couple laughs and drinks champagne in front of castle during vermont elopement

As a wedding photographer, my job often feels like a fairytale. I get to capture people in their happiest moments, often in some of the most beautiful settings, as they celebrate their union surrounded by love and laughter.

But in the case of Becca and Brendan's elopement, the enchantment was next level.

Every time I look at these photos, I'm reminded of that picture-perfect October day and the hours I spent with this amazing couple. Because it was just the two of them and their lovely officiant, the energy felt soft and intimate—like we were all just old friends hanging out.

Becca and and Brandan Highlight Film

But let's talk about that castle.

The place where Becca and Brendan chose to elope is like an illustration from a storybook. Surrounded by 20 acres of woodland beauty in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom, Gregoire Castle is an honest-to-goodness castle and hands-down one of the coolest locations to take photographs.

With arches at every turn, a breathtaking Romeo-and-Juliet balcony, and one of the most romantic spiral staircases I have ever laid eyes on, spending time in this small (by castle standards) but jaw-dropping venue felt like stepping back in time. I especially loved all the secret nooks and hidden crevices, which were perfect for taking photos!

Some of my favorite shots were taken after dark by the large pond outside on the castle grounds. Both Becca and Brendan carried lanterns down to the water's edge, and the photographs we took are straight out of a medieval fantasy.

Standout moments: Trust in the vision

From the moment Becca and Brendan first contacted me that May, I knew I was going to love this couple. They are so much fun!

They were thrilled to be eloping and had total trust in my vision of how the day would go. Small elopements like theirs are great because you really have a lot of flexibility to make the day everything you envision. We were able to capture on film every beautiful moment, from the first look to those stunning after-dark photos.

The couple was so excited and happy that everything came together. They even invited me and Andy to stay for their private dinner, which felt incredibly special. When the day came to an end and it was time to leave the newlyweds to their castle, it felt like stepping out of a dream to return to the real world.