One Year!

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Well, it's been a little over a year since we got engaged and boy does time fly! It's been amazing thus far and we're really excited for what the future holds. I feel like we've grown closer and patient with one another and I'm glad we decided to take things slow. I am also very pleased that my fiancé has been really involved in the wedding planning process. With that being said, on the day of our engagement anniversary, we made some very important decisions! Let the countdown begin! 

We finally have a plan and we couldn't be more relieved. Initially, we had so many vendors and locations to choose from - it was mind-boggling! We decided to keep things very simple. Less stress = more fun! At this time, I  would like to share some ideas we had prior to making our big decision. Click on the links in bold! Enjoy!

Wedding idea #1 

Yosemite National Park

Samantha Arroyo

Holy Moly! We've never been, but the pictures are simply breathtaking. We hope to wander to the West Coast very soon. Until then, take a peek at the Arroyos' websites to see the magic that can transpire on film. Tip: If you're planning on tying the knot in a state or national park, be sure to visit their corresponding websites for information on rental fees and permissible wedding locations. 

Photographer: Samantha Arroyo 

Videographer: Josh & Samantha Arroyo 

Officiant: Cindie Wilding

 

Wedding idea #2

 Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park

Bergreen Photography

Whenever I look at this image, I can't help but think of Bloom by The Paper Kites. Can you imagine exchanging vows under some of the tallest trees in the world? I can! 

Photographer:Bergreen Photography

Officiant: Treasured Moments

 

Wedding Idea #3

Zion National Park

Tyler Rye

Canyons, and rivers, and caves! Oh my! Utah is home to these marvelous chunks of red rock that are just waiting to be explored...by you! There's nothing like having nature as the backdrop to your wedding. Can you tell there's a outdoor-sy theme in this post?

Photographer: Tyler Rye

Wedding Idea #4 

Grand Teton National Park

                                      Katy Gray

 

While on vacation in Mexico, my fiancé and I met a man from Jackson Hole, WY and he couldn't stop gushing about the place. As soon as we returned to the states, I did some research and Whoa! How did I not know this place existed?! The photo above is located in Mormon Row/Moulton Barns, which brilliantly showcases the Teton mountain range. 

Photographer: Katy Gray Photography

Wedding Planner: Lovely Day Events

Here we go again

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We thought we had our whole elopement thing figured out a couple months ago, but I guess we were wrong. We keep going back and fourth between wanting to elope or host a small wedding. To me, a small wedding consists of 50 people or less.The problem with having a small wedding is the guest list. Who do we invite? Family. Yes, that's what you would think, but to honest, we're much closer to our friends than our actual blood relatives. It's horrible we know, but tell me we're not alone here! Sometimes we connect with our friends on a such a personal level that they actually become our extended family. 

If we were to go that route, we were thinking to invite immediate family and best friends only, but i'm pretty sure a few people would be a little offended by that decision. We could always let them know what the situation is (budget, stress) but i'm not quite sure if they'd understand. Weddings can make or break relationships! We don't want to go through all that. I guess the most important thing to remember is that it's OUR wedding and we should be able do what feels right to us - like splurge on an awesome vacay instead!

So, where are we now? Elopement is still our number one choice, but we can't seem to shake that little tiny voice that keeps telling us to invite our loved ones. If money and stress wasn't an issue, we'd say no problem! Unfortunately, this isn't the case. There IS life after the wedding bells have rung. We have commitments and responsibilities that need to be taken care of. We also have to take care of ourselves and follow our hearts. Decisions, decisions! Welcome to adulthood!

Breaking the news

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So, you've decided to elope.Congratulations! Now, how will you break the news to your family and friends? Back in the day, eloping was something that young lovers did when their families didn't approve of their relationship; when they were so crazy in love they just had to be together ASAP. Running off, leaving the world behind them...so exhilarating!

Couples still do this to this day. I would assume mostly due to the high cost of weddings and not because they want to avoid the parentals. Eloping also eliminates all the stress that goes along with planning. If you're like me and not the spur-of-the moment type, the best way to prevent your loved ones from feeling out of the loop is to inform them of your plans. You don't have to tell them where or when, just let them know what's going on.When I say loved ones I mean immediate family and best friends. You don't have to tell the everyone!

When I got engaged, it didn't take long before I started receiving emails from distant relatives inquiring about invitations. This really put some pressure on me. That's when I talked it over with my fiance and we decided elopement was the route for us. Your immediate family and best friends are the most important people in your lives. It would be a little heartbreaking for them to discover you've tied the knot via a Facebook post (I posted a video of our engagement on FB and my brother was a little offended that I didn't call and tell him before hand. Sorry Louie!).

I'm all for fun and adventure, but by skipping town without a word, you run the risk of damaging a relationship. It sounds very petty, I know. After all, it is YOUR day. Weddings have a strange affect on people. We tend to get very emotional and take things to heart when we aren't included in such an important life event. So before you exchange you 'I dos', sit your loved ones down and explain to them why this is so important to you and your partner. They might not agree with you 100%, but they will appreciate your honesty in the long run.