Think elopement but less - that's right, the ultimate small wedding is simple and stress free. Meet me at the coffee shop and we will sign your marriage license and right there at the table I recite a simple vow for you and you say "I do" and then....I PRONOUNCE YOU MARRIED! I'll take care of filing your marriage license and provide instructions for how to change your name and apply for your marriage license. The only thing you need to do for this super simple wedding is to apply for your marriage license at your local county clerk's office and then round up two folks over 18 to come with you as your witnesses. 

There are many reasons couples choose a coffee shop signing or elopement. Currently in 2022 it would seem that couples still are apprehensive about holding a large wedding and waiting things out a bit, But there is no delay in making that married life legal, sign today, get married and then host the perfect reception celebration for your marriage anytime! 

Another reason may be cost, weddings can be very expensive and if you take that $20.000 savings and put it as a down payment on a home or a vacation or even just keep it in the bank you could be way ahead instead of in wedding debt. 

Personally I don't ask the reason, it's your business and I'm simply happy to assist in making your day perfect for you, whichever wedding way works best for you. 

If you are interested in a coffee shop wedding email me and let's set a date. Coffee shop weddings are done Monday through Wednesday between 10am and 1pm. I am happy to meet other days and times for just a little bit more of a fee. 

Nichole 

Let's start at the beginning, what does ELOPE mean anyway? Many years ago it was the notion, the idea that two people in love would run away and get married. Today however, the idea of eloping can really simply mean a small intimate wedding done anywhere. My version of an elopement is a small wedding 20 people or fewer planned 3-6 months in advance, but sometimes it can be planned even in a few days. The ceremony is short and sweet and the marriage is legal and stress free! Today's vision of eloping is meant to be cost effective and stress free. 

Once you've eloped you may choose to host a reception, a backyard BBQ or even just send out a lovely card to announce your newly wed life has begun. Here are my 3 suggestions on how to announce you've eloped! 

1. At your elopement ceremony snap a picture of the two of you. Use that picture to create a card, with the simple words "WE'VE ELOPED". I suggest using www.basicinvite.com as you can upload the addresses and basic invite will address the envelopes and even mail them out for you!  This is the easiest and quickest way to get the word out that you are married. 
2. Host a reception, have a gathering with your closest friends and family and when you send the invitation out make it simple and sweet using phrases like: "Join us for a celebration of your marriage" "We've eloped and it's time to party!" "We're married and can't wait to celebrate with you" 
3. Social Media announcements - Update that status to MARRIED and you can even get a little crafty using sites like www.canva.com to create a cute elopement announcement with your picture to post on Facebook, Instagram or any other medium you choose. 

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The idea is to remember the reasons you chose to elope, to keep it stress free, financially feasible and fun! 

Many couples share with me the anxiety they feel about standing in front of a lot of people during their wedding ceremony. It can be a lot to take in, the thought of all those eyes staring at you during your wedding ceremony. The nerves you may have for having to speak publicly, maybe you wrote your own wedding vows or even saying the simple "I do" seems all too much to you.  Let alone the the build up of anticipation during the planning process for your wedding, the actual ceremony itself can feel just so darn intimidating. Rest assured I can offer you a few tips to help ease those frightful feelings. 

I always guide my couples that once they have walked down the aisle, or even if you are not walking down the wedding aisle and perhaps you plan to begin a little more casually, stand close together and hold hands. Yes, even if your hands are sweaty and clammy, showing support to each other during your ceremony is paramount. And standing close together not only offers you a comfortable feeling but it's really great for your photos. A little hand squeeze or touch of the palm, or even kiss of the back of the hand can be all your partner needs to reassure them everything is going alright during your wedding ceremony. 

I know it may sound silly, of course you love each other, you're getting married after all. But everyone's love language is different, so words of affirmation are a safe bet. When you begin the ceremony, you're standing there facing each other, and typically I will begin by talking to your guests, this is your moment to talk to each other, take a quick moment to say "hello" or "I love you" or "you look amazing". Your kind words could be just what your partner needs to hear to reassure them in the moment. 

