Intimate Elopement in the Woods- A fairytale wedding
A&E wedding was a special one, so special that I feel like ruining a beautiful story telling it… So I let the most stylish bride ever talk…
From A: “I am a COVID bride. *cries softly* In early Spring, we decided to cancel our large wedding planned for late October and, while extremely difficult, we have never regretted our choice. Unfortunately, we lost all of the security deposits we had put down but ended up saving a lot of money in the long run. Enough to switch gears and put those funds towards a down payment on our first home together. We moved in October 1, 2020.
Engagement Background: I live by the lunar cycle so when Erik proposed during a New Moon (a good time for setting intentions) I knew we had to choose a ceremony date that coincided with a Full Moon (the energized pinnacle of those intentions). We both love October (E. turns 35 on October 14th!) so we agreed to be married on October 31 as it's both a Saturday and Full Moon! Our venue did not have that date available so we settled for a date close by.
When we made the decision to cancel we immediately agreed to hold an intimate ceremony with immediate family only on the original date of our choice! When we signed on the new house we both agreed to host a dinner party there after our very small celebration. We will be married in a nearby forest wildlife conservation site surrounded by immediate family and only a few close friends. When I sent out the save-the-dates I had no idea there would be a change of plans so our formal invitations turned into cancellation announcement cards. On the back of the announcement, I requested our uninvited guests to participate in one of three ways: Firstly, donate to one of three organizations close to our hearts. Second, send us charms/trinkets/strips of cloth, lace, or ribbon to be added to our handfasting cords which will be used in the ceremony. Lastly, contribute to our small wedding registry for some home upgrades. We have gotten many items for our handfasting cords! I'm excited to put it all together - even if it looks like a hot mess! It will mean so much to us to have a little something for our family and friends who could not be with us in person. In this way we are "together in spirit". I thought it was fitting for the time of year. I tend to look on the bright side of things so even through all of this heartache I am forever grateful that we and our closest family and friends have maintained their health and happiness, that we are able to celebrate our union with our immediate family, and pour our energy into establishing our first home together.”
I couldn’t find better words than hers and I still get emotional when I read it.
A&E are amazing people, beautiful inside out. Every little piece of their wedding had a special meaning and I just LOVE capturing all those memories.
The backyard setting for their dinner after the intimate ceremony was breathtaking… The cake was made by one of their close friends, who is a former chef (Who doesn’t want a friend like that!!?)
For her amazing boho bouquet, she I researched and designed her own wedding bouquet using two kinds of preserved eucalyptus, wheat, and several types of silk florals including peonies, anemones, roses, a king protea flower, along with accent grasses and berries. Her goal was a wild bouquet with a moody color palette.
To maintain her moody aesthetic, A&E asked all their guests to wear black and wear black masks (COVID is not a joke, just FYI!)
They decided to do a handfasting ceremony, which is beautifully romantic (Guilty! I did the same for my own wedding!) and then exchange rings.
After the ceremony, the few family members and friends gathered at the couple house, where there was a magical atmosphere created by candlelightsl and sting lights… What can I say… it was truly magical!
Here are a few other note from this artistic couple!
What was your Wedding Planning Experience like?
I enjoy being creative so I immediately began envisioning our big day long before I was engaged. My tastes have evolved over the years but I've always looked for way to save big by doing my own decor around the house. This process has been no different. I've had a lot of fun researching and making my own decor.
Advice to Brides who are currently planning their Weddings
Stick to your plan/budget, ask for help, and enjoy the process! These things will help minimize stress and allow you to fully appreciate a big moment in your life. If something is becoming too stressful/difficult, eliminate it. No need for negativity in what is supposed to be a joyous moment in your life.
Ceremony Location:
Bride Dress:
Cape:
Hair:
Now, enjoy this amazing day through the images…
Erika
