Friends, I have so many posts I’m behind on sharing, including our elopement weekend. Even before we got engaged, we agreed that we didn’t want to host a traditional wedding. I’ll happily attend other people’s big day, but I never planned out my dream wedding as a little girl. I didn’t want to spend the time, money, or energy on a big wedding, and you know what? I have zero regrets about our decision! Now, I’m spilling all the details of our perfect weekend.
The Story
Our elopement was a planned affair. We didn’t run off in secret (although we joked about it in Vegas!). Everyone knew it was happening, and we waited the average year between getting engaged and married. Since we planned to go on a long international honeymoon, we decided to elope at the courthouse here in Arizona. Our moms flew in for a long weekend to be our witnesses and celebrate with us.
Thursday:
My mom flew in Wednesday night, so we had a girls’ day as she accompanied me around town running errands — polishing my ring, waxing my brows, and getting a fresh mani. We picked up Brett’s mama on the way home, and Brett met us after work. Brett and I took them to Palma Kitchen + Tap for dinner in a beautifully gated neighborhood. The drive is stunning, with a sprawling golf course and majestic palm trees leading to the romantic entry fountain.
Friday:
I’m so glad eloping could look like whatever we wanted; our day was lowkey and stress-free. We started our wedding day with a morning walk around our neighborhood with our moms and fur babies, followed by a Starbucks run, opening gifts, and copying our vows into our vow books.
We piled into the car in the afternoon and went to the courthouse. The ceremony took less than 10 minutes — it was quick, easy, and exactly what I wanted. And then, just like that, we were husband and wife!
For dinner, we made reservations at Cafe Monarch. We all had the chef’s 8-course tasting menu, which was not only exquisite but an experience. It was a splurge, but what better occasion than our once-in-a-lifetime wedding?
Saturday and Sunday:
We woke up at The Phoenician, our home for the weekend. Brett recommended we stay at a resort after our elopement rather than go home, and I’m so happy with that decision! It was a fun way to unwind with our families, and we didn’t leave the property until check-out time. On Sunday, we had one last brunch at JOJO Coffeehouse before sending our mamas on their way home. It was everything we hoped our wedding weekend would be.
The Details
Even though we didn’t have a traditional wedding, I did want a classic dress for our wedding photos. We had our proper photoshoot in Italy, but I figured I’d try to get my money’s worth and wear my gown to the courthouse. I ordered my dress from Anthropologie and had it tailored.
I opted to get my hair done professionally because that’s not my area of expertise. Brett can attest to my numerous failed attempts at following YouTube tutorials. Tori Shope came over, was so sweet, and did a great job.
Remembering our happiest day while looking forward to the best days. xo
How wonderful! Congratulations! Your dress is beautiful 🙂
Congratulations! That sounds like a wonderful wedding.
Congratulations. It’s great when you get to be stress free for your wedding day. I wish you all the best in your marriage.
Congratulations, Kelly! I wish you all the best, happiness and unnumerous travelling together! Your dress and hair look wonderful. The whole day sounds lovely. 😊
This is beautiful. Congratulations to you! My husband and I eloped when we were in college. And we just celebrated 19 years of marriage last month.
Congratulations! You both look lovely and happy!
Good for you! You both saved some serious coins. I totally wanted to do a very low-key wedding, but hubby wanted to have a nice setup. So we met in the middle, but I wish we could have done a farm-style wedding. Either way, it was beautiful.
I love your dress and hair. Your hair looks amazing. I’m glad you both found what worked for you. And I’m happy your parents came.
Congratulations! I’ve always considered eloping and it’s really cool to hear about your experience. It really does look like you did the perfect balance of celebratory and relaxed!
This is a lovely post. Congratulations and blessings to you both.
Pastor Natalie (ExamineThisMoment)
Letstakeamoment.com
wow congratulations, lovely pictures
Congrats!
Congratulations! What a simple and wonderful plan.
Congrats!! I’m glad you were able to have the wedding you wanted, that’s great!! Hope you are enjoying married life so far.
Congratulations, and I wish for you an awesome marriage!
Congratulations Kelly!
Congratulations!
Congratulations! You look gorgeous and you two look so happy (which is the most important thing)!
My husband and I also eloped last year – it was the best decision. Wishing you the best start to your new marriage!
Congratulations! I love your dress!