Turning Lemons into Lemonade with an Elopement Day
Most of our 2020 couples have been forced to postpone their big wedding day celebrations, change their plans, and make unprecedented decisions because of the COVID-19 Pandemic. They were dropped into uncharted territories. As we saw the initial heartbreak of them losing everything they had planned, all the countless hours that go into planning a wedding, we made it our goal to make sure our couples could still have the day they deserve; to make lemonade out of the lemons we had all been handed this year.
How could we postpone the big celebrations but give the opportunity to have an incredible, intimate elopement adventure this year to kick-off their marriage?
Tiffany & Kevin were one of our first couples who had to postpone their big wedding to 2021. When we sat down with them to chat through the idea of having an elopement this year and celebrating next year, they perked up. Was it possible to have the best of both worlds? We were determined to make it happen. So we got to work and started brainstorming. Could we pull off getting them married in the midst of a global pandemic while keeping everyone safe? How could they include their immediate family without jeopardizing their health or putting them in an unsafe situation? How were we going to plan an elopement in the safest way possible while following all restrictions and guidelines?
Planning a COVID-19-Friendly Elopement Day
After hours of research, several road trips throughout Southern California to scout locations in person, and many phone calls with local governments on restrictions- we came up with a truly wonderful gameplan for these two. We helped them plan an intimate, yet adventurous day along the California coastline. They rented an adorable Airbnb nestled in the green hills of Topanga, CA. It was here that they were able to hold a virtual ceremony that allowed their officiant, their families, and their closest friends to be apart of their vow exchange.
Post-Ceremony
After the ceremony, various guests were highlighted over Zoom to toast to these two amazing humans. It was lovely- it truly felt like their families were right there with them. Watching this group of people come together (via Zoom) to support Tiffany and Kevin was extraordinary. They unintentionally got married on National Donut Day and so we decided to surprise them with a box of donuts from our favorite local shop- Donut Freind. They celebrated with champagne and donuts before we ventured out to explore the Malibu coastline.
An Afternoon Along the Water
Mike and I carefully scouted locations throughout the area to find spots where we could take them throughout the day. We ended up building out a lovely sunset road trip up the coastline for these two. We stopped to enjoy ocean views and feel the crisp, cool breeze off the water. They waited until sunset to exchange their personal vows. We had the perfect spot: a quiet, intimate hillside location where they could share this moment undisturbed. With the crickets chirping, breeze flowing through their hair, and their favorite song playing on a small speaker, they exchanged their personal vows and danced for the first time as a husband and wife.
A Perfect Evening Nestled in Nature
I can’t imagine watching their first dance in any other way. It was heartwarming perfection! A full harvest moon made an appearance in the southern sky as we hiked back to the cars and we ended the night watching the moon rise over the Santa Monica mountains and reminiscing on how wonderful of a day it was. We feel so grateful that we were able to be alongside (at a distance!) these two on such a special and intimate day. Congratulations, Tiffany and Kevin! We are so honored to have been there to celebrate alongside you and can’t wait for the sequel in 2021.
VENDORS:
Photography: Wildflower Photo Co. | @wildflowerphotoco | wildflowerphotoco.com
Videography: Wildflower Photo Co. | @wildflowerphotoco | wildflowerphotoco.com
Florist: Love Stuck Blooms | @lovestruckblooms | lovestruckblooms.com
Dress: Lulus | @lulusweddings | lulus.com
Hair & Makeup: Jeanne San Diego | @jeannesandiego | http://jeanne-sandiego.squarespace.com/
Donuts: Donut Friend | @donutfriend | donutfriend.com
