Last Minute Elopement in Gig Harbor | Sarah + Allen
Let’s just be realistic: COVID has wrenched A LOT of plans this year. But Sarah and Allen didn’t let the changes get them down and in a whirlwind pivot, they married anyway. Their last minute elopement in his sister’s gorgeous Olalla backyard is what every backyard elopement strives for. In less than two weeks, with the help of Allen’s sister and brother in law, they pulled off a gorgeous elopement.
A Family Affair
One of the first things I noticed when I arrived, was how close this family is. Allen’s Sister Sarah R. (Who I overheard shares her middle name with the bride too) was hard at work decorating the space. She’d rented tables and chairs, and ordered flowers, which were being stowed in the back of their Honda ORV. Sarah R’s husband, Bobby, caught me taking photos of all the home depot buckets and offered to move the ORV. I love getting those real life photos (and may have looked up the ORV so I can buy one for myself to haul camera gear).
Watching everyone come together to make this a dreamy last minute elopement a reality, was like pure magic. Bobby cooked up the burgers, while Sarah R. and her mom dropped flower petals along the aisleway. While photographing and chatting with Sarah R, I learned that Bobby had built the arbor by hand and she’d decorated it for the day. It was obvious she loves weddings, and making dreams come true for her little brother and his new wife made her soul happy.
Blue Stilettos on the Beach
That title sounds like a mixed drink, right? It’s not though, but rather, we met at the beach around the corner for their first look. I was amazed at Sarah’s (the bride) ability to walk through the soft rocks in those awesome blue stilettos. Especially given I was clumsy in my tennies. She rocked it though, and their first look was perfect in every way.
Cherished Details
You wouldn’t believe the thought that must have gone into the creation of this couple’s details. From the shoes to the wedding attire, every tiny detail was accounted for.
Both Sarah and Allen have some definite shoe style. I was enthralled by his ostrich cowboy boots and how well they paired with his dusty blue suit and bright purple tie. As he took off his jacket, I glanced at the embroidery inside it and burst out laughing. It’s my favorite thing when grooms have just a little extra “them” in their attire. “I’m here to f#$% shit up”.
When Allen showed me his cuff links, I had to swallow hard to keep from losing my cool. You see, Allen’s dad passed away shortly before their wedding day. The cuff links Allen wore for his wedding, bore the fingerprints and initials of his dad. Choosing to have his dad this close, when he couldn’t physically be there, tugged at my heartstrings for sure. I can’t say I didn’t shed a few (or a lot) of tears on my way home from this elopement.
Dreamy Last Minute Elopement
The entire day was a complete dream, and all the details for their last minute elopement came together wonderfully. Of course, there’s always a crazy story at these events, and this one proved to be no different. Sarah and Allen had chosen ice cream cakes for their dessert table. Bearing #SCREWCOVID and Into the Woods 2020 (their wedding day hashtag), they attempted to cut into the cakes. I really do mean attempted. Allen better quit working out… his strength broke that knife clear in half! One broken knife, a blow torch and one pretty ingenious idea later, they finally managed to cut off a few slices.
Sarah and Allen pivoted their wedding plans so seamlessly, that it’s apparent their lives together will be much the same. Any bump in the road will be met with a new plan; one that’s executed perfectly.