If you are nervous, your instinct may be to simply stare at your partner and hold tight for dear life until the kiss at the end of your wedding ceremony. But I assure you, if you take a deep breathe, take a quick look around to see the amazing people that love you, the decor you so carefully chose and really take in THIS life altering moment you may feel just a bit more at ease knowing your community has your back and all that planning really did pay off. Plus, we all know a deep breathe can help you center yourself in the moment. Now, remember this is a quick look around, you don't want to be avoiding eye contact with your partner the whole ceremony...that's awkward. 

I love a small ceremony with your closest friends and family by your side. There is something about an intimate ceremony that allows the stress to float away and the focus to really be on the love and joy of the couple. 

The Oakley wedding venue is in Holly Michigan and has the the sweetest and kindest owners you'll meet. Their intention is truly to provide you the best wedding day experience possible. 

The Oakley in Holly has a beautiful greenhouse where they host intimate weddings and they have put together a great inclusive intimate wedding day package. Simply add on catering, bar and me and you are set! 

While I love a good elopement in the park, sometimes you want a little more for your wedding day and The Oakley in Holly Michigan offers just that.

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They landed at a beautiful space in Ann Arbor called Studio Studio where the serene white walls and elegant atmosphere lended itself beautifully as the backdrop for their intimate wedding day. As close family and friends gathered and were seated we began their ceremony, sharing bits of their love story along the way. 

The great part of having a intimate wedding is being able to see and hear everyone's reaction to their wedding ceremony. I could see the smiles and tears of joy, the emotion family and friends had for their love was a beautiful sight. 

And can we talk a moment about the wonderful wedding party they created to stand with them on their wedding day? They gathered their best people and asked them to stand with them. Remember, traditional roles no longer exist...do what serves you best on your wedding day. 

To stand with a couple on their wedding day is an honor, one I never take lightly. When hired as your professional wedding Officiant it is my job to command your wedding ceremony, to take charge of the moment so you can truly relax and enjoy your wedding ceremony. I do this commanding and taking charge gently and always with a warm smile. Rest assured your family and friends will be left wondering how long we've known each other because it will feel like a lifetime. Makenzie and Ryan were no exception. As I greeted their community on their wedding day I knew just how loved the two of them were and how wonderful their wedding day was going to be. 

Ryan and Mackenzie, congratulations to the both of you on handling all the changes of your wedding day plans with grace and smiles. I'm sure there were plenty of rough patches but you certainly did not let them deter your love and your happily ever after! 

​Photographer: Alora Rachelle

Nicole and Harry celebrated their wedding ceremony at their Nona's home in Michigan. When I pulled into the tree lined drive I was taken aback by how it felt as though I was driving in the Italian countryside. And this was just the beginning of what would be one of the most love filled intimate wedding ceremonies I would take part in that summer. 

When I arrived I was greeted by a very welcoming family who were all just so excited to be with each other and to celebrate Nicole and Harry. The groom, Harry walked me to the ceremony location and we reviewed the protocols on where everyone would be standing for the wedding ceremony. I was then able to say hello to Nicole before we began the wedding ceremony. Nicole is the kind of person that when you see her you feel welcome, you feel invited and seen. On her wedding day Nicole was all beauty and grace and the reflection of her families love. 

When the time came we all took our places in front of the trees for the ceremony. Nicole and her dad made their way down the aisle and together Nicole and Harry stood ready to begin their married lives. 
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We moved through their wedding ceremony sharing little bits of their love story along the way. They made the choice to write their own wedding vows, which I always encourage! And man were they good! They invoked their own love for each other and their hopes for their future is a beautiful way. 

That sunny and warm summer afternoon Nicole and Harry gathered under a tent with their families and celebrated their nuptials. 

Planning a intimate wedding in your own backyard offers so many wonderful options. you get to customize every aspect. And when keeping the guest count lower you can spend a little more on some of the things that matter most to you, be it flowers, food or decor or attire. Anything goes because it truly is your wedding day done your way. 

Congratulations to the happy couple and their beloved family.