Weddings built for two, or in this case three, are some of my favorite posts to get lost in. They have soul and are paired down to only the most meaningful moments. This elopement is a wee bit different than your average though. It's family style. The Bride and Groom wanted to include the Groom's daughter in their big day and decided on a family elopement to California with The Why We Love in tow for gorgeous picture taking and beautiful moment capturing on film. This is one of those gems that reminds me why I truly, wholeheartedly adore everything about weddings. It's all about the love. See a gallery full of that warm and fuzzy L word right here.
Bel Air Elopement + Film from The Why We Love
From The Why We Love... This was a very intimate and emotional elopement on a veranda at the Bel Air Hotel. The bride, Jenny, is such a warm and sweet woman with the such great taste. Her eclectic inspiration brought in mid-century details and rich pastel florals with delicate intricacies woven throughout the day; from her vintage shawl, Badgley Mischka shoes, Ann Taylor Wedding Dress, to her perfect hair and makeup done by Fiore Beauty. Jonathan is a gentleman through and through. His retro inspired suit had to reflect this, so after he arrived in Los Angeles he went out and had a custom-tailored suit made to order by the renowned Tom Ford. Bella, his daughter, warmed our hearts with her gentle disposition. Her simple floral dress, from Macy's, was the perfect compliment to her sweet demeanor. To top it off, all this beauty was captured on nostalgic Super 8 Film.
From the Bride... One traditional wedding in a lifetime is plenty. My now-husband and I had both been married previously, so neither of us wanted a big to-do. I started out thinking we'd have a simple courthouse wedding, but when it came down to it, we both wanted to do something a little more special. We also wanted to include his 10-year-old daughter in a meaningful way. Our solution? A family elopement.
We spent a week in Southern California and topped it all off by getting married at the Hotel Bel Air. Eloping was perfect for us, as we got to do exactly what we wanted and how we wanted it, without having to worry about anything other than celebrating our newly formed family. My husband really wanted a nice suit, so he got one. I saved a little by purchasing a ready-to-wear dress and spent a little on professional hair and makeup for myself and my new daughter. We splurged on beautiful photos and a vintage-style wedding video to share our day with friends and family back home. Everyone who watches the video says the same thing: "I feel like I was there with you." Which is exactly how we wanted it.
Wedding Photography + Cinematography: The Why We Love / Wedding Venue: Hotel Bel Air in Bel Air, California / Floral Design: Julianne deSilve Design / Officiant: Rev Arlene Goldman / Wedding Dress: Ann Taylor / Brides's Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Bride's Shaw: Vintage / Groom's Suit: Tom Ford / Groom's Daughter's Dress: Macy's / Hair + Makeup: Fiore Beauty / Ring: David Yurman