A distant mountain range with multiple layers of peaks fading into the background, under a soft, pastel-colored sky.

Two hikers, a man and a woman, sitting on a grassy mountain slope, smiling at each other. The man has tattoos on his leg, and the woman has tattoos on her leg. They are surrounded by rocks and mountain scenery, with hiking poles lying on the ground nearby.

An illustration of a hand with a raised middle finger in a pinkish color on a black background.

Two wavy lines, one rust-colored and one pink, overlapping on a transparent background.

Blue Ridge based, globally roaming—on a mission to explore every major mountain range in the world.

OUR FAVORITE TRIPS

It all started when…

It all started when our love for the mountains turned into a way of life. Based in the Blue Ridge Mountains, we spent countless days hiking misty trails, chasing overlooks, and capturing intimate elopements tucked deep in the wild landscapes of Shenandoah National Park. Those early mornings and golden-hour hikes shaped our love for storytelling, adventure, and slow, meaningful travel.

Alongside that passion grew Shawn’s love for mountain biking, road trips, and the open road—fueling a shared dream of visiting every national park in the United States. What began as weekend hikes and local adventures has evolved into a bigger mission: blending farm life, photography, and travel while working toward exploring every major mountain range in the world, one trail, park, and backroad at a time.

That journey naturally led to Vows by the Roamsteaders. Katie has been capturing weddings and elopements since 2010, but over time, our work evolved alongside our lifestyle.

Today, Vows by the Roamsteaders is rooted in adventure-focused elopement photography—where love meets wild places. We guide couples on epic, intentional adventures, helping them plan meaningful experiences in the outdoors and capture their vows in landscapes that feel as big and personal as their commitment.

It’s not just about photos—it’s about crafting an unforgettable experience that tells their story, one trail, summit, and vow at a time.

Close-up of a pink object with rounded edges and a black background.

LETS WORK TOGETHER

Meet The Roamsteaders

Let us answer the million dollar question: How do you afford to have a farm AND travel?

Answer: We both work remotely in IT. We actually met at work! That’s how we knew we would travel well together—because we had been putting out metaphorical fires together for 8 years already!

A woman sitting on a large rock in a mountainous landscape, wearing a maroon jacket, hiking boots, and holding a trekking pole, with rugged mountains and cloudy sky in the background.

Katie Jean

The Photographer

The heart behind The Roamsteaders! My journey began behind the camera as an adventure elopement photographer, capturing couples in wild, breathtaking places where love and landscape collide. Over time, that passion for documenting stories turned into something even bigger — a deep love for travel, freedom, and the open road.

Now, I’ve traded the studio lights for sunrise hikes, scenic drives, and spontaneous detours. Through The Roamsteaders, I share my adventures, travel tips, and the real, unfiltered moments that make life on the move so rewarding. Whether it’s chasing golden light in a national park or finding magic in the small towns along the way, I’m here to inspire others to roam freely, live intentionally, and find beauty wherever the road leads.

Climber ascending a rocky mountain face, smiling at the camera, wearing a black cap, red jacket, and brown hiking boots.

Shawn

The Daredevil/Lumberjack

Shawn is the steady force and quiet motivator behind The Roamsteaders. A proud veteran, he spent time stationed in Italy where he competed on the United States Air Force Italian cycling team—an experience that shaped his lifelong love of endurance, discipline, and exploring the world on two wheels.

These days, his goals are just as ambitious. Shawn is on a mission to visit every national park in the United States, combining his love of travel with hiking rugged trails, biking challenging terrain, and finding the kind of places that make you feel small in the best possible way. When he’s not out exploring, you’ll likely find him at home cutting down trees, stacking firewood, or tackling whatever hands-on project the land calls for next.

A basset hound sitting in a grassy field with green grass and trees in the background under a cloudy sky.

Bruce

The Pretty Face

Bruce is the undeniably handsome face of The Roamsteaders. As our resident bloodhound, he takes his role as brand ambassador very seriously—especially when it involves meeting new people, soaking up attention, and reminding everyone to slow down and enjoy the moment.

With his floppy ears, soulful eyes, and gentle personality, Bruce has never met a stranger. He loves greeting guests, tagging along on farm days and adventures, and making sure no one feels like a stranger for long. Equal parts loyal companion and professional people-lover, Bruce embodies everything our brand stands for: warmth, connection, and finding joy in the journey.

If you see a droopy-eared pup stealing the spotlight—don’t worry, that’s just Bruce doing his job.

A happy fluffy puppy with a black and white coat and brown markings on its face, standing on a gravel path with yellow and white flowers in the background.

Mac

The Ride or Die Roamsteader

Mac is our adventure shadow—the kind of dog who’s ready to go anywhere as long as the car doors open. If there’s a road trip, errand, or spontaneous mountain drive happening, Mac is already in the passenger seat (or at least trying to be).

On the trail, Mac takes his job very seriously. As the official squirrel surveyor, he carefully inspects every hike for suspicious movement, rustling leaves, and potential woodland chaos—always with total dedication. Off the trail, his loyalty is unmatched. Wherever we are, that’s exactly where Mac wants to be.

Steady, affectionate, and endlessly devoted, Mac is loyal to a T and the kind of companion who makes every adventure better—whether it’s a long hike in the mountains or a quick drive down the road.

Gray horse with a white face and brown mane standing against a light peach background.

Our Farm Family

A young brown calf standing on a light pink background with stylized black text above it.

Illustration of a pig and a dog with a light pink abstract background.

A pony with a white and brown coat stands against a light pink background and overlays with a graphic chart.

A brown horse with a white star-shaped marking on its forehead, wearing a halter, against a light pink background.

A few of our favorite things…

A mountain biking event with bike numbers 228 and 221 attached to the handlebars, and the word Cycling written on a Polaroid-style frame.

Close-up of a speckled brown and white chicken perched on a wooden beam, with blurred green and yellow background, labeled 'Chickens' at the bottom.

A cup of coffee with latte art in the shape of a heart, served in a white cup on a matching saucer on a wooden table. The word 'Coffee' is written in cursive at the bottom of the image.

Text saying 'Our Favorite Trips' written in elegant cursive font on a black background.

Two wavy lines, one in orange and one in yellow, on a black background.

Illustration of the number one in a stylized font with a shadow effect.

We visited Cortina, Venice, Aviano, Piancovallo, Verona, Manaigo, Lago di Barcis, Lago di Guarda. Shawn lived there for 6 years in the Air Force!

Large white number 2 with a brown outline, on a black background.

We flew into Berlin for Christmas, and after spending a week at the Christmas Markets we spent New Years in Prague!

Number 3 with a white face, orange and yellow outline, and shadow effect.

We backpacked to the famous Havasupai Falls reservation in Arizona. We hiked over 70 miles over a week. It was a once in a lifetime trip, and you need to enter the reservation lottery to get in each year.