Every now and again, we crave a good the sweetness of an intimate elopement — much like this one captured by Evynn LeValley Photography. Paola and Jeremy decided to elope in Big Sur, California, picked vintage-inspired wedding attire, and exchanged vows underneath the trees in one of the most romantic locations we’ve seen in quite a while.
From the bride, Paola: From the moment Jeremy and I were engaged we knew we wanted to elope in Big Sur. We stayed at Post Ranch Inn and enjoyed every minute there. It’s the most peaceful and relaxing place we have ever been.
The most important thing to us was that we wanted a very intimate and special ceremony where we could enjoy and remember ever moment. Soaring definitely fulfilled that wither her loving spiritual words.
We also wanted to ensure that what we wore reflected on our individual styles. I quickly had to learn how to do my makeup and practiced for several weeks until I perfected it. We both unknowingly picked 20s/vintage inspired looks and some how it all came together. Every moment of that day was perfect and exactly what we dreamed of. We are so lucky to have had it captured by Evynn LeValley, our photographer, who is truly amazing at her art.
Today’s styled wedding shoot from Justin DeMutiis Photography and FH Weddings is dripping with fluffy white floral arrangements, gorgeous teal accents, and features the sweetest little flower girl we’ve ever seen — who just so happens to be the couple’s daughter.
Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, Florida provided the gorgeous blooms and backdrop. The weather threatened to shut us down, but after waiting out the rain for awhile, I realized it actually added a wonderful element that was perfect for our theme. Our bride and groom models were Rachel and Jared Hart. There’s something about the chemistry of a happily married couple. The adorable flower girl was their daughter Reagan. Our model bride wore a Nicole Miller gown while her “bridesmaids” wore Amsale.
As soon as we saw the favors in today’s wedding from Nathan Russell — bottles of honey inspired by our own DIY tutorial — we knew we had to share it! Maggie and Southpaw (cutest couple name ever?) wedding was described by the bride as a “magical affair,” and we couldn’t agree more. From the stitched wedding invitations to the phenomenal flower installation for the ceremony, this wedding has quickly become a favorite!
From the bride, Maggie: We wanted our wedding to be a non-traditional, rustic-chic, romantic, magical affair. It was important that we make it as personal as we possibly could, and we definitely put a lot of effort toward that end. We’re both involved in the arts community (me: theatre and dance, him: music), and it was important to make this event a creative expression of who we are as people and also of what we want our lives together to be like.
Any advice for brides planning their weddings now? After it’s all over, this really is true: all that you put into it, you will get out of it. The personal touches and DIY projects and the crushing weight of the decisions will all compound to create the most special, meaningful day of your life. Believe it! Don’t feel like you have to do things the way they’re usually done. For instance, we were really stressed out by the idea of arranging for a car to take us away from the ceremony because we didn’t want to leave the party before our guests, so we didn’t do a formal exit and it was totally fine. We didn’t have bridesmaids/groomsmen, and I think in the end it helped us feel less formal and more relaxed – less pressure! Traditional isn’t always meaningful. Don’t succumb to the pressure and do what makes sense for you.
Finally, use technology! Our blog was a great way to get the word out and not feel like every little detail had to be on paper. And Pinterest… oh, Pinterest. I am so thankful this was invented before I got engaged. We also created a hashtag for our wedding, and we were easily able to explain how to use Instagram using our blog. We got about 75 beautiful pictures out of it!
Wedding Music:
Ceremony Music: “Beyond the Great Divide,” Emmylou Harris; “Grow Old With Me,” John Lennon; “Sanctuary,” Eliza Gilkyson
Processional: “I Will,” The Beatles At the end of our ceremony, we asked the crowd to join us in signing Woody Guthrie’s “Peace Call,” the lyrics for which were printed in the program. The musical aspect of our ceremony took it to a higher level; combined with the scenery and all the love in the air, not to mention the RAINBOW (yes, really), it was truly transcendent.
First Dance: “If I Should Fall Behind,” Bruce Springsteen
Father/Daughter Dance: “My Wish,” Rascal Flatts
Wedding Location: Round Mountain, TX / Wedding Photographer: Nathan Russell / Reception Venue: Three Points Ranch / Wedding Coordinator: Modern Moments / Wedding Flowers, Sash, and Headpiece: Monique of Articulture Designs / Wedding Dress: WTOO (The best part: it’s actually a bridesmaids dress, so the cost came in under $250! Woot!) via Serendipity Bridal / Birdcage Veil: Tessa Kim / Stole: Austin Antique Mall / Wedding Shoes: Via Spaga / Hair: Andrea Juarez / Makeup: Maris Marie Calderon at Pearl Austin / Bridal Party Attire: We decided not to do the traditional wedding party thing – we both had our special guys and gals, and our florist made (awesome leather) wrist corsages for the ladies and boutonnieres for the dudes. This was all in the interest of not burdening our dear ones with the chore of buying fancy clothes, and also keeping our wedding on the casual side. / Wedding Caterer: Pink Avocado / Wedding Dessert: Habana Soco / Wedding Music: Brian Kremer, Surfside, and Run of the Mill / Wedding Invitations: Bride, Amanda Lamb, and Julie Wilhite; paper via Paper Source, Paper and More, and Paperworks
