When the pandemic first hit early last year, couples (and vendors) were at a complete loss. In many cases, years worth of planning came screeching to a halt. I think we all felt helpless at times— and uncertain how to proceed.
With so many couples struggling to find the next path forward, we decided we wanted to DO something to help. We were incredibly lucky to team up with a talented group of vendors to offer an elopement, free of charge, to one lucky couple.
We put out a call to any and all couples whose weddings had been affected by the pandemic. A wedding is so much more than just a party— and we wanted to hear the love stories behind the couples who were planning to step into the next chapter of their lives together in 2020. We received so many incredible, moving entries— stories of hardship, test of relationships and undeniable love. After much deliberation, we realized we had to pick just one winner— whew. That was tough, guys.
But CJ + Emily’s story had us in tears. The commitment and love these two showed for each other was unstoppable. The pandemic and a cancelled wedding were not the first trials these two had been through together. When we announced them as the winners of our elopement giveaway, we think we felt just as excited as they did.
After a month of planning and lots of anticipation, Colorado gave us the most beautiful June day for their mountain elopement. Alongside Alicia D’Elia Photography and Kim from Plume & Furrow, we trekked into the mountains— carrying florals, furniture, and wedding attire (including a pop up changing tent— because you should always be prepared!). CJ + Emily exchanged their vows in the most intimate and sweet ceremony, backed by the Colorado mountains. Our new friends from Graphic Formations joined us to document the day on video.
We love looking back on this day and consider it one of the highlights of the year for us. 2020 was a doozie for the wedding world and while we’re not out of the woods quite yet, we’re looking forward to inching our way back to normalcy and planning a million more celebrations to make up for the ones we missed in 2020.
Happy New Year, everyone! Incredible vendor team credited below:
Planning + Design: root + gather events
Floral Design: Plume & Furrow
Photography: Alicia D’Elia Photography
Videography: Graphic Formation
Rentals: Hunt & Gather Rentals
Catering: GB Culinary
Hair + Makeup: Wedlocks
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