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"Big Wedding Gone Small" Chapel Elopement for $3K

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Jennifer and Gabriel did not want to let COVID ruin their plans, so they turned their big wedding into an elopement and still had their lovely wedding day! With the help of the sun, an outdoor gazebo, and a classic car, they were able to have the sweetest one-hour elopement!

Jennifer + Gabriel

Monterey, California
- 01/05/2021
Total wedding budget $3,000

Budget Breakdown

Below is an estimated wedding budget breakdown provided by the couple.

  • Venue
    13%
    $400
  • Officiant
    13%
    $400
  • Attire
    23%
    $700
  • Photography
    13%
    $400
  • Cake/Dessert
    1%
    $40
  • Catering
    10%
    $300
  • Hair & Makeup
    11%
    $340
  • Flowers
    1%
    $40
  • Total wedding budget
    $3000

How did you meet?

We met through a mutual friend. Our friend thought we might like each other and tried the blind date thing but that wasn’t our style. Eventually one night we ran into each other with our mutual friend and hit it off. Been inseparable since.

What is your proposal story?

My husband and I were on a date night, after dinner he was acting strange kind of nervous. He got down on one knee and popped the question. I said Yes!

Tell us about your attire choices.

When I first picked my dress I was with friends and picked a dress that I liked but felt it was more my friend’s choice. Within a few days, I decided this is not my dress. I called David’s Bridal and they helped me come back into the store and find something I loved. This time I took my 13-year-old daughter and it was the best experience. My dress is a Vera Wang, classy but casual for the small intimate wedding.

What were your favorite parts of the day?

My favorite part of the day was driving with my husband alone to the chapel. Most couples drive separately but I wanted us to be together to ease our nerves. I put on some good music and made my husband laugh because he was a little nervous.
It was supposed to rain but we had sunshine and the perfect weather for a winter day.

Do you have any advice for couples planning their weddings now?

When we first got engaged our vision was different. We wanted all family and friends to attend. Unfortunately, COVID-19 hit and we had to make adjustments due to safety. Within marriage, you have to make sacrifices and compromises and work as a team. Our small intimate wedding was perfect because we focused on what would make us happy. Focus on you and everything will come together.