Elle and Sarah are self-proclaimed sentimental gals with a knack for old world charm, so they incorporated their personal styles in their wedding with tons of vintage pieces! The couple’s Vancouver wedding at The Permanent achieved this look with dozens of old books, copper coins, and pink quartz details in addition to the totally gorgeous floral design from Quince Fine Florals. Sara Rogers Photography captured every moment of Elle and Sarah’s wedding beautifully, including their romantic first look in a forest.
The most important thing was creating a feeling of beauty, love and warmth. We wanted every detail to be personal and engaging. To reflect not only the old world romance that we feel – but also to reflect the love and support that we feel for those that showed up for us as a couple. It was imperative that everyone who showed up for us felt welcome and loved!
Our wedding styles were classic, comfortable and beautiful old world vintage! Elements of art deco but no specific era. Elle‘s Maggie Sottero capelet for her wedding dress made the whole look pop with this in mind. Sarah wore a custom made suit made by Blair Shapera – designed by her!
Our bridesmaids in dresses wore J. Crew and our bridesmaids in pants wore pants of their own and the shirts were by a local queer designer called Peau De Loup.
We are both old world romantics and have very quirky, warm and often sentimental personalities. We wanted the energy to reflect those things. A mix of copper pennies, rose quartz and vintage details helped to pull together our vision. Our colors were blush, burgundy, soft grey and gold. It was less about choosing a set of colours but more about choosing details and as they started to take form – the colours chose us!
Our advice: Hire professionals! Haha! Elle is very crafty (she did all the calligraphy herself!) but it was a lot to take on. At the very, very least – hire a day-of planner so that you don’t have to stress about details and can fully be present in your special day.
Elle is a yoga teacher and ceremony is important to both of us. One of her best friends and cohorts officiated (the non-legal portion) which felt so beautiful and personal. Our ceremony included our guests individually touching/blessing our wedding rings beforehand and a cleansing of the space with palo santo prior to our entering. We wrote our individual vows in addition to the crowd standing and accepting our union out loud.
We chose to have a raw rose quartz on each person’s setting. Rose quartz is a symbol of unconditional love. It carries an energy of compassion, healing, and comfort. As a gay couple, these qualities were important to us to share with those who support our union.
It’s no secret that we love elopements around here at Junebug Weddings, and when looking back on our favorite posts from 2016 and beyond, many of them happen to be couples who ditched the big wedding and had an intimate adventure instead. To celebrate, we’ve rounded up 21 of our all-time favorite elopements from the Junebug Weddings blog. From Iceland to Sedona, from Banff to St. Lucia, there’s a little something here for everyone!
Alicja and Boris’ Tofino Beach Elopement
Where it took place:Tofino Beach, British Columbia, Canada
Why we love it: Any kind of wedding outdoors can come with unpredictable weather, but some couples aren’t phased and even embrace the sudden storm. Alicja and Boris may not have invited the rain to join their Tofino Beach Elopement, but its presence on their wedding day made for some effortlessly ethereal images captured by Daring Wanderer. Who knew a little water would make Alicja’s Zuhair Murad gown and Beach Petals Flower Design bouquet even more stunning?
Where it took place: Connor Pass, County Kerry, Ireland
Why we love it: Between bare feet, majestic cliffs, and these two cuties, there’s a lot to love in Ariana and Cody’s Connor Pass elopement. The pair tied the knot — literally — in a traditional handfasting ceremony, but not before having to do a little climbing to reach their ceremony spot! When we think back on favorite elopements, it’s the epic views and precious newlywed moments captured by The Lous that made this affair so memorable.
Where it took place:Budir Church, Staðarsveit, Iceland
Why we love it: Though we’ve seen plenty of Iceland elopements, Chelsa and Ryan’s stands out to us because of its quiet, cozy nature. The couple still took part in exploring the epic sights of one of the world’s most breathtaking destinations, but it was their sweet ceremony in the Budir Church and wrapping each other up in a soft blanket that warmed our hearts most. Both photographer Lauren Apel and videographer White in Revery are known for producing work with lovely moody tones, which brilliantly complemented the overall feel of Chelsa and Ryan’s Iceland elopement.
Why we love it: Whether Danielle and Nick had planned on taking a dip beneath the waterfall in Cloudland Canyon beforehand we may never know, but the fact that they did made their elopement unforgettable in our minds. The couple exchanged vows in the bottom of the canyon, followed by a little exploring among the rocky terrain. Before Cody & Allison Photography knew it, the newlyweds were fully submerged by the waterfall and sharing a remarkably intimate moment as if they were the only people in the world.
