A GUIDE ABOUT ELOPEMENTS AND WHY YOU SHOULD HAVE ONE
I’m here to discuss eloping and to clear the air about some stigmas that may still be attached to the word “elopement”.
Why am I doing this?
Because to be honest, I am eloping myself and I just don’t think that it would be right if I didn’t also encourage others to consider this approach as an alternative to their wedding day.
So let’s dive into the nitty-gritty here.
What exactly is an elopement?
In my own words, this is how I would personally define an elopement:
An elopement is an intimate and personally crafted wedding day that fully encapsulates everything about a couple becoming one by creating a unique wedding experience that is authentic to them.
The day is focused on the two people getting married to each other because, at the end of the day, your wedding day should celebrate you both and the love that you both share for each other.
Why should you elope?
What if you didn’t have to worry about talking to all 100 of your guests? Or worry wondering if you picked the right cake flavour for everyone during the middle of your wedding day?
What if you didn’t have to spend the majority of the day being separated from each other for tradition-sake but instead could spend the entire day together?
They’re less stressful, and a whole lot more fun — An elopement is about doing the things that you love, wearing the outfits that make you feel like you’re truly representing you, and incorporating the things that make you authentically yourselves —even if that means going down to the cat cafe to give all the Kittys some lovin’ because you both are mega cat lovers.
You can choose your location! — Seriously. Anywhere you want to go, anything you want to do….you can do it. Whether that means going to the top of a mountain, or going to the cafe where you both met for the first time to share one last coffee together at the place where it all started before saying your vows. You can choose what means the most to you both.
What are some elopement myths:
- Eloping is only for two people — WRONG! Elopements should entail your closest loved ones if you would like their presence to be alongside yours. I would consider 30 people or less to be an elopement.
- Eloping means just going to the registry office/courthouse and signing paperwork — you definitely don’t have to do this! Although I must admit that the Brisbane registry has a spectacular little venue with incredible views, and you can most certainly ask me to see the photos and videos that I took of this space.
- Eloping is getting married in secret without anyone knowing — This is now a thing of the past. Elopements should include the ones that you care about the most!
- Elopements are only 1-2 hours long — they shouldn’t be only 1-2 hours long! I mean think about it, this is your WEDDING DAY here that we are talking about! The day that you’re going to be looking back on for the rest of your entire adult life. Remember that this is still your WEDDING DAY….why should elopements be shorter than a traditional wedding?
Think about it…would you hire a wedding photographer for only 1-2 hours for a traditional wedding? No way!
I just want you to know that you deserve everything and more, regardless of it being an elopement!
OK so maybe you’re now wondering how an elopement could be over 1-2 hours long now….but trust me, folks, it can be done!
How you ask?
With an all-day elopement!
And now I’m sure you’re wondering how an all-day elopement works! To better illustrate this idea, I have put together a sample of an all-day elopement timeline for someone that is looking for an elopement idea in the Brisbane area to paint a better picture for you!! This specific elopement takes place on Mount Tamborine.
EXAMPLE ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHY TIMELINE
Getting Ready Location: Little Bird Cottage at Tamborine Mountain
Ceremony Location: Palm Grove Rainforest Circuit
Additional Portrait Location: Curtis Falls
Meal/Celebration Location: The Old Church
10:00am: The getting ready beings — hair, makeup, the whole shebang.
11:00am: I arrive at your Airbnb for some getting ready and detail photos.
12:30pm: Your first look at the beautiful AirBNB property.
1:15pm: Head to the Palm Grove Rainforest Circuit for your ceremony.
1:30pm: Arrive at Palm Grove Rainforest Circuit for your ceremony. Say your vows and celebrate!
2:15pm: Portraits at Palm Grove Rainforest Circuit with the beautiful surroundings.
3:00pm: Head to the first winery (Cedar Creek Estate) to celebrate with a round of drinks and indulge on a cheeseboard.
4:00pm: Head to Curtis Falls for a little hiking and scenic views.
5:00pm: head to the lookout with music in tow for the first dance.
6:00pm: Head to the Old Church to wine and dine with each other.
7:00 pm: Head back to the Airbnb to start the fire up.
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And if you aren’t an outdoorsy couple, guess what? You can even do this in a more urban location! The creativity and options to do what you want to celebrate your unique wedding day are endless! The beautiful thing about elopements is that there is no right or wrong way to do things. You just get to do things your way, and I think that’s pretty dang awesome.
