Wedding Day at Polegreen Church

Deep jewel tones, vibrant florals, and a woodland setting, made this intimate elopement magical at the historic Polegreen Church. With just the bride and groom’s immediate families in attendance, the ceremony felt cozy despite being open air. I loved the decorations and little touches the mother and sister of the bride, Grace, had added to the space. Wicker chairs and mums in white and a rust-orange embodied the bright fall day perfectly.

Historic Polegreen Church is an incredibly unique structure in that it is made up of only the metal frame of a building. It was once the site of a Great Awakening “reading house” and church before being destroyed during the Civil War. The current structure has doorway and window cutouts with no walls, allowing for gorgeous lighting.

Bridal Portraits After Elopement

My absolute favorite part of the day was Grace and Turner’s first dance. We had walked down the pebbled path to a second, smaller, structure in the woods behind the church where I could take their bridal portraits. I asked if they were going to have a first dance later as they were going to have a family dinner after their toast. They said they hadn’t thought about it, and I inquired if they were interested in me playing their favorite song on my phone while they danced so they could have the memory captured. Cue “I’m Your Wreck” by Mt. Joy and cut to the sweetest slow dance. Just the two of them, swaying on the simple red brick platform amongst the trees.

After their couple pictures, we returned to their families at the actual Historic Polegreen Church. Their families had chilled champagne and glasses waiting, where the bride’s dad (a truly warm and hilarious man), made a tender toast. Grace and Turner were kind, down-to-earth, and their families so genuine.

Why elope?

Grace and Turner’s fall elopement at Polegreen Church was perfect. Because it was exactly what they wanted. Turner’s brother officiated, and all guests were dear to the couple. I love that elopements have become more common while retaining the ability to be customized down to each unique detail. Working with a vendor who not only understands your elopement vision but can offer up ideas to enhance your day in ways you might not have thought of is so valuable! Making a couple’s elopement exceed their expectations brings me so much joy, and I’d love to do that for you.

Read what Grace and Turner had to say:

“Rachel was a delight to work with! She was so professional and personable. My husband and I are not always comfortable with cameras on us but felt so much more confident while she was photographing us! She went above our expectations. Would definitely recommend booking!”

Book Rachel for your elopement here.