A Golden Ladder

Eloping used to mean running away and getting married without telling anyone...

e·lope /əˈlōp/
verb
gerund or present participle: eloping
Run away secretly in order to get married, especially without parental consent.  

Stories of a hurried escape, secretive rendez-vous involving a ladder from a the window, isn't really the case anymore, is it? Now eloping entails planning a small wedding day that's entirely and only about you - the couple. How romantic is that! 

Real Bride wears Solstice. Photo by Sofia Conte.
Real Bride wears Chiara gown. Photo by Megan Kay.

Elopement purposefully ignores the hubbub of a traditional wedding - and I say, the stress that can go along with it. Nowadays weddings and marriage have become quite an extravagant event. While it can be fun to throw a huge party with all your friends and family, the planning of the big day may be more than you want to handle. Shall we remember the entire purpose of why you’re having a wedding in the first place: to commit the rest of your lives to one another.

Real Bride wears Arpeggio gown. Photo by Jes Clewell.

And that’s why many couples are turning to elopements. Eloping no longer means a quick stop to city hall or running off to Vegas - although it can! Ce n'est pas un scandale. It’s not a hush hush event that you can’t tell anyone until afterwards. When couples elope today, it’s an intentional decision typically involving smaller ceremonies and can take place anywhere.

Real Bride wears Lea gown. Photo by Cedar & Pines.

Let's look at the common elopement myths:

Une. You cant have guests when you elope.

No, no cherie, remember it's all about you and those you want to share the day with.

Real Bride wears Mae gown. Photo by Nadia Diaz.

Deux. You must elope at the courthouse.

Show me the law that says that. An elopement can be at your favorite mountain, a National Park, in the desert, or even right in your backyard. My point is, you get to be creative!

Real Bride wears Duet gown. Photo by Madison Aycoth.

Trois. It's quick. 

Make it a weekend event, a month long sojourn. Just make it what you want.

Real Bride wears Robin gown. Photo by Lidia.

Quatre. Elopements are selfish.

Ahh, duh who's getting married here? 'Nuff said.

A wedding day should be a day you’ve created based on your love for one another, and focuses on being present and in the moment.

Cheers to that and a golden ladder too, Veronica x