen initially envisioned a wedding abroad, exploring locations like Iceland and Scotland. However, due to Stephen’s active US Visa, international travels became a challenge. Ready to pivot, we quickly identified that being abroad was not nearly as important as finding a stunning, private location. With some research, Luray Caverns emerged as an amazing contender. After calling in some favors from our industry connections, and a few months of planning, the couple was ready to find wedded bliss in this once in a lifetime location.

A gorgeous bride stands atop the rocks with her bouquet, dress blowing in the wind near Luray Caverns.

Caverns Curiosities: Elopement Day Unveiled

The elopement day unfolded at 1:30 PM with last-minute preparations and a heartwarming first look. Daena, adorned in a stunning white gown and custom converse, and Stephen, dashing in a blue suit, embarked on the 1.6-mile trail hike to a private waterfall. During the hike they paused at a stunning overlook with our photographer, immersing themselves in the beauty for stunning photos. The waterfall served as a picturesque backdrop as they exchanged love letters before a private walk, savoring this moment.

The journey to Luray Caverns posed some challenges, namely the keys of our groom’s rental car ending up locked inside. Luckily, one broken window later, we made it to the caverns where, at 6:00 PM, Daena and Stephen shared a breathtaking ceremony in the subterranean chambers. The caverns provided a magical setting, adorned with an aisle of deep red rose petals and flickering candles. Here, with an hour of privacy in the caverns, Daena and Stephen exchanged vows, cementing their love within the earth.

Returning to the Surface

Newlyweds share an embrace after their special elopement.

Post-ceremony the couple returned to their AirBnB for a romantic picnic against the backdrop of a Shenandoah sunset. The rustic cabin offered a warm setting, while the gorgeous bespoke picnic offered a touch of intimacy to the evening. A perfect setting for reflection and celebration.

Finally, as the sun set, Daena and Stephen’s Shenandoah elopement came to a close. Their journey, starting from a chance encounter in Las Vegas, is a testament to the uniqueness of their love story. To see more of their gorgeous images, head over to their Gallery, or go to our Pinterest page to explore more forest elopement ideas. If their adventure has sparked inspiration for your own elopement dreams, we at EZ Elopements are here to help you turn them into reality. Your extraordinary love story awaits its own magical chapter.