Elopements – Not What They Used to Be

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Photo Credit: Russell Caron Wedding Photography

As a marriage officiant, I’ve performed hundreds of ceremonies over the past 18 years.  From the very simple “We just want the marriage license” type, to the incredibly extravagant.  Most couples fall somewhere in between and many of those struggle to find a way to include all of the details they want, while excluding the ones they don’t.  Marriage is an exciting milestone and couples generally do want the occasion to feel like a celebration.  But they do not always want the stress and expense which comes along with planning a large wedding (and who could blame them?).  This article does a great job of summing it up, and saves me from a lot of writing today!

Elopements are no longer a couple running away, leaving the bride’s wedding day dreams behind her in a cloud of dust.  Not at all.

Photo Credit: Russell Caron Wedding Photography

Case in point:  Last month, Kim and Matt came to Maine from Florida.  They made a vacation out of it and chose the Inn at Sunrise Point on the Camden/Lincolnville line to have their ceremony.  Kim wore a beautiful gown, spent the morning at the salon, ordered cake and a bouquet.  Matt walked to the ceremony location with me and waited with his eyes closed as Kim made her way to meet him.  Once she was standing there in front of him, he opened his eyes.

Photo Credit: Russell Caron Wedding Photography

The ceremony began there beside the ocean and a schooner sailed past in the distance while the ceremony was in progress (quintessential Maine).  And it was all captured by their two fabulous photographers, Russ and Liz of Russell Caron Wedding Photography.

After the ceremony, Kim and Matt enjoyed champagne, cut the cake, and left for offsite photos with Russ and Liz.

Photo Credit: Russell Caron Wedding Photography

It certainly felt like a celebration.  Then, a few days later, I’m sure Kim and Matt thoroughly enjoyed scrolling through their wedding photos, as I did!  Big thanks to Russ and Liz for allowing me to share some.

Photo Credit: Russell Caron Wedding Photography