Intimate Elopement at Piedmont Park – Gretchen and Alejandro

Faux newspaper surrounded by wedding rings, jewelry, perfume, bridal shoes, and vow notebooks.

First I want to talk about how Gretchen and I met, because it was a REALLY cool coincidence. OK – so Gretchen asked for wedding photographer recommendations on a Facebook group, and many of my friends and past clients referred and tagged me (you guys are the SWEETEST!). Gretchen looked over my style, the fact that I’m a film photographer, and ultimately really loved my work. She didn’t end up reaching out until one of my viral TikToks popped up on her For You page and she recognized me, commenting “Would it be crazy if I hired you as our wedding photographer??”!

When she finally reached out through my website, we automatically clicked over her elopement plans at Piedmont park in the wedding pavilion and her reception at Eclipse di Luna – a really cool salsa bar and restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia. Gretchen really wanted a day that was captured very organically and very in the moment. The imagery had to be intentional. She wanted a documentary style without a ton of posed photos, and she was adamant about a gallery without repetitive images. To her point, she said, “If there’s a really, really special moment, I want the one image that captures it and I don’t want to see the rest.” I LOVE when I can provide a bride exactly what she expects in her final gallery – it is so awesome and so rewarding as a photographer.

The day began at an Airbnb where Gretchen got ready with her family; it was only her, her daughter, and her mother. Gretchen was truly a classic bride, with a gorgeous pearl covered, off the shoulder gown and a cathedral length train and blusher (that veil was STUNNING and such a massive statement piece in her photos!! We had so much fun playing with the length and texture, and Gretchen didn’t want to take it off!).

In black and white of mother of the bride buttoning off the shoulder bridal gown.

In black and white of bride staring over shoulder into mirror while mother of the bride buttons gown.

Groom in a black and white tuxedo staring over his shoulder on a porch.

Bride in bridal gown and veil smiling and laughing in a green colored room.

In black and white of bride spraying perfume onto wrist.

The intimate ceremony – there were twenty guests total, all family and two friends – took place in Piedmont Park in Atlanta, Georgia. Alejandro and Gretchen love Piedmont Park because it is “their place”: where they had their first kiss, their first date, and now finally saying “I Do.” As Alejandro described, “I feel like Piedmont Park is our place and everyone else is just allowed to be here.” Alejandro’s brother officiated the ceremony, and the couple shared deeply personal vows to each other at the place they always frequent when they want to be intentional with one another. After the ceremony they cemented their place in Piedmont Park with a lock on the bridge leading to the wedding chapel.

While their family and friends headed to Eclipse di Luna for the reception, the bride and groom stayed back with me in the park to take their portraits. Funny story – while it was supposed to rain, it ended up being the most perfect day. Gretchen – who actually loves the rain – wouldn’t have been upset in the slightest in a downpour, feeling as though it would have been just the perfect touch to her and Alejandro’s wedding day. Because of the potential weather, Piedmont Park was completely empty and we were able to walk around the park to all the best photo locations.

Gretchen and Alejandro absolutely killed their portraits – it was honestly like working with models! Their candid moments shine with how happy they are to finally be married and just be together.

Father of the bride walks bride towards pavilion in Piedmont Park.

Family and friends gathered for ceremony under pavilion in Piedmont Park.

Bride and groom with hands clasped together in prayer.

In black and white of bride and groom clasping hands at the alter while veil blows in the wind.

In black and white of bride and groom walking hand in hand down a lock filled bridge.

In black and white of bride and groom smiling and walking together in Piedmont Park.

Bride and groom kissing while bride hides faces with white roses.

Bride and groom seated, kissing under the pavilion while bride covers faces with white roses.

Bride and groom holding a gold heart shaped lock with their names and wedding date engraved.

Gold, heart shaped lock locked on bridge in Piedmont Park.

Bride and groom sharing a kiss in Piedmont Park.

In black and white of bride and groom standing in Piedmont Park with city skyline in the background.

Bride and groom standing with foreheads touching in Piedmont Park with city skyline in the background.

In black and white of groom carrying bride towards a wooden dock while veil blows.

Groom helping bride down stairs towards wooden dock in Piedmont Park.

In black and white of groom kissing bride while cupping chin.

Bride and groom standing on a dock in Piedmont Park embracing and kissing.

Groom caressing bride's arm underneath off the shoulder bridal gown strap.

Groom and bride touching foreheads while groom caresses bride's shoulder.

Bride and groom clasping hands and running in Piedmont Park with city skyline in the background.

Groom smiles at bride while bride gazes outwards underneath blusher veil.

There were two photographs that Gretchen was adamant about having in her gallery: her peeking out the sunroof of their getaway car, and steamy elevator photos at their hotel. We took a quick detour to capture these super fun moments:

Bride peeking out of sunroof of the "Just Married" getaway car.

In black and white of bride and groom kissing in an elevator.

In black and white of bride and groom kissing in an elevator while the doors close.

The reception at Eclipse di Luna was just as intimate as their wedding. One of the best parts about Gretchen and Alejandro’s reception was how genuinely loving their family is towards one another; there were many moments shedding tears of joy and thankfulness. It was also so sweet seeing Gretchen and Alejandro with their daughter, incorporating their parental relationship alongside this romantic day. The cake cutting had these bright red curtains in the background, giving the moment a very old-timey, vintage photobooth vibe. Probably one of the most fun cake cuttings I’ve done! Afterwards the dance floor opened up, and the couple got to have their first (salsa!) dance as husband and wife.

Gretchen and Alejandro had an incredible wedding day that I’ll absolutely never forget, which makes me want to do more elopements in the future. The moments you have with your couple in an intimate wedding are so intentional and engaged, and I’m able to get to know more of the story behind your love and the family supporting you. Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Ortiz – I’m wishing them many, many years of happiness in their marriage!!!!