Eloped - we genuinely eloped, with no one but us and our photographer. Zero guests, zero expectations. I will not lie and say this decision went down well with everyone, and the old adage of its easier to ask for forgiveness than permission, didn't seem to ring true, but we still wouldn't have done it any other way.
Went swimming in the morning. With no huge event or strict schedule to adhere to, we were free to enjoy the day as we pleased, which meant soaking up the Italian sun and dipping in the pool to relax. This also produced some of my favourite photos and I'm really glad we did.
Spent the night before together and got ready together, logistically there wasnt really any other option and I didnt want to spend anytime apart on our short trip to Italy anyways. I got ready and he played on his phone, then after a polite reminder, steamed my satin suit for me, while I did my hair and then I came down for the 'first look'. Traditions that are just a p.i.t.a. arent worth trying to wedge into your life!
Did my own hair and make up. I am friends with so many talented h&mua so this is no refelction on how important they are to some people on the big day, but for me, not only would it have been really difficult and expensive to organise abroad, it was just unneccesary. I have always been a DIY girly and I know exactly how I like to look. On my big day I didnt want to look any different to usual, and any variance or uncertainty of hair or face would have sent me spiralling. I also wore a birdcage veil which are not very popular these days, I felt weird in a long veil so decided to make mine the day before we flew out!
Whispered some vague vows in private. We didn't do the whole ceremony thing and reciting things out loud just felt too cringey for us and knew we had to do that for the registry office anyway. We exchanged rings, then a little later, when we were outside and out of earshot of Lena, our photographer, we said some lighthearted promises that were specific to our relationship and just had a big cuddle.
Ripped around in a golf buggy, this was the best thing ever, the resort gave us it as part of our stay and it made rolling around the fattoria easy and so much fun!! It kept us entertained and smiling and honestly couldn't have imagined trekking around in that heat without it.
Changed outfits. I own a bridal shop!! How was I supposed to choose just one look? I was always going to wear trousers, I was set on that from the start, but I had designed a dress for our party back home and changed into it later in the day just so I could get some good photos of it. I much preferred wearing my suit, it was more 'me' and much cooler in the heat. But I couldn't not seize the opportunity for some photos in the gown at sunset.
Had a romantic meal for 2, al fresco, overlooking a little lake below our castle tower - it felt like the final dates part of Love Island!! The meal and service was incredible, everything we ate was produced on the fattoria itself, we still reminisce about the meatballs! And how I spilled the award winning olive oil...
Late night hot tub! Our photographer left just as dinner was served and it got dark. After dinner we jumped into our private hot tub and toasted to a successful day and our future. Soaking in everything that happened, under the stars, with not a soul around us, sipping locally produced birre and prosecco, before retreating to our bed in the tower.
Did the legal bit at home and months later! Organising the legal part in italy was just a massive headache and expense I didnt want or need. So we planned for a registry office visit on our return. This was then unexpectedly cancelled and pushed back until nearly 3 months post elopement due to my 'husband' tearing his achilles and needing surgery to walk! It didn't really bother us as we truly felt married after the elopement and this was just a formality. But I was sad that, by December, it meant no light in the evening and with him in a stookie, we ended up cancelling the photos and I did have a cute bridal mini and some confetti lined up for this. But in the grand scheme of things, him walking and us making it on our honeymoon the next day was the best outcome we could have asked for!
E&J : 11.09.23
Special thanks to
Torre Di Maiano, nr Firenze &
My top tips for eloping or doing anything 'different' to the norm for your wedding...
STICK.TO.YOUR.GUNS!!!
Those who matter won't mind and those who mind don't matter. You will not regret, making one of the most memorable, and expensive days of your life, exactly the way you want it.
Don't worry about any of it. It will 100% not go to plan, so don't waste any time or emotions trying to make it! Our suitcase burst just before we left and almost missed the flight, I bought 2 shampoo instead of conditioner in the airport with freshly bleached hair, Jason forgot his sunglasses and we trekked to 3 stores in a tiny village on a sleepy sunday trying to buy some, we booked september expecting a tepid 20-25 degrees and got 37 degree sweaty heatwave, I spilled olive oil all over my souvenir menu, we slept in and missed out flight home and we were in a&e until 3am the night before the legal ceremony with his leg and STILL I wouldn't change any of it if I could because it made OUR STORY perfectly imperfect, which is exactly what love is.
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