Ever wonder if you should just cancel the wedding and elope? Sure, it might sound like a let-down at first, but we’ve seen couples time-and-time again decide to elope with zero regrets. Eloping doesn’t mean you have to cancel the big party later. Instead, it gives you an opportunity to celebrate your love right now. Erik + Elizabeth took it one step further by eloping in secret, her in an adorable mini wedding dress with sleeves, no less. But—it was a long road to get there:
We were supposed to get married in Santorini in May 2020. We postponed our wedding to October but that was canceled, as well. Then, we planned a small wedding in St. Petersburg, Florida with an intimate group of family and friends in November — but that was canceled a week before! At that point, we’d been engaged for over two years and together for eight. I also suffered the loss of my grandfather in June which made me want to get married even more to share photos with family and friends. We were so devastated that our special day kept getting pushed. So we snuck away to Ponte Vedra Inn and Club in Jacksonville and eloped on a rooftop downtown!
Erik + Elizabeth worked closely with their photographer, Halle Morgan, and videographer, Colin Goodman, to help style and plan their elopement. Their goal was to just “go with the flow” and, thanks to their great vendors, they just knew the day would turn out perfect.
And, OH, did it. Let’s take a look!
Here Comes the…Mini Wedding Dress with Sleeves!
You’re probably here to get ALL the details on that dress, right?! It’s the Mini Caspian by Odylyne The Ceremony…and it might just be the most perfect elopement dress ever.
First the dress, then you hit us with this buff + blush bouquet by Bloom Shakalaka?! Cannot handle.
Rooftop Ceremony in Jacksonville
We spy a sweet little pup…
1. Facetiming our parents after to surprise them with our elopement! Their reactions were priceless!
2. Having our dog, Bailey, with us. She’s been a part of our relationship since day 1 so having her there with us meant the absolute world!
Honestly, she’s the most beautiful bridesmaid we ever did see.
Yay! Who needs Greece?!
City Love
Elizabeth’s glam ‘do by Blush and Mane paired oh-so-perfectly with a classic cat-eye by Lia Croke!
If you’re looking for a wedding (or elopement) dress that’s fashion-forward and fun like our girl here, here’s our list of favorites dresses for 2021 brides!
So, let’s hear it from these two: should you cancel the wedding and elope?
My advice to brides — if your wedding has been pushed out and you’re considering eloping first, do it! It is such a unique and special day that will hold you over until your big day! It’s a great opportunity to have fun, make the day about your love, and also be a bride twice! I mean who doesn’t want that!?
Our private elopement was such a special moment where we got to celebrate our love and how it’s grown even stronger after experiencing such a tough year. It’s true, love conquers all and I’m so happy we made the decision to elope but definitely can’t wait till the day to safely celebrate with friends and family!
Because we KNOW the photos alone would leave you wanting more, here’s a dreamy video by Colin Goodman to wrap it all up! Sending our deepest congrats to Erik + Elizabeth!
photography: Halle Morgan // florals: Bloom Shakalaka // wedding dress: Odylyne The Ceremony – The Mini Caspian // bride’s ring: Sirciam Jewelry // hair stylist: Blush and Mane // makeup artist: Lia Croke // groom’s ring: Juste // videography: Colin Goodman // officiant: Pastor Bob Hovey // earrings: A. B. ELLIE