Truthfully and selfishly, elopements are my very favorite. I’m a deeply emotional and sentimental person and I think that’s why I’m so drawn to elopements and micro-weddings. With elopements, I have seen families come together to create a sweetly perfect celebration and I have seen couples do their own thing. It’s all uniquely special and intimate and it all highlights what matters most to each couple who chooses a small celebration like this. Extravagant parties are epic, but so are tender moments on a quiet beach shared with a select few.

Micaela and Chris, planned this intimate elopement and they spared no sentimental detail. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a day so intentionally thought out down to every little detail. I’m honored and humbled that I’m the one who gets to invite you in to this special day.

Plain and simply, this day was packed full of meaning. Chris and Micaela chose to get married in the beach town where they both grew up going to and where they met. Some of my other favorite details from the day: all the bouquets were created by the bride and the groom’s grandmother (who used to work as a florist), Chris honored his grandfather who is no longer with us by wearing his watch, Micaela’s aunt made the cake, a family friend made the macaroons and truffles, Chris and Micaela’s dad prepared the sauce together for dinner, everyone with able hands helped set up the charcuterie table (even the bride and groom), one of their closest friends officiated the ceremony, and then after dinner Chris and Micaela shared their first dance with everyone and had a playlist of every family members first dance song from all the weddings passed.

If you’re looking for ideas on how to make an intimate wedding or elopement truly special, take a few notes out of Chris and Micaela’s playbook and stay true to yourself (which seems to be the number one rule that Chris and Micaela followed).

Whether you were forced into a smaller ceremony because of a pandemic or this was your grand plan all along, do the thing that speaks to you the most. What makes you happiest when you think about how you want to marry your best friend?

M A G I C M A K E R S:

HAIR: Tara - Simple Elegance NJ
MAKEUP: Miriam - Jersey Girl Makeup
DRESS: A and B Bridal Colorado
SUIT: Men’s Warehouse
VENUE: Private residence, Seaside Park, NJ beach
FOOD: Made with the loving hands of the families
PHOTOGRAPHY: Christine Tustin Photography