Choosing Intimacy Over Tradition
Before Deric, my husband, even popped the question, we had a vision of saying "I do" in a breathtaking location, surrounded by loved ones, creating unforgettable memories. For us, Ireland held a special allure, promising romance and adventure. When Deric proposed at midnight on New Years Eve 2017/2018, it felt like the perfect opportunity to turn this dream into reality. Little did we know, our journey to the altar would take us on an unexpected path, ultimately leading us to choose intimacy over tradition.
We spent weeks researching, envisioning ourselves exchanging vows amidst the lush landscapes of the Emerald Isle. However, as we delved deeper into planning, logistical challenges arose, making it difficult for some of our loved ones to join us. Despite the setbacks, we remained determined to find an alternative that would capture the essence of our dream.
Our quest for the perfect venue took us on a whirlwind adventure. We explored options from Asheville, NC, to the Smoky Mountains National Park, facing numerous obstacles along the way. Family pressures and logistical hurdles made our dream wedding seem impossible at times, leading us to abandon the idea of a destination wedding. Despite our dream being abandoned we still managed to find a beautiful venue near St. Louis. The White Owl gave us the opportunity to still get married in a gorgeous location while allowing
all our family members to attend (Highly recommend them if you're looking for a venue near St. Louis, MO). We had finally set the date for our wedding…. Memorial
day weekend 2020…. But we all know what happened in 2020.
In the midst of uncertainty, with the COVID-19 pandemic looming large, we ended up having to made the difficult decision to cancel our wedding (we spent our wedding day out on a boat on the lake instead). The uncertainty of what was going to happen and being unwilling to put our loved ones in danger was the major driver of that decision. It was during this time of reflection that we realized we didn't need a crowd to validate our love. Our union was about more than just a single day—it was a lifelong commitment to each other.
In July 2020, we made the choice to elope, letting go of the idea of a traditional wedding. Colorado, with its majestic mountains and breathtaking landscapes, beckoned to us. With the help of Alex and Lisa from Vow of the Wild, we planned a celebration that was uniquely ours. From scouting the perfect elopement spot to exchanging vows amidst nature's grandeur, every moment was a testament to our love and commitment.
(You can see their blog post about our wedding day here)
Looking back on our elopement three years later, there is not a single thing that I would change. It was a day of pure presence, free from the pressures of tradition and expectation. Our journey to the altar may not have been what we initially envisioned, but it was perfect in its own way. Our decision to elope was a testament to our commitment to each other, prioritizing intimacy and authenticity above all else. As we continue to navigate life's twists and turns together, I am grateful for the memories we created on that unforgettable day—a celebration of love, resilience, and the beauty of choosing our own path.
