In March I received an inquiry through my website for an elopement five weeks later! She let me know that she had heard about me from both her boss and one of their clients, as I had done both of their weddings. I knew this couple would be fun, as I definitely enjoyed both of the couples she was talking about!
We got together soon after, to talk about what they wanted. Their seven year old daughter came to the meeting as well, which was great, as it was important to them that she be involved in the ceremony too, so we chatted about various ideas for that. They let me know that they wanted it to be simple - it would just be the three of them, me, and the photographer as the witness. They wanted to do their own vows to each other, but would love help and guidance on that. And that they had been together 10 years and wanted to celebrate their shared journey and history together, including their daughter.
Like with all of the elopements I do, I let them know that the "homework" assignment was optional, since there were no guests with whom to share the stories, but that it would allow me the chance to celebrate them in the way they deserve to be celebrated. But they were definitely willing to do it, along with the "part two" assignment, about the pieces and the wording, which would allow me to create their fitting ceremony for them.
So, what did we create together? There were many things that spoke to them, and they definitely enjoyed choosing! We included blessings from the cardinal directions, then a handfasting, with their daughter doing the wrapping of the ribbons for them (so meaningful and powerful for us all to see and experience), and they chose six specific colors for the ribbons based on the meanings of those colors, so we included that. They also chose to do a family unification sand ceremony, with beautiful colors for each of the three of them. We also included a chocolate ceremony, with Brianna choosing to include one sweet piece, one more bitter, and one nutty (which she gave to Casey!).
They wrote their own vows, which were beautiful and touching and meaningful, and did not share them ahead of time. They also chose to read a poem or reading to each other after the vows, "Fidelity" by D.H. Lawrence and "One Word is Too Often Profaned" by Percy Shelley. They also asked Marley to do a reading to them, and chose "Dove Poem" (Author Unknown), and it was so special to see! They also chose to include "Love's Philosophy" by Percy Shelley in the ceremony.
All in all, a very full and rich and meaningful elopement. They agreed with my belief that just because there are no guests with whom to share the celebration doesn't mean the ceremony should be any less you! I loved working with this family to create and deliver this ceremony!
Courtney of True Photography Weddings was our witness and captured these special moments.
Thanks again, Brianna and Casey (and Marley), for giving me the amazing honor of being part of your intimate celebration, and of your loving, fun, supportive relationship! Wishing you all a lifetime of love and happiness together - and lots more years of laughter too!
Venue: Torrey Pines State Reserve, Guy Fleming Trail, South Overlook
Photographer: True Photography Weddings (Courtney)