Jasmine and Patrick’s Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon Elopement
Where it took place: Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Iceland
Why we love it: Iceland is on many people’s bucket lists, but Jasmine and Patrick took their trip to the next level by eloping in Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon. The couple took advantage of Iceland’s nearly 24-hour sunlight during the summer and drove explored the countryside with photographer Lukas Piatek until 3 AM. What looks like a trip to several different planets with vastly different terrain is just one beautiful country where a couple of soulmates went to say “I do.” It doesn’t really get more epic than that!
Why we love it: You may have seen a Hawaiian elopement before, but we feel confident you’ve never seen anything like Jeneile and Bill’s Waimea Canyon elopement. The couple exchanged vows atop a cliff, overlooking a massive canyon with rugged terrain as far as the eye could see. What’s most striking about Jeneile and Bill’s elopement images by Victoria Carlson Photography are the portraits on red rock so otherworldly you might mistake their elopement destination for Mars!
Why we love it: This vintage-inspired bride said “I do” to her military groom along the Pacific Crest Trail and it should really go down in the history books as one of the sweetest elopements of all time. Julia and Chase have hiked this same section of trail together, making it as sentimental a spot as it is beautiful. In his Marine Corps uniform and her white Bebe skater dress, not to mention their Rolls-Royce getaway car, you could have fooled us into thinking these images by Jami Laree were actually antique portraits from another time.
photos by Jami Laree, floral design by Root 75, wedding dress by Bebe; see more from this elopement here!
Kallan and Dustin’s Yavapai Point Elopement
Where it took place: Yavapai Point, Sedona, Arizona
Why we love it: While most elopements keep the decor to a minimum, we love how Kallan and Dustin were able to incorporate decorative details into their intimate Yavapai Point wedding. They tied the knot in front of a unique ceremony backdrop of antique windows and enjoyed dessert around a setup of wooden palettes and vintage tableware. Andy Roberts Photography masterfully mixed a few smoke bombs in with the couple’s Sedona photo shoot, highlighting both the couple’s personalities and the desert scenery all in one.
Where it took place: Fairy Glen, Isle of Skye, Scotland
Why we love it: Seeing as many weddings as we do, you’d think we’d be able to resist crying all the time. However, Kaylee and Karlyn’s Fairy Glen elopement makes us misty-eyed every single time we look at it! The gorgeous pair became emotional during their handfasting ceremony and the reading of their vows, and it’s hard not to get choked up seeing the way they love each other. It’s no surprise that the wedding day captures by The Kitcheners move us as well, bringing to light the sense of adventure the newlyweds felt roaming through the Isle of Skye.
Why we love it: Kristyn and Joe are 100% adorable, from their romantic wedding day style to that look they give each other that says they’re in love. Kristyn wore her mother’s 33 year-old wedding gown with a few modern updates, while Joe looked dapper in gingham and suspenders. This pair has one of the most heart-melting vow exchanges we’ve seen, complete with tears and jumping with joy. Tricia Victoria Photography brilliantly captured the couple’s newlywed bliss against the epic backdrop of Banff’s Tunnel Mountain Reservoir.
Why we love it: Kymberlie and Geoff had two priorities when eloping: travel somewhere incredible and have Jennifer Moher and Hugh Whitaker capture every moment. Photographers themselves, Kymberlie and Geoff have seen their fair share of destinations and weddings, so we love that the couple chose to go out-of-the-box for their own nuptials. The newlyweds embraced the unique mountain landscape while Jennifer and Hugh documented their adventure.
Why we love it: We’ve got a sweet spot for urban elopements, and we’re pretty sure it doesn’t get more romantic than Venice. Lindsey and Stephen’s elopement sure backs us up on that! Inspired by Grace Kelly in their fashion choices, the pair roamed around the city, took a boat ride down a canal, posed among the city’s pigeons, and, of course, toasted to forever at Scuola Grande Dei Carmini. Allison Harp‘s images from the day bring the drama and beauty that make you feel like you took a little trip to Venice yourself!
Why we love it: Every image Noelle Johnson captured from Margot and Israel’s elopement looks like it could be their folksy rock duo album cover. This pair is stylish, full of soul, and found the perfect spot to tie the knot in Olympic National Park. Margot looked stunning in her Self-Portrait gown, and her bouquet by Fire and Blooms was so gorgeous that it won our 2016 Choice Award for best bouquet.
