What a week it's been. Last Saturday we were helping a couple get married with the fear it might be the last time for a while. With the CDC's restrictions of 50 people or less and the White House saying 10 or less, it has shaken up every aspect of life - including the wedding industry. So what now? Do you postpone your wedding? Should you narrow your guest list down to 50 or less? How long is this going to last?
We asked Chaise Tinsley, owner & lead photographer of The Tinsley Co, a while back to write us a blog about Elopements & Intimate Weddings since that's where her heart truly lies. She is the queen of soft smiles and words of encouragement while getting photos that blow us away. Although we've never worked with Chaise, we love the time we spend with her over drinks and good food! Chaise and her husband eloped themselves which makes the knowledge she brings to the table even more precious.
She's written us a blog about why Elopements & Intimate Weddings matter now more than ever with COVID-19 throwing curveballs left and right.
And just like that, everything changes. I’d had every intention to write about the joy and excitement of planning an elopement. About how interesting and authentic it is. And just like that, we find ourselves in the middle of a pandemic threatening to take it all away. We’re asked to suddenly take something we’ve dreamed of for so long and pause, cancel or postpone - literally overnight. We’re asked to make impossible, heartbreaking decisions amidst a sea of rapid change with no sign of answers in the future. If you feel like giving up, I’m here to suggest that an elopement or intimate wedding is more valuable now than perhaps it ever was. Here’s why.
It’s intentional. Why do we even get married? Honestly. I’m sure no one’s first answer is that they saw it on Instagram. No, the reason we get married is because we have found someone that we want to spend our lives with. Not the day with, not the year with, our lives. Forever.
I’m sure your vows don’t include ‘survive a pandemic together’ in them, but here we are. We’ve abruptly arrived at a time that forces us to evaluate what’s important. Marriage looks like a lot of things to a lot of people, but we can all agree that it’s about you and your person. You don’t need the traditional wedding, the crazy decor or the 300 person guests count. Those things are nice, but when you strip it down those things don’t matter.
An elopement allows you to focus on each other. It allows you to dream up an adventure made specifically for you. It gives you the time and space to simply be in the presence of one another without all of the noise. You and your partner can take it slow. Plan a day that’s true to you. Create a memory that will last far beyond these crazy times. Is it your original plan? No. Can it still be something beautiful? Absolutely.
It’s still beautiful. For couples looking to have an elopement or intimate wedding, you’re in a position to choose a stunning location. The world is your venue. Even now, with the bans and the social distancing and the ever-changing restrictions, you can still go out into nature and have a lovely ceremony. If you are local to Georgia, the Appalachians are some of the most inspiring landscapes in the country. You don’t need to hop on a plane to create something magical. If you have the luxury of waiting a few months, your options will only grow. Choose a location that means something to you. You can come out of this with an incredible day and amazing photos to remember it by.
Didn’t have the budget for your favorite florist for a big wedding? Guess what, now all you need is a bouquet and a boutonniere and you’re set! You can have exactly what you wanted all along. You don’t have to worry about all those details that didn’t really matter to you in the first place. As stressful as the current times are, I hope that you can let go of some of the wedding day stress and just focus on you.
Don’t be afraid to lean on someone for help. Wedding planners don’t just plan huge weddings, you guys. They can help you plan and design your elopement or intimate wedding. They’ll still work with any vendors needed to make your day a success.
It’s practical, now more than ever. With guest count restrictions getting lower and lower by the minute, an elopement or intimate wedding is one of the most practical things you could do right now. You don’t have to postpone or cancel your wedding. You can elope and have your reception later when things have cooled down. It’s like having the best of both worlds.