Our “engagement” photos on December 17, 2023 were actually part of a larger collection of photos capturing our elopement.

After realizing we couldn’t add me onto Gabe’s insurance policy despite having been together for almost ten years, we joked about “just getting married.” Well, after “joking” around about it a few more times, we decided to do it. We wouldn’t tell anyone. He still needed to propose to me and we still needed to have a real wedding, whenever that may be. This was just a formality for insurance.

Wellllll, he decided to surprise me by proposing to me prior to our elopement. Thus, our plans for a reception to surprise everyone with the news began.

To bring everything together, we decided to extend our Hawaii trip this August. We’re spending seven days in Kauai with my immediate family and are hopping over to the big island for five days of honeymooning together. On the last day of our trip, we’ll be exchanging private vows as well as our wedding rings. This allowed me to pick out my perfect wedding gown that I didn’t have time to find and wear for our December ceremony. And meant we could invite people for a “send-off” celebration and surprise everyone with the news that this was actually our wedding reception and a honeymoon/private vows send-off!

I was lucky enough that I found my dress with enough time for it to be shipped in and altered prior to our reception, so I was able to wear my dress this past weekend to show everyone AND get to wear it in Hawaii in three months. I have some really beautiful elements I’ll be adding to my ensemble to make both my outfit and the moment together unique and special. I’m so excited to be able to wear my perfect dress twice.

We are so excited to share the news and plans with everyone. See how we surprised our guests:

Thank you for adding to our special day!