Elopements

Couple Announced Pregnancy to Younger Daughter During Their Elopement in Montreat, NC

Ami and Vince planned an intimate elopement near Montreat, NC with their adorable daughter, Jacie. During their special day together, they announced she was going to be a big sister, and we love her adorable reaction. Check out their story along with what you need to know when eloping with kids.

“Including your children in your elopement makes it so much more special. We talked with my daughter about what we were doing and what getting married meant. She joined in our excitement and started telling people that we, the whole family, were getting married. It made our union as a family even stronger because we included her.” [Ami]

Are you ready to elope in the area? Search our elopement vendors to start planning.

Deciding to Elope

Ami tells us that eloping was a no-brainer because both Vince and herself liked the idea of having something small and intimate to celebrate the joining of their lives together.

“I have a daughter from a previous marriage that we both wanted to include. It was much more meaningful for us to keep our wedding limited to just us instead of making it a big show. We shared private vows, and Vince even wrote a letter to my daughter of his vows to her. Because we made our special day just about us, I remember the details so much more clearly than if we had decided to have a formal wedding.” [Ami]

She also tells us planning their elopement in Montreat was super easy. All they had to worry about was renting a house and making sure Brandi, their photographer, was available. They even turned their elopement into a week vacation, which is another perfect reason to elope.

Check out our top 10 reasons to elope.

Eloping With Kids: Here’s What You Need to Know

Ami and Vince included their adorable daughter during their wedding day, and we are loving how their photos came out. They look like they came straight out of a storybook. But in reality, eloping with kids isn’t as romantic and carefree as it would be just the two of you. With kids, you need to remember to be patient, Brandi, the photographer tells us.

“They likely don’t understand the significance of the day and may get tired or whiney at some point. Jacie is my niece, so it was a little easier for me to handle when she was just done with the photos that day (and know when to bribe her with ice cream), but it’s always important to just have patience. If you have small children, it is nice to have someone else with you to help with them. Ami and Vince brought one of our other friends to help entertain and keep an eye on Jacie when she didn’t want to be in photos.” [Brandi]

Memorable Moments During This Elopement

Ami tells us she loved that they were all together as a family without the distractions of having a large event and needing to entertain others. It was such an intimate experience.

Brandi’s favorite is when Ami and Vince told little Jacie she was going to be a big sister.

“I don’t know if the photos are included in the post but Jacie basically went through the five stages of grief at the time over having to share her toys. I think this is something we’ll laugh about for years to come and how much her reaction has changed since meeting her little brother. Another favorite moment was when Ami and Vince read their vows to one another. They had gotten legally married a few months prior to this because our trip kept being pushed back because of covid so the vows were something special that they saved for the elopement.” [Brandi]

Eloping in the Asheville/Montreat Area

When it comes to planning an elopement in Montreat, you want to be familiar with the area you’re eloping. Ami grew up nearby, so she was able to share a lot of insight with Brandi. The biggest thing couples and photographers need to be aware of, however, is wildlife. There’s a lot of wildlife (including bears), so it’s important to prepare before your elopement adventure.

“Montreat, NC is one of my favorite places on earth. I grew up going there, and there is a sense of calm and healing that washes over me as soon as I arrive. Vince and I went camping there early in our relationship, and he also fell in love with its beauty. It was a pretty easy decision for us.” [Ami]

Check out some of our favorite places to elope in North Carolina.

Advice When Planning Your Elopement

Besides eloping with Kids, Brandi gives couples advice who are considering eloping. Her advice is to know your limits and plan an elopement adventure you both feel comfortable with.

“I am not likely to take on an elopement that requires 12 miles of hiking and I know that. I would also suggest that couples that don’t normally hike do long stents for their wedding as well unless they intend to camp overnight. You can get just as beautiful views with shorter trails that will be easier for you to do and might make the day more enjoyable if you aren’t used to it.” [Brandi]

Are you thinking of eloping? Are you considering eloping with kids? Check out some of our favorite places to elope for more inspiration.

Vendors
Photography | From Moonlight
Dress | Lillian West
Floral Crown | Rose Hip & Wren