A Meet-Cute on Hinge During The Pandemic Led To This Pacific Coast Elopement
Alexandra and Erik’s Pacific Coast elopement was the result of a serendipitous meeting on the popular dating app, Hinge. As quarantine restrictions began to lift, they could finally take advantage of dates along the California coast, with soaring mountains and crashing waves in full view. So it’s only natural that their elopement followed this natural, outdoor theme. Ophelia Floral Co. incorporated branches and strawberry vines throughout the floral elements, harking back to the bride’s career in agriculture and their most darling proposal story you’ll just have to read on to see. Wink, wink! With perfect weather and sun-kissed light, the couple exchanged vows on the sand, followed by a cake and champagne moment with their closest kin. Amorette Events Co. made sure the sweet celebration went off without a hitch, while Dani Toscano was behind the lens, capturing the most beautiful Pacific Coast elopement portraits we ever did see. Read on to see what modern love looks like, and join us in wishing A+E the biggest congratulations!
From the Photographer, Dani Toscano: In March 2020, when the pandemic spread through the world, Alexandra & Erik met via Hinge. Little did they know, their lives would change forever — defining and exemplifying what “modern love” looks like in this day and age. That night, Alexandra went to delete the app, when she realized Erik had messaged her and asked for her phone number. They began with a FaceTime date, which later transitioned into their first social distancing coffee date — where they spent hours talking. They quickly got to know each other through deep conversations. Because of quarantine, the standard “dates” were challenged, and the couple spent much of their time in the beautiful outdoors and on the phone. With Alexandra being an agriculture expert and Erik being a wildland firefighter, the two spent many of their dates in the mountains and beach.
When Alexandra wanted to go apple-picking in the fall, Erik knew of a wild apple orchard in the back roads near his fire station. They drove up to the mountaintop, hiked through the woods, and discovered the orchard. Fresh snow blanketed the area from a recent storm and the trees were full of mini apples. From Alexandra: “It was absolutely beautiful.” Towards the end of the date, Erik asked her to marry him.
On Alexandra & Erik’s day, they chose to elope with a view of the Pacific Ocean and their closest family members. Drawn to timeless and romantic notes, they went with soft colors to reflect the scenery: dusty blue and ivory. Alexandra notes, “We wanted to incorporate natural colors since we both love the outdoors so much.”
While they opted for an elopement, with a small group of guests, they chose to incorporate a cake cutting and champagne toast. “Although we are not having a “normal” wedding, I wanted to include traditional aspects.”
For their florals, it was very important to Alexandra to incorporate her love and career in agriculture. She hiked out to the apple trees where they got engaged and incorporated branches into her floral arrangements, designed by Ophelia Floral Co. She also included her favorite fruits into her smaller details, including strawberry vines in her bouquet and fruits & vegetable illustrated stamps on their invitations.
Alexandra’s biggest piece of advice is: “Don’t put off your wedding date just because you’re not able to have your dream wedding. Embrace the time you live in and make the most of it. Time is short and doesn’t stop, so why waste another day?”
Okay. I’ve gotta say… I adore this Pacific Coast elopement more than chilled rosé on a sun-kissed beach. Is it not the sweetest?! Look no further than this Oregon elopement for more coastal inspiration worth bookmarking next.
Wedding Vendors:
Photography: Dani Toscano
Planning: Amorette Events Co.
Florals: Ophelia Floral Co.
Beauty: Beauty Bespoken
Gown: Jenny Yoo at BHLDN
Cake: Cute Cakes
Location: Sunset Cliffs