Lara Eichhorn, a pro-gay vendor on our website, submitted this elopement via Two Bright Lights. I just love how happy Wendy and Lisa look through the whole day because that’s what it’s about right?
Lisa and I, after 2 years of being engaged, decided to elope to British Columbia, Canada. We felt that a private ceremony would allow us to really focus on us and add a level of intimacy you can lose when you opt for a bigger wedding. It was hard to leave our family and friends out, but in the end, the day was just what we wanted and fit our personalities so well. All we can say is take the time to decide what you really want — big or little, the day should reflect the 2 of you.
The location and the ceremony were very important to us and they received most of our attention. We wanted to have the ceremony outside, in a beautiful, natural, private setting. When we stumbled upon the Boathouse B & B in a guidebook, it seemed too good to be true. In the end, the description and website didn’t even do it justice. It was like it was made for us. We always like finding little places “off the beaten path” when we travel, and that strategy definitely worked for us here.
Our entire wedding day was romantic and completely stress-free. We spent a very short part of the morning on a few details, mainly flowers and “cake.” We made a pact long before our travels that we were not going to get picky about certain things, so when we found a roadside stand selling cut flowers, we grabbed 2 bunches, shoved $10 in the coffee can, and the bouquets were done! Our cake was an assortment of treats from a local baker. Just a little something to share after the ceremony, but without all the hassle of ordering a small cake and traveling with the leftovers. With our errands done, we had the rest of the day to explore the area and enjoy the beautiful day. The peacefulness of it all allowed us to reflect upon the moment and cherish every detail. It does go by in a flash, but I’m glad we had the time to savor it.
Our advice to anyone planning a wedding, especially an elopement, would be to:
1. Do lots of research before you go, including maps/directions to the closest baker, dry cleaner, and back-ups in case any of those businesses are no longer there. And hours of operation. We were in an area where these businesses were plentiful, and wireless internet was everywhere, but you may not have that luxury in more exotic locations.
2. Always have a plan B. One thing we liked about the B & B was that it had a covered porch, so we knew if it was raining, we could still have our outdoor wedding.
3. Hire a photographer. Especially if you are opting for the private ceremony! Our photos were the main way we shared that special day with family and friends. Find a photographer that fits your style. It is money well spent.
I think the best moment of the day was our actual ceremony. We worked with our wonderful lay chaplain of the Unitarian Universalist church to put together a ceremony that was 100% inspired by us. She provided lots of examples and suggestions, but we edited, added, and arranged the spoken ceremony to say exactly what we wanted it to. And even though we had been over it a dozen times or more, it still made us cry to hear it “for real.” The witnesses, who were complete strangers to us before the ceremony, were brought to tears and were so genuinely happy for us. The kindness that flowed from everyone that day meant the world to us.
About 2 weeks after our elopement, we held a dinner party at our house for our immediate families to celebrate. The day was complete with flower arrangements, white lights and tulle streamers, a 2-tiered wedding cake, and catered food. Again, it was simple and not overly fussy, but definitely “wedding-y!” Creating the two separate events was the best of both worlds for us; an intimate private ceremony in this picture-perfect setting of British Columbia, and the celebration of the union of two families back at home in North Carolina.
Photographer: Lara Eichhorn, Victoria, BC, Canada
Venue: The Boathouse Bed and Breakfast, Brentwood Bay, BC, Canada
That is so wonderful. The more I’ve been thinking about it, the more eloping doesn’t seem like a bad idea. Very beautiful pictures!
Congrats on a beautiful and stress-free wedding! Gorgeous pictures, Lara!
Thanks for posting this. I loved reading the couple’s thoughts on the planning and day. It’s definitely one of my favourite weddings ever – so much emotion and joy.
Gorgeous and Inspiring!
I love these! So beautiful, and the emotion is palable. Gorgeous couple and perfectly executed, Lara.
What a beautiful ceremony! I always thought I wanted a big wedding, but this simplicity of your wedding seems so intimate and appealing.
Absolutely beautiful! You can see how happy and in love they are!
what a beautiful wedding and story!
This couldn’t possibly be more beautiful. Congratulations to the couple!
Reading this makes me want to get married to my love all over again! I love your pictures and love that you came to paradise to tie the knot!
Love,
erin, Leeanne and Bade