Melissa and Bill’s Playa de las Catedrales Elopement
Where it took place: Playa de las Catedrales, Spain
Why we love it: Melissa and Bill’s Playa de las Catedrales elopement may have taken place in 2014, but we had to throw it back because it’s one of our very favorites to this day. Their Spanish destination elopement is one part vacation, one part wedding, and one part adventure, all captured masterfully by Ed Peers. The natural rock structures are mind-blowing to see, but the newlyweds manage to steal the show as they sweetly explore the incredible landscape.
Why we love it: If you’re planning a fall elopement, look no further than Natalie and Lincoln’s for inspiration. From the floral design by Mountain Flowers of Aspen to Natalie’s Free People dress and cozy rust-colored blanket to the changing leaves around the scenic Maroon Bells of Aspen, every inch of this elopement screams autumn. Cat Mayer Studio captured the cozy occasion in all its beauty, while also documenting the emotional moments shared between Natalie and Lincoln on their wedding day.
Why we love it: Phuong Anh and Linh celebrating their wedding with an entire elopement experience! Luckily they invited Tu Nguyen Wedding to document the adventure from start to finish. The day began with a rainy first look beneath umbrellas, followed by a ceremony under the loveliest arch we’ve seen. Post-nuptials the newlyweds went for a boat ride before setting up camp and ending the night fireside. If that’s not how to get the most our of your elopement, we don’t know what is!
Why we love it: When a vintage beauty and a real life rock star get married, you tend to expect greatness. We love that Priscilla and Buddy’s Santa Barbara County Courthouse elopement is equal parts low-key intimacy and representative of their colorful personalities. Priscilla carried a swoon-worthy bouquet by Jenn Sanchez Floral Design as she exchanged vows with Buddy in front of the courthouse, and looked like an Old Hollywood movie star in her veiled fascinator and Betsy Johnson dress as she signed the marriage license. The newlyweds did a little climbing with Kappen Photography where they positively glowed in the California sunshine.
Why we love it: Rebecca and Reid have one of our all-time favorite first looks, both because of the picturesque Lake Louise in the background and because of Reid’s emotional reaction to seeing his bride. Not that we blame him — Rebecca looked positively amazing in her Zuhair Murad gown and simple floral crown by Amborella Floral Studio. It also doesn’t hurt that the images and film captured by The Toths Photo & Film magically transport you right into the fairy tale setting where these two said “I do!”
Why we love it: If you haven’t considered eloping at sunset in the mountains, Shana and Brian are here to show you why you should. This happy pair couldn’t get enough of each other’s company as they laughed, cried, and danced through their Black Balsam Knob elopement while the sun glowed all around them. Amelia Fletcher Photography captured it all, making us believe that we’d be best friends with Shana and Brian and that we need to book a ticket to Asheville ASAP!
Why we love it: As you scroll through this photo set, pay close attention to Sierra and Zacharaiah’s faces. As if the beauty of Big Sur weren’t enough, this couple emoted their way through the elopement, wearing their heart right on their sleeve for Krista Ashley Photo to document. From a range of feels during their vows to a romantic portrait session on the shore, we can’t get enough of Sierra and Zachariah’s elopement!
Where it took place:Jade Mountain, Soufriere, St. Lucia
Why we love it: We’ve been known to go gaga for a killer juxtaposition, and Tracy and John’s Jade Mountain elopement nails two distinct looks. The couple combined luxe wedding details with an intimate vow exchange among 18th century remains of a nearby plantation. The organic nature of Soufriere, the island joy captured by photographer Matt Lien, and the sunset dinner on the shore made Tracy and John’s elopement one for the books.
After seeing all of the gorgeous wedding spaces around The Ranch at Laguna Beach, we started dreaming up our own little getaway. In the spirit of big dreams and beautiful places, one lucky winner will receive a one night stay at The Ranch at Laguna Beach and a romantic dinner for two at Harvest. Enter to win by filling out the form below!
Official Rules:
– You must be 13 years of age or older to enter
– You must enter prior to the giveaway close date on March 7 at 11:59 PM Central Time
– Winner will be notified via email on March 8
– Winner will receive a one (1) night stay and dinner for two at The Ranch at Laguna Beach
– Reward expires December 31, 2017
– By entering, you agree to the Official Rules and the Junebug Weddings Terms and Conditions
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