West Virginia, USA
Blue Ridge Mountains
Mariam & Chris ↓
Event Design & Planning: Vida Events Venue: Blossom Ridge Farm / Mayhurst Estate / Water Perry Farm Beauty: Amanda Fiorita / Affan Graber Malik DJ & Lighting: Romin Zandi Florals: Tupelo Floral Catering: Heirloom DC Video: RI Film/Super8: Laura Dillon Rogers
Almost Heaven — A West Virginia Destination Wedding with Mariam & Chris
From the rolling hills of West Virginia to the peaceful gardens of Waterperry Farm, Mariam and Chris’s wedding was a beautifully relaxed celebration filled with joy, connection, and timeless moments. I first met this couple in Paris two years earlier, and returning to document this next chapter in their story was an absolute privilege.
A Gentle Beginning — Pre-Wedding Photos in West Virginia
The weekend began in the quiet elegance of Waterperry Farm, where Mariam and Chris shared a calm pre-wedding session surrounded by blooming gardens and tall grasses. The light was soft and the mood effortless — a perfect way to ease into the festivities and capture authentic, unhurried moments before the wedding day.
Historic Charm — Getting Ready at Mayhurst Estate
On the morning of the wedding, preparations took place at the historic Mayhurst Estate. With its old-world character and warm, romantic atmosphere, the estate set a poetic tone for the day. Every detail of the getting-ready moments reflected the couple’s genuine connection and anticipation.
A Natural Ceremony — Blossom Ridge Farm
The ceremony was held at Blossom Ridge Farm, an open-air venue framed by West Virginia’s scenic landscapes. Surrounded by nature, family, and close friends, Mariam and Chris exchanged heartfelt vows in a setting that felt both meaningful and serene. The scene was timeless — laughter, happy tears, and genuine emotion woven into every frame.
An Evening Under the Stars
As the sun dipped low, the celebration moved into an evening of dancing, laughter, and shared joy beneath the sky. With warm light fading into stars overhead, the reception captured the relaxed elegance of the day — a reflection of the couple’s personality and the deep connection they share.
A Destination Wedding That Began in Paris
Although I’m based in Europe, this wedding felt especially meaningful. I first met Mariam and Chris in Paris for their engagement shoot, where we spent time walking the city and creating relaxed, natural portraits ahead of their wedding.
That initial session laid the foundation for everything that followed — trust, ease, and a shared visual language. When the time came to travel to the United States to photograph their destination wedding in West Virginia, it felt like a continuation of an already familiar story rather than a beginning.
Working this way allows destination weddings to unfold naturally, even across continents. Whether photographing in Europe or travelling abroad, the approach remains the same: calm, unobtrusive, and focused on genuine connection rather than performance.