We talk about elopements all the time – but what does the unique intimacy of a wedding elopement really mean for the couple? Today’s inspiration comes to us from Colorado, and truly honors the cherished experience that an elopement can be.
Of the many reasons to elope, we particularly like Rebecca’s take on being present. She shares the inspiration for their day: I always knew that if I were ever to meet my right life partner and get married again, I would need to go somewhere beautiful + elope. In my heart, eloping means leaving aside as much of the noise as possible and being fully present with the gravity of the marriage vows.
Need another inspiring reason to elope? This bride designed her own wedding dress – all custom, handmade magic by Rebecca + the team at Rebecca Schoneveld. With an incredibly stylish, custom made wedding dress and the golden Colorado sun, R + M said ‘I do’ in the sweetest stone chapel with their nearest + dearest.
Photographer Roger Ellsworth captures the ceremony day + Kenzie Blink captured the post-wedding:
Going to the Chapel
The sweetest yay, you just got married moment – ever!
Most bouquets don’t look happy in the snow because of freezing temps. But take a tip from this bride and source silk instead! This sweet design from Blooming Bouquet was created custom for R + M’s magical winter elopement.
Snowy Elopement
We can’t delay this any longer. Let’s talk about that über custom, über amazing wedding dress!
The designer bride shares: At one point I was going to make 2 or even 3 different gowns! But, I realized I just wanted to wear something sincere. A design that would be meaningful to both me + to my new husband…with a few details that might push the fashion envelope a touch.
I decided to only use fabrics I already owned. The lace that I wore is from Sophie Hallette (one of the oldest French mills still in operation), and was the first lace I ever purchased to use in my very first collection! In the spirit of the West, I went with a silhouette that nods to the pioneer women of the late 1800’s; pairing a custom sleeve + collar on our best selling, fitted bodice + skirt shapes. To me, the finished design feels both quiet and dramatic, and I just love that!
If you like Rebecca’s wedding dress, you’ll love her (not one but) two dresses from her engagement photoshoot!
Even the simplest elopement can get stressful. To remedy that, R + M hired Alexandra from Soul Spark Events to help coordinate some of the on-the-ground details of the day.
Golden Colorado Sun
Just dreamy!
Lace trains + sunsets…they just belong together.
Custom Dress Vibes
We’re not 100% over this bridal look yet – or that amazing skirt! Rebecca tells us more about her bridal look + accessories: For a bit of variety, I layered my new “Candela” organza skirt on top of my gown for the ceremony and some photos. I borrowed a fur shrug from my store Schone Bride, and finished off my look with a custom hair piece by Hushed Commotion. My friend Celeste recently launched a beautiful line of veils; and when she offered to create one for me, I said yes please!
I am so glad that we celebrated our marriage the way we did. In the end, we were able to be free to be imperfect, to focus on each other, and take our time with the parts we cared about most. That is what I always encourage my brides to do, too. Whether you elope or have a more traditional celebration, protect yourself from all the things that can pull you in too many directions. At the end of the day, your healthy headspace is worth more than a thousand perfect photos.
With gorgeous organza on our minds, we offer many congratulations and well-wishes to R + M!
photography: // venue name: Old Stone Chapel at St. Paul’s Episcopal Steamboat Springs, Steamboat Springs, Colorado, USA // planning: Soul Spark Events // florals: Blooming Bouquet // wedding dress: Rebecca Schoneveld // wedding dress boutique: Schone Bride // hairpiece: Hushed Commotion // bride’s shoes: Ugg // bride’s ring: Holden // getting ready robes: Kite&Butterfly // groom attire: My Suit // groom’s ring: Holden // bride’s veil: Celeste New York // bride’s shrug: Linda Richards // bride’s earrings: A.B.Ellie // wedding day photographer: Roger Ellsworth // post wedding photographer: Kenzie Blink