Melissa McElrath

Sam and Tyson’s Savannah Elopement | Part One

A Love Story That Deserved More Than One Post

Savannah elopement engagement style portraits

Sam and Tyson’s Savannah elopement was so full of meaningful moments that it needed to be told in two parts. There were too many photos. There were too many memories. Choosing just one story did not feel right.

This first part is all about the night before. It was quiet and intentional. It was playful and romantic. It set the tone for everything that followed.

Before we get there, let’s rewind a little.

How I First Met Sam

I first met Sam at a wedding I photographed where she was a bridesmaid. The first photo at the top of this page was from that event! From the beginning we instantly clicked. The group of girls that day was full of energy and joy. Everything felt light and fun in the best way.

That night I captured some of the sweetest photos of Sam dancing with Tyson. At the time he was her boyfriend. Just a few months later he would propose. Looking back now it feels incredibly full circle.

Those moments mattered more than we knew then.

When Sam Asked Me to Photograph Her Elopement

When Sam reached out to ask if I would photograph her Savannah elopement I quite literally screamed. I already knew she was amazing. I already knew the weekend would be special.

Sam and Tyson Savannah elopement night before photos

I am completely obsessed with elopements. I do not get to photograph them nearly enough. On top of that this was a destination elopement. Traveling for work is always a yes for me!

From the very start Sam shared that she wanted the weekend to feel intentional. There was no strict timeline. There was no pressure. It was just the two of them being present while I documented the story as it naturally unfolded.

The Night Before in Savannah

The first night I arrived Sam and Tyson got dressed up and we decided to take engagement style photos. There was no way I was going to miss the chance to photograph a beautiful couple in Savannah Georgia.

I have wanted to photograph a wedding there for as long as I can remember.

We wandered through the streets together. We popped champagne. We laughed constantly. We soaked in the city. One of my favorite Savannah perks is being able to legally walk around with your drink in hand. It made the night feel carefree and relaxed in the best way.

Nothing felt rushed. Nothing felt forced. It was exactly how an elopement weekend should begin.

Starting and Ending at Hotel Bardo

We started and ended the night at their hotel. Hotel Bardo is absolutely stunning. I could photograph portraits there a hundred times and never get tired of it.

The pool and bar area was such a beautiful place to start the session. It felt warm and elegant while still feeling relaxed. The front of the hotel was the perfect spot for a few portraits before we headed out to explore the city.

It was the dreamiest way to kick off their Savannah elopement weekend. It felt calm. It felt romantic. It felt true to who they are.

And this was only the beginning.

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hey bestie, i'm melissa.

I’m a photographer, storyteller, and full-time hype girl based in Asheville, NC. My passion is capturing love, family, and the real stories in between.
wedding photographer taking a selfie