I have a confession to make: even though I'm a wedding photographer, fully immersed in an industry that thrives on making one's wedding day perfect and beautiful- sometimes overwhelmingly so- I often wish I'd eloped myself. There's just something infinitely romantic and honest about stripping all the wedding stuff away and getting back to basics- because it starts and ends with love.

Jessica and Matt eloped in Atlanta a few weeks ago with only their immediate families present, and all afternoon, I marveled at how peaceful everything felt. There was no need for rushing around, no dramatic cake debacles or favor mishaps or timelines to worry about. Their mothers arranged some lovely flowers (and giggled together over cocktails later, which charmed me immensely). They sat and visited with their loved ones. They were able to breathe. It was the best of both worlds, really: they were able to elope, keeping the beautiful simplicity that can sometimes get lost in big weddings, but they still had their closest family by their sides- literally: my favorite moment was when, at the end of their ceremony, their parents and siblings stood and formed a circle around them while their officiant prayed over them. It gave me chills to see these two surrounded by love, and I'm so honored to have been witness to it all.

Jessica and Matt, thank you so very much for the privilege of capturing your wedding day and for the reminder that the stuff is secondary- love is what matters most of all. xo, Krista