Did you do any DIY projects or create any handmade items for your wedding?
We didn’t do any DIY projects or create handmade items, but I did do my own hair and makeup! I watched hair and makeup tutorials on YouTube, tried them a few times, and hoped for the best! I was pleased with the results!
What creative or personal aspects did you include in your wedding?
We wanted our wedding to be simple and beautiful. Our wonderful officiant, Rebeca, asked us if we wanted to do any special ceremonies (such as unity candle, unity sand, etc.) We opted out of doing any of those things. We wanted our ceremony short, sweet, and to the point, which is exactly what Rebeca crafted for us!
What is the most memorable moment of your day?
We don’t really have a most memorable moment because we remember the entire day in vivid detail. There was no stress, so we were able to soak up every single moment. Every moment of the day felt special and exciting. We want to go back to Carmel to relive that feeling so badly!
What was the biggest thing you did to save money?
Eloping in general was the biggest thing that saved us money. We didn’t invite anyone. We were the only two on the beach, along with our officiant and photographer.
Doing my own hair and makeup saved a bit of money, as well as getting a small bouquet instead of a bunch of flowers. We walked into Tiger Lilly Florist and Gifts the morning of the wedding, asked for a small bouquet, and they had it ready for us within the hour. Their service was incredible and the flowers were beautiful!
What was your biggest splurge?
Our biggest splurge was probably the honeymoon. We honeymooned in Santa Monica which was pretty expensive. We had a great time in Santa Monica, but looking back, we said we probably should have stayed in Carmel. Carmel is such a magical place. We can’t wait to go back one day!
What was your favorite detail?
Our favorite detail was the location. It was absolutely BEAUTIFUL. The beach was so private and secluded, we had it all to ourselves. We had the option to get married in front of “Wedding Rock” or down on the beach. We did the ceremony in front of Wedding Rock and took pictures afterward down on the beach. Seriously though, the location was like something you would see in the movies. Absolutely breathtaking.
What’s the best advice you have for planning your wedding now that you’re on the other side?
My best advice would be to elope and don’t look back! I have talked to so many brides this past year and been in 4 weddings as a bridesmaid, and almost all of them have said they wished they would have eloped.
Eloping is so stress-free. Especially when you go through someone like Simply Eloped. I could go on and on about how amazing Simply Eloped is! There was not a single time I was stressed through the entire elopement process or even the day of!
Share any additional details you’d like us to know about your event:
My dress was around $800 dollars. We bought it from Norman’s Bridal in Springfield, Missouri. It was part of a sale they were having, so we got a great deal on it! I bought my prom dresses there as well. They are LOVELY to work with!
Justin’s suit was from Men’s Warehouse. We didn’t want to rent a suit/tux because it was going to be almost as much as buying one! His suit, shirt, and tie were around $300 and now he has it for life! The shoes he wore were ones he’d had since high school. No need to buy new shoes if you already have some that look great!
