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A Laid-Back Fall Wedding at Melrose Caverns

Amelia and Jonathan’s late-November wedding at Melrose Caverns was the kind of day that reminds you how sweet simplicity can be. These two are wonderfully laid-back and a little goofy in the best way, and after meeting online a few years ago, they’ve built a relationship rooted in joy and easy laughter.


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They didn’t want anything overly choreographed or extravagant for their wedding — just time with the people they love most. Jonathan is a firefighter, so of course we had to include a fun nod to that in their detail photos. Their rings paired with his butt plate ended up being one of my favorite unexpected touches because it was just so perfectly “them.”


For a late-fall wedding, the weather couldn’t have surprised us more. We walked in expecting rain and instead got a breezy, mild day where the sun popped in and out just enough to give us those little pockets of glow. It fit the tone of their wedding perfectly — relaxed, fun, and intimate, with just under 70 guests gathered to celebrate.


Melrose Caverns was an easy choice for them. When I asked why they picked it, Jonathan shrugged and said, “Because it’s freaking cool.” And honestly, he wasn’t wrong. The venue has a historic, slightly quirky charm that suited them so well. While some spaces run on the darker side, there’s something special about the character of an old place like that. It held their celebration beautifully.


Their color palette brought so much richness to the day — sage green with gold accents and deep purple dresses for the bridesmaids. Everything tied together effortlessly and photographed in such a timeless way. Their timeline was on the shorter side for us, just about five hours total, but we made the most of every moment. And let me tell you… their sunset portraits were a dream. Soft, glowy light with colors that fell right into that classic, elegant look I love — I could have photographed them in that light all evening. The whole day felt like a breath of fresh air. No fuss, no pressure, no big production — just a genuinely joyful celebration that reflected who Amelia and Jonathan are at their core. It was an honor to be part of a day so down-to-earth and true to them.


Enjoy a look at their previews we sent within 24-hours of their wedding!


Vendor Team:




If you’re planning a wedding in the Shenandoah Valley and looking for timeless, genuine, and intentional photography to match your special day — we’d love to connect. At Rachel Dodson Photography, we specialize in classy, refined weddings with a timeless feel, crisp whites, natural colors that pop, and a relaxed but intentional photo experience. Reach out to me (Rachel) today so we can chat about your vision and craft a photo plan that supports it. Let’s make your wedding day as calm, beautiful, and unforgettable as you hope it will be.

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