Intimate Weddings

Elopement

Jeff + Cynthia’s Intimate Alaska Wedding

Why Choose a Micro-Wedding?

After playing around with different destinations impacted by travel, Cynthia and Jeffrey were drawn to the simplistic yet powerful beauty of this intimate spot off the Kenai River in Alaska. The choice was difficult after forgoing their original plan to get married in Mexico, but ensuring the wedding would still be intimate and small was an easy commitment. Micro-weddings have been trending most recently in the past year where there have been limitations on large gatherings, but this actually wasn’t the start. This wedding style has shown a steady increase in the previous years as couples have chosen adventure, connection, and intention over parties focused on the guests. I’m happy to say their day was filled with love and all expectations were met leaving my heart filled with gratitude! Read more to understand the driving forces behind micro weddings and why this is THE choice for your big day.

Intimacy: As mentioned above, let’s start with you and your partner. This day is about creating a space that will allow you two to connect and feel present every step of the ceremony. This is about your union and every part of it should feel authentic! Every decision should focus on bringing the two of you together, building a space that reflects who you are, and embracing these very intimate moments you are sharing with each other. This means you want to take out any distractions, white noise, stress factors, and people that will not add to the experience. This was a huge focal point for Cynthia and Jeffrey on their wedding day. Cynthia, as a planner herself, chose to embrace not only an intimate wedding setting but bring on board a trusted planner so her and Jeffrey’s hands would be free from obligation and stress leaving them room to focus on each other.

Don’t be the Host: You’ve hired a planner to advise each step of the way, provide emotional and mental support, and of course BE the sort of host that makes sure everything moves smoothly, using their expertise to step in and resolve any unique circumstances that go amiss. So much has been taken off you and your partner’s plate so you can enjoy this beautiful event! Trust your planner but most of all, remember that your work is done! This is most specifically applied to checking in on your guests, tending to their needs, and offering support to THEM. This is not the goal for your day. You two did not indulge in a planner and make all these wonderful choices to make this event special just so your focus is directed to other people and trivials that can be handled by others more than willing and able to take care of it. What would you like, another glass of Champagne? We’ve got you, honey!

Life is an Adventure: The story of how you two fell in love with each other is usually full of memories about connecting through first-time experiences and adventures. For many, this is the foundation of relationships. Your wedding above all else should still be another beautiful steppingstone of adventure and shared experiences which becomes much easier to bring to life with intimate weddings. Your choice of venues, destinations, excursions, and special touches really becomes the most accessible with smaller groups. Keep these possibilities open when planning your dream wedding.

Choose your Attendees with Intention: You’ve chosen a micro wedding that likely doesn’t accommodate space for every friend and family member you know, and may not even hold physical space for everyone in your heart. It’s okay! Anyone that loves you will be waiting with open arms to congratulate you on your magical milestone the next time they see you or over a video call, but that doesn’t mean having them there adds to your experience. Remember your day is still about you and your partner. Anyone that takes away from that, does not need to be accommodated. This helps defer from family drama, catering to others emotionally, and distracting you two from being present and celebrating. Invite those that really make a positive impact on the overall experience.