Words by: Rebel Copy Co.

As a wedding photographer, I often get asked: “how can we plan the best wedding for us as a couple?” The answer is simple – DO IT YOUR WAY! Whether you’re having a huuuuge event or an elopement wedding, you have to remember, it’s simply all about the two of you!

Getting married is such a special experience, and it is so important that you celebrate your love for each other, in the best way for you.

The traditions of weddings originated thousands of years ago. It’s totally cool if you wish to keep to traditions with your wedding celebration, but it is important to note that there are literally no rules on how to celebrate your love. Each couple has a unique personality and pairing.

If you’re unsure on what traditions to keep or kick, you should take a look at each tradition and ask yourself where it originates from. What does it mean to you two as a couple? Is it an important thing to include in your day, or just the ‘done thing’?

So, what did I do?

Lemme start from the start… Freddie and I met almost ten years ago at a mutual friend’s party. After an amazing five years together, he popped the question when we were on holiday in Cancun, Mexico.

The whole day was just amazing vibes, filled with incredible twists and turns. Once we returned from a romantic boat trip, he took me for a walk down the beach. Whilst walking down the beach, he started singing: ‘Baby I’m Yours’ by Arctic Monkeys (queue tears). We had always said that if we got married, it would be our first dance song. I remember thinking how perfect the evening was and how much I loved this man, my absolute best friend.  

Once he found the perfect spot, decided to dip our feet in the ocean, he then turned around, got on one knee and popped the question. I was speechless (for once in my life lol).

I did not believe this was happening to me, and to be honest, I didn’t believe it until I saw the ring. A unique ring is something I had always dreamed of (as I am not really one for jewellery) and boy – did he do well. There, in a little purple box, sat a stunning sapphire hugged by two diamonds. It was a one-of-a-kind, handmade ring, created by USA based designer, By Angeline. I cried happy tears for a looooong time.

The whole proposal experience was very intimate, and I couldn’t have planned it more perfectly myself TBH… it was perfect for us.

Why we had an Elopement wedding

As a wedding photographer (and now a newly bride to be at the time) I went into planning mode – instantly! Very quickly we established the most important things to us during the wedding celebrations…

1. Good Food (Freddie’s only real contribution – but a good one at that)

2. Good Booze

3. Good Party

We managed to compromise on some things along the way and make sure that the most important elements stayed true to us!

We also knew that getting married in a registry office was not for us, buuuuut we had to confirm everything legally somehow.

Spontaneous Elopement Wedding!

THEN, Our October 2019 trip to California provided the perfect opportunity. We decided to stop over in Las Vegas…. and then completely threw the rule book out of the window when it came to traditions. No white dress, no cake, no traditions! It was just us two, my best friend as a witness, and our love for each other. Untraditional perfection! Our elopement wedding was just so cool – I’d do it over again in a heartbeat.

We also wanted to throw a banging party to celebrate and needed it to be our way, and our style. We planned for a wedding party near my hometown in Poland, so that my roots could be celebrated too (Polish weddings are the one). Sadly, it initially got postponed due to the pandemic, but we had the party in the end in September 2021. It was worth the wait, pure vibes!

The conclusion?

Just have it your way, make sure you celebrate how the both of you want to, tradition or not.

IDK about you, but I honestly love it when couples rethink tradition or stay true to their personalities. Elopement weddings are such a chilled-out vibe. But its not just for elopements…

• Fancy wearing a pink wedding dress? DO IT!
• No cake, no problem. GET A PINATA
• Gents, no suit, go casual – NO WORRIES!
• You want a big princess wedding with alllll the traditions… BRING ON THE CARRIAGE!

Love is unique, so make the celebration unique. Do it in your style, however you want to.

After all, this is your day. Who the hell is going to stop you?

HMU if you want to know more about any of my Packages, from the small and cosy to the rebellious lovers, I’ve got you!

Bonus: What would I change if I did it again?

The following is a list of things I would do, if we could do it again. At the time I had no experience in elopement weddings and wish I’d put more effort in. Sadly, we were unable to get a wedding photographer, so we only have a few images from the day. We also didn’t prepare any personal vows!! I was so nervous that when it came to it, I had no idea what to say!

Here are the things I’d recommend for future couples:

• Have a wedding photographer, especially if you are having an intimate elopement wedding.
• If you want to exchange personal vows prepare them in advance. Give yourself the time to express the love <3
• Get some cuuuuuute flowers, don’t skimp on those florals.
• Have a bottle of fizz ready to celebrate after!

And of course…

ENJOY!