Did you do any DIY Projects or create any handmade items for your wedding?
Our stationery was created by Addison from Petite Paperie. It included beautiful prints on some incredible papyrus type paper (Dunder Mifflin would only dream of selling!) that were related to our elopment location and date.
She also did our vow booklets which are beautiful. They have a spanish phrase in shiny gold lettering that my husband wrote to me in a letter shortly before we started dating. My book is inscribed, “Haces mi alma feliz…” and his says, “…siempre”.
What creative or personal aspects did you include in your wedding?
I got my husband some custom cuff links that feature our cat Milah who obviously couldn’t be with us physically on this special day, although she was in spirit.
What is the most memorable moment of your day?
Definitely saying our vows as the sun was setting on the beach. That was the ultimate ending. It was so sweet that even my husband started to tear up (although he claimed after that some beach sand blew into his eyes). To be fair, there was bit of a breeze, so I gave him the benefit of the doubt.
What was the biggest thing you did to save money?
Getting eloped instead of having a full-on wedding was the biggest cost saving measure. Spending less than a quarter of what we would’ve on a full on wedding meant we got to spend our special day going at our own pace and really appreciating our surroundings. We got to focus entirely on each other, and really think about what this day meant for the rest of our lives.
What was your biggest splurge?
Photography! We fell in love with Jessica’s work on Instagram. She has such an extensive knowledge of St.Augustine and a lot of previous experience to really know when and where to take the best photos. Almost all of the historic landmarks and the most scenic beach were our back drop for the the photo session. We went from place to place gettng the best and most memorable photos.
What was your favorite detail?
We got to walk around the historic town of St.Augustine, where we received a number of compliments and it really felt special. Most notably, an adorable little girl came up to us and told me I looked like a princess. It was so heartwarming. The people of St. Augustine really made us feel special.
The fact that our photographer knew every detail about the place was also our favourite detail. She was like an encyclopedia. Part photographer, part wedding and elopement specialist, part tour guide!
What’s the best advice you have for planning your wedding now that you’re on the other side?
Really consider your options and don’t get pressured into doing things you really don’t want to. Be realistic about your budget. There are so many options and so many beautiful destinations to have a wedding or get eloped.
The day is all about you and your partner. You can always have a gathering after the fact to celebrate with the rest of family if you decide to get eloped. You can still make a beautiful occasion out of it like we did. We had a large photo book printed of our favourite pictures on that special day and had family members sign it at a banquet.
