Less than a month into knowing each other, Elena and Max set out on a spur-of-the-moment camping trip to the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. When the couple first reached out to plan their autumn outdoor wedding, they shared the story of this adventure with me, and I knew instantly that these were my people. What started as a weekend adventure for Elena and Max quickly went off the rails – every campsite was booked, and they ended up on an unexpected 10-hour road trip back to Seattle. But it became the perfect metaphor for their relationship. They adapted to the struggle together, made the absolute best of it with fun stops along the way, and realized it was actually joy to be “trapped” in a car together for hours.
The Vision Behind Elena & Max’s Berkshires Fall Wedding
Elena and Max are the kind of people who value connection over tradition. After moving back to the East Coast from Washington just months before their wedding, they knew they wanted something completely different from a traditional big celebration. Their families had never really met before, and rather than getting lost in the chaos of a large wedding where meaningful conversations can get missed, they chose to invest in quality time and genuine connection with their core people.
Their vision was simple, yet luxurious at the same time. It included lots of presence, connection, and natural moments for both the couple by themselves and with their loved ones. As they described it in their review: “We worked with Melanie to photograph our 10-person wedding day, which included a sunrise hike with just me and my partner before the rest of the day’s festivities… She helped us bring to life a wedding day that was unique to us and felt exactly as special as we could have hoped for.”
How They Chose Their Berkshires Wedding Venue
When they first started planning, Elena and Max did not know what they wanted their elopement to look like – in fact, they weren’t even really aware of what was possible. But, as we planned together, their wedding vision started to take shape, and they ultimately decided on a wedding weekend in Massachusetts with just a handful of their favorite people.
Curious about what a wedding weekend could look like? Read this guide to learn how to plan a wedding weekend that is completely your own.
Of course, one of the first things they had to decide was where they wanted to hold their ceremony. Elena and Max chose a stunning modern minimalist Airbnb nestled in the Berkshires. You might not think of an Airbnb when looking for a Berkshires wedding venue, but for Elena and Max, it was the perfect choice. Even with its simplicity, it felt luxurious and intentional. It had clean lines, natural light, and gorgeous outdoor spaces that provided the ideal backdrop for their autumn outdoor wedding. But, best of all, it created space for the couple to focus on what mattered most to them – meaningful time with their people.
Elena & Max’s Quiet, Intentional Autumn Outdoor Wedding in the Berkshires
Private Vows at Dawn
We started their day when it was still completely dark outside – not exactly typical wedding day timing, but absolutely perfect for Elena and Max. We began with a sunrise hike that I had carefully planned for them. Hiking is such a special part of their relationship, but since they’d just moved back to the East Coast from Washington, they needed a little help choosing a location. I shared a few options and they completely trusted my recommendation for which trail to explore during their elopement adventure.
When we reached the summit, they exchanged private vows as the sun painted the Berkshires in golden light all around them. After this intimate moment together, we headed to their favorite local breakfast spot – a little place they’d discovered and fallen in love with. These quiet morning moments were some of the most intimate moments of the day – a chance for Elena and Max to speak their hearts and soak in time together before sharing the rest of their day with their favorite humans.
A Midday Rest
After their morning adventure, Elena and Max did something you almost never hear of on a wedding day – they took a nap! While their families settled into the house and began preparing for the evening celebration, the couple took some time to rest and recharge after their early morning hike.
Meanwhile, their siblings were busy constructing the chuppah for the ceremony, drilling and assembling it right in the Airbnb’s backyard. Once the couple woke up from their nap, everyone got ready together, and the energy was just so relaxed and joyful, without any of the stress or chaos that often comes with wedding days.
An Autumn Outdoor Wedding Ceremony with a Touch of Nature
As the afternoon light began to soften, everyone gathered outside for the ceremony. There had been rain in the forecast, but we’d built flexibility into their timeline so Elena and Max could choose what to do with their day depending on how it unfolded.
Just as they began their ceremony, the rain started to fall. But instead of panicking, everyone huddled together under the chuppah with their arms wrapped around each other, turning the moment into such a sweet memory. Then, right as Elena and Max went to exchange rings, the sun broke through the clouds in perfect timing, making it feel like nature itself was celebrating with them.
A Custom-Crafted Dinner Celebration
While the ceremony unfolded outside, their private chef was working culinary magic inside the house. When we came back from their ceremony, we were greeted with the most incredible aromas from the multi-course meal that had been prepared for their little group. Not only was the food some of the most delicious wedding food I’ve ever tasted, but it was a personalized dining experience created specifically for Elena and Max’s tastes and preferences, adding an even more special touch to their already personalized Berkshires fall wedding.
The evening ended with Elena cutting the wedding cake she’d baked herself, followed by the entire family dancing in the drawing room.
What Made This Fall Outdoor Wedding So Special
There were so many things I loved about Elena and Max’s fall outdoor wedding in the Berkshires, but one of the things that really stood out was how they made intentional choices about what they wanted their experience to look like. They didn’t feel pressured to include elements that didn’t align with their vision. Instead, they invested in what truly mattered to them: incredible photography, amazing food, and most importantly, time and space for genuine connection.
Every moment, from eating breakfast at their favorite cafe to the DIY details brought to life by the whole family, matched their vision and values, and that alignment is what made this autumn outdoor wedding truly special.
Elena & Max’s Autumn Outdoor Wedding Vendor Team
Elopement Photographer: Melanie Ruth Photography
Private Chef: Sylvia Becker
Wedding Gown: Sarah Seven from Ceremony Bridal Shop
Groom Attire: Indochino and Van Buck England
Florals: Bella Flora Berkshires
Thinking About Planning Your Own Quiet, Intentional Elopement?
If you’re reading this and dreaming of a similar elopement experience filled with intention, I would love to chat with you and learn all about what your vision for your wedding day is! To get in touch with me, fill out my contact form and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Or, if you want to continue exploring what your own adventure-filled weekend could look like learn more about planning your own wedding weekend full of connection, fun, and meaning here.
