elopements.
Elopements. They are typically associated with Las Vegas. Two young kids, wild and in love, run away from their parents to get married and start their lives together as husband and wife / husband and husband / wife and wife. Everyone is disappointed and disapproving. It’s almost taboo. But, what if we change the narrative? Actually, it’s already being done by so many couples around the world. Literally around the world because instead of just flying off to Vegas to get married by some Elvis priest, they’re flying to all the romantic places like the waterfalls in Iceland or the warm desserts in Arizona. They’re making the decision to get married, as two consenting adults in love, who are ready to begin their lives together and make all their wildest dreams come true. And it all starts with them and only them. Which brings us back to the word, elopement. It’s intimate, romantic and private. It can be anything you want it to be and it’s all about two people celebrating their love for one another. Making promises and vows. It’s love.
With the pandemic wiping out all our big, grand wedding plans one month at a time, elopements are becoming a popular compromise. Yes, these couples are settling for an elopement instead of the big wedding they originally planned but it doesn’t have to be a sacrifice. It’s a choice, to not let life's plans affect yours. We have to roll with the punches while life laughs at our plans, in order to find our way and our happiness. So elope. Don’t wait another year to start your life as a married couple, to start having children or to start tackling your dreams together, whatever they may be. Have your intimate ceremony, with a group of vendors who will be there cheering you on and creating a magical celebration for just you two. The party with all of your family and friends, if that’s what you want, can happen anytime. Your loved ones will be (should be) thrilled to celebrate your marriage any time, any day, even if it’s not what they originally planned for. After all, it’s not their plan. It’s your plan.
There have been financial shifts and a change in how we think and live our lives due to this pandemic. Which is another reason eloping can be an amazing alternative to your original wedding ideas. You will save money that can go towards your future needs. Like a house, a car, a vacation, a move, a child, savings and more. Doesn’t sound so bad, huh? It’s also the perfect time to do something so radical because for the first time ever, the entire world is feeling the effects of this unprecedented time, one way or another. Which means more and more people are considering the exact same thing. How do we get married and have the wedding we want now that we have less money? Have less ability to do so? It’s like a more open mind has been given to every single person. We all have a little more grace. A little more understanding and acceptance. A lot of it being because we have no choice. But sometimes that’s okay when it ends up being for a happy and healthy reason. Plan your elopement and don’t worry what your mom and your grandma and your Aunt Tess think. For the first time, they probably won't have much to say about it since they realize it’s either that or put everything on hold. And why do that, waste time waiting, when anything can happen in a day, a week, a month, even an hour?
I’m not saying you shouldn't wait a year to have the wedding you want. If you’re happy to wait and don’t feel held back, then that is the right choice for you! There are so many right choices. I definitely don’t think there’s a one size fits all mentality when it comes to living our lives. Live them for you.
In light of the change, the desire for more elopements and the financial toll so many of us are experiencing, I have created a semi custom collection for elopement announcement cards. Here’s the idea…
You get eloped! You hire a fabulous photographer and videographer to capture the magical day and ceremony.
You choose your favorite photo (or photos), which yes is nearly impossible to do when you work with the right photographer.
Get in touch with me! I use the photo(s) you chose, I coordinate an elopement announcement card (as seen below) in a cohesive color scheme, one that compliments your stellar romantic day!
Add a link to your wedding ceremony video and gallery of photos, for all your guests to view at their leisure as a way to feel part of your special day.
You announce “The new Mr. & Mrs. / Mr. & Mr. / Mrs. & Mrs.” in style, and send them off via snail mail to all your loved ones!
There are so many ways to keep the cost down on these elopement announcement cards, which was done intentionally. You can attach your card to the photo using a modern paper clip, fun washi tape, string and wax seal (choose from our in house collection or have your own custom design made to keep forever!) and more. The photos below will show you more of what I’m explaining and I’m always happy to answer questions or review options with you so shoot me an email and let’s get going! info@stephanietara.com
