If you hang out around my Instagram you may have seen some stories this past July from our trip to the Northern California coast and redwoods.  We were there with our kiddos and family friends because these two lovely humans were eloping! I had been chatting with Alexa and Eric for a few months by phone as they prepared to travel in from the midwest to say their I Do’s in a Redwoods National Park elopement.  These two have such joy and so much heart.  Being part of their wedding was amazing.  Dustin married them on a patch of trail they had found the day before.  It was nothing short of glorious.  Every time i photograph and elopement my heart is so full.  The intimacy of a moment like this and the gravity it holds are not lost on me.  Choosing to be married in such a setting is so special.  I can’t begin to tell you how honored we always are on days like these.  Alexa was kind enough to answer a few questions about eloping and why they chose that route for their big day.  Read on to find out more about all the things that made this day so special.  Congratulations to this beautiful pair!

 Redwoods National Park Elopement - Sarah Maren Photography  Redwoods National Park Elopement - Sarah Maren Photography  Redwoods National Park Elopement - Sarah Maren Photography

What was the most memorable moment of your day?

The emotions throughout the day stand out in my memory more than any specific moment. I remember the feeling of giddiness and anticipation to walk down the “aisle” and read my vows when hiding behind a tree after changing into my wedding dress and then feeling so calm and content throughout the ceremony like we were in the perfect place.

 Redwoods National Park Elopement - Sarah Maren Photography  Redwoods National Park Elopement - Sarah Maren Photography  Redwoods National Park Elopement - Sarah Maren Photography  Redwoods National Park Elopement - Sarah Maren Photography  Redwoods National Park Elopement - Sarah Maren Photography  Redwoods National Park Elopement - Sarah Maren Photography  Redwoods National Park Elopement - Sarah Maren Photography

Do you have any advice for other couples planning their wedding?

Elope! Just kidding, kind of. It may not be for everyone but for us it was perfect. I think figuring out what your priorities are can help guide where you focus your energy. For us, while planning a more traditional wedding we realized our commitment to each other, and then having great photos to help us remember the day 🙂 was most important, which led us to look into eloping.

 Redwoods National Park Elopement - Sarah Maren Photography  Redwoods National Park Elopement - Sarah Maren Photography  Redwoods National Park Elopement - Sarah Maren Photography

One of Alexa’s Favorite Wedding Images

 Redwoods National Park Elopement - Sarah Maren Photography

If you could do it all over, would you change anything about your wedding?

I sat considering this question for some time. I cannot imagine getting married any other way, the intimacy of eloping was perfect for us. I also probably would have just bought flowers from a grocery store or florist the day of instead of ordering a specific bouquet over the phone.

 Redwoods National Park Elopement - Sarah Maren Photography
Eric’s Favorite Wedding Photo

 Redwoods National Park Elopement - Sarah Maren Photography  Redwoods National Park Elopement - Sarah Maren Photography  Redwoods National Park Elopement - Sarah Maren Photography

Redwoods National Park Elopement - Sarah Maren Photography
Eric’s Favorite Wedding Photo

What was your favorite image from your wedding and why do you love it best?

It is so hard to choose favorites, there are so many beautiful photos. Our inability to decide has literally delayed us displaying the photos around our home! A good problem to have I guess.

 Redwoods National Park Elopement - Sarah Maren Photography

If you could do it all over, would you change anything about your wedding?

I sat considering this question for some time. I cannot imagine getting married any other way, the intimacy of eloping was perfect for us. I also probably would have just bought flowers from a grocery store or florist the day of instead of ordering a specific bouquet over the phone.

EDITOR’S NOTE:  This is also why I offer wedding flowers in my elopement collections.  I can’t imagine trying to plan an elopement and then worrying about trying to find a florist and all that! Plus, I work with only the coolest florist ever for elopements – Flourish!

 Redwoods National Park Elopement - Sarah Maren Photography  Redwoods National Park Elopement - Sarah Maren Photography

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