Eloping is near and dear to my heart since my husband Tim and I eloped in 2019. As a photographer, I love ALL sorts of weddings – elopements, small intimate weddings, bigger traditional weddings, you name it. What matters is that you and your partner make it about YOU. You’re the ones who will look back on the day and remember every little detail. Why not make those details the things that you love?
A common misconception about eloping is that it needs to be 1.) last minute/rushed and 2.) in a remote location in a foreign country. But eloping in the modern day means those two things aren’t always necessarily true.
Most couples I work with who choose to elope are very open with friends/family of their choice and they often spend just as much time planning their elopement as couples planning more traditional weddings.
Sara and Chase wanted to get married in the place where their love story started, Florence, Alabama. They wanted a unique anniversary so they chose 2.2.22 for their big day. When I first chatted with Sara I asked her “what do you guys like to do as a couple?” We talked about various parks and restaurants in the Shoals area that her and Chase frequent. As we got closer to the big day there was rain forecasting alllll day long. We whipped out some clear umbrellas and had the most magical day hitting up different spots in Florence.
We started the day at Sara and Chase’s house in Florence, Alabama where we took our time getting ready and listened to a shared musical interest, Alt-J. I was greeted by 2 of Sara and Chases’ FOUR cats. That’s right – four. Being a cat momma myself, I absolutely welcomed this greeting.
After some sweet and stress-free getting ready photos, we made out way to Wilson Park for the pair to exchange vows. This is one thing I really loved about Sara and Chase’s elopement day. They chose to say their “i-do’s” at a park in town that was so meaningful to their relationship. Talk about an easy ceremony location! Eloping in a neighborhood park downtown is such a brilliant move. Especially if you choose a slower day of the week like they did. You can almost always have the place to yourself and it becomes to much more intimate.
A quick trip to a notary, and then the Florence courthouse made it official. In the state of Alabama it’s actually quite easy to elope. You just need to head to their web site and download a form which you’ll sign with your partner in front of a notary. Exchanging vows is technically optional although I HIGHLY recommend it. It’s such a special moment between you and your partner where you can profess your love and make the promise of a lifetime of love. And I will be there documenting the entire thing and help cheer you one when you exchange your first kiss!
We made our way back to Sara and Chase’s home to celebrate with some homemade cheesecake that Sara made. They even got a custom cake topper with themselves and their 4 cats!
We then stopped by Rivertown Coffee in downtown Florence. Out front of the restaurant is a large metal heart with several locks. The couple purchased their own lock and marked it with their anniversary date. I love these photos of them putting the lock on the heart!
The day was finished at one of Sara and Chase’s favorite restaurants – Taco Mama . The pair split some chips, salsa, and a refreshing margarita.
I then said my goodbyes to the newlyweds to enjoy the rest of their special and unique day as husband and wife.
