The best word we can use to describe Ashley and Steven’s woodland elopement is serenity. Reading through the couple’s story and scrolling through their photos will give you a glimpse into the sense of peace they shared as they exchanged their vows in a sunny nook in California.
While the vendor list was small, each detail was thought through, special, and enjoyed by both the bride and groom. Roots and Rain designed the most intricate stationary that showcased the natural beauty of the ceremony location. Sister My Sister Bake Shop really showed up with their knockout naked cake surrounded by a complete World Market tablescape. Elopements like this remind us that at the end of the day, all that matters is you, your new spouse, and the fact that it’s the beginning of the rest of your life together – and THAT is beautiful.
How did you meet?
My husband and I met in 2013 when I was working as a bank teller for a short time. He came to my line frequently and we had an instant connection. A short time later, I decided (with some convincing from my coworkers that he too had a crush on me, even though we had only talked through the glass) that I would write to him on social media. He received my message, asked me out on a date and the rest is history. I’d come to find out later that, unfortunately, he had looked me up on social media when he first met me and my account said in a relationship (he didn’t know that relationship was ending) so he didn’t reach out (what a gentleman)!
What is your proposal story?
The story of how we got engaged makes me so happy because I really didn’t see it coming! We had talked about marriage for years and knew it was something that would happen one day for us. It was just a given. We knew we were in it for the long haul. Anyways, we had this short-standing tradition we started that every fall we would go to Solvang (we just liked it there). So to me, 2018 was no different. Welp… Long story short. I had bickered with him weeks prior about how we didn’t need to stay in a fancy hotel. We never had before in Solvang and it was so expensive (again, thought nothing of it. He has always loved fancy hotels). As we unpacked in our unbelievably nice hotel, I felt his hand grab my arm. I turn around to see him looking terrified, saying how sorry he was ( I just stood there thinking “I’m getting broken up with, this is the end” haha). He proceeded to apologize looking scared out of his mind before he finally explains that he is sorry that he hadn’t done this sooner, gets down on one knee, pours his feelings out and asks me to marry him. I said “YES! OF COURSE”. And that year Solvang was a whole new and exciting trip!
Tell us about your attire choices.
Attire for us was easy. I wanted something that was elegant, but not too fancy. In addition, I didnt want the traditional white dress and black or blue suit. I got my dress at a 15 minute sale! You had 15 minutes to try on as many dresses as you could and pick one. It was crazy and awesome! Steven just has a natural fashion sense and picked out his suit on his own. My bouquet and his boutineere I made myself and went from flower shop to flower shop looking for flowers that I hoped would create something beautiful. I eventually put a bouquet together and dried them. I had flowers hanging everywhere on string in my bedroom at one point drying haha! To me dried (dead) flowers are SO much more beautiful. I was pleased with my end result!
What were your favorite parts of the day?
Oh man, this is a tough one. Honestly saying “I Do” was killer! It was like “Yes we did it!” Why didn’t we bring the champagne to pop while doing pictures!? Haha. Our photographer Naba was also just so wonderful and kept us laughing and smiling all day. So many memories, such as me standing on a chair using sticks trying to hang my dress on a tree, hiking up to castle rock, everyone signing our marriage certificate, stopping to get pizza… I mean the memories are never ending.
Do you have any advice for couples planning their weddings now?
Honestly. Do what makes you happy! I can’t stress that enough. This should be a day in your life that isn’t rushed, that is unapologetically you and that is unforgettable.