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. 

Fun fact - that's my husband in the picture above. He's holding the vows that he wrote to me for our 10 year vow renewal. 

Writing your own wedding vows is a must for me. It's the advice I give to all couples, write your own wedding vows! It may seem like a daunting task, where do you begin? how long do they have to be? What do I even say? What are vows? 

Let me offer you 3 tips to write your own wedding vows. 

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​Begin your wedding vows with what you love and admire about your partner, list the attributes and dive into the why.  

​Next, write examples of those reasons, share a story or two of a time when those reasons became reality for you. 

Close your wedding vows with your promises or vows. Google is a great place to grab inspiration for the vows, to get ideas for specific wording, but let's take it a step further, once you see a great vow, make it personal, change it up to include specific things about relationship. For example, instead of saying "I promise to always love you" change it to "I promise to continue to show you I love you by always kissing you goodnight, even though we both know you're sleeping and won't know but you'll ask and get disappointed if I say no, so I will always kiss you goodnight" 

Make your wedding vows personal. Make them reflect your personality, if you are funny, then make some of it funny, but always include a sentimental moment or two, love is the highlight here. 

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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