Katy and Paul’s family had NO idea what was about to happen. As far as they knew, the newly engaged Katy and Paul had hired a photographer to come to downtown Williamsburg to capture their family session, since everyone from both sides of the family was together for Thanksgiving. So we found a good spot, grabbed some family photos — nothing suspicious there…

 

 

Then, as we lined up for one last family photo, I announced, “Okay everyone, big smiles on three! Hey Katy, what should everyone say on three?” To which she replied, “Okay, on three, everyone say: ‘We’re getting married today!'”

 

Everyone paused for a second – that’s a weird thing to say for a photo… Then Katy turned and looked at her parents and said, “No, seriously. We’re getting married. Today. Like RIGHT NOW.” As if on cue, at that moment, an officiant walked out from behind the corner of the building, and suddenly everyone realized what was happening.

 

Surprise elopement!!

 

Both Katy and Paul’s moms immediately broke down in tears, while exclaims of “Did you know?” and “How did you…?” abounded, alongside lots of hugs.

 

 

Just a few moments later, everyone was lined up, Katy’s dad walked her down the “aisle”, and before anyone knew it, the two families had become one! Katy and Paul spoke their vows, exchanged rings, and laughed as their family cheered them on. Just like that, they were married!

 

 

But Katy and Paul’s afternoon wasn’t quite over. It was time for their engagement / newlywed photos! So for the next 40 minutes or so, we explored Colonial Williamsburg, and even made time for a second outfit. Although a more traditional wedding reception is likely to follow in the months to come, this was certainly a time to commemorate their new life together!

 

Katy and Paul,

Sarah and I are so grateful to have been able to be a part of this wild and crazy adventure! Although we’ve photographed plenty of surprise proposals, this is certainly our first surprise elopement! From the planning to the actual wedding itself, everything went off without a hitch, and we’re so glad that you’ve loved these images (we got your Christmas card a couple weeks ago!). We wish you the best of luck with planning your big reception this summer, and hope to cross paths again someday!

 

With love,
Hunter + Sarah

 

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If you’d like to learn all about the Hunter and Sarah wedding photography experience, or reach out to us about your own upcoming wedding, head over to our wedding website HERE!