Weddings Vs. Elopements
Deciding whether to elope or have a wedding instead can be quite a difficult decision to make—especially when it comes to managing families’ expectations. Choosing what is best for you as a couple is the utmost priority.
Styled Shoot at the Monte Bello Estate: for full vendor details, scroll to bottom.
Weddings
There are advantages and disadvantages to both weddings and elopements. It’s important to consider your personalities and preferences so you can make an informed decision. A great way to make a mindful decision is to sit down with your partner and make a list of pros and cons. For example, weddings are fantastic for more extraverted couples as you can invite as many guests as your wedding venue and budget will allow. That being said—a higher guest count means more mouths to feed and hosting so many people can quickly become quite costly. It is also important to consider whether or not you’d regret missing out on traditional wedding staples such as dancing with a parent, wedding party speeches, or even having a wedding party in general! If you are dying to elope, but feel you would regret not having a reception—try doing both! And if a wedding feels more right than an elopement, but you still don’t want a huge audience—try looking into intimate weddings!
Photos from this event taken by Liv Strange Photography at Cherry Hall in Kansas City, MO while second shooting for Meg Amorette Photography.
Photos from this event taken by Liv Strange Photography at Cherry Hall in Kansas City, MO while second shooting for Meg Amorette Photography.
Photos from this event taken by Liv Strange Photography at Cherry Hall in Kansas City, MO while second shooting for Meg Amorette Photography.
Photos from this event taken by Liv Strange Photography at Cherry Hall in Kansas City, MO while second shooting for Meg Amorette Photography.
Adventure elopements
Times are changing and elopements are now all the rage, but is an adventure elopement right for you? Many people choose to travel hundreds of miles in order to elope, but finding local hidden gems is an art that is far under appreciated. No shade to those who choose to travel far and wide for those stunning destination shots—I fully support you! All this to say beautiful elopement photography does not necessarily require traveling for a million years. Heck, it doesn’t even have to cost you each a kidney! In fact, one of my personal favorite elopement pros is that you get to spend all of the money you would have spent on a wedding venue, caterers, tons of flowers, etc. on you and your lover alone. When I say the money goes much farther this way—trust me. Or don’t. Who am I to tell ya what to do?
Styled Shoot at the Monte Bello Estate: for full vendor details, scroll to bottom.
Styled Shoot at the Monte Bello Estate: for full vendor details, scroll to bottom.
Styled Shoot at the Monte Bello Estate: for full vendor details, scroll to bottom.
Styled Shoot at the Monte Bello Estate: for full vendor details, scroll to bottom.
Courthouse Elopements
Courthouse elopements are also gaining in popularity. Decades ago, many looked down on those who chose to elope at the courthouse. Nowadays even incredibly wealthy celebrities are choosing to forgo tradition in pursuit of an intimate courthouse elopement. If this is your preferred marrying method and your family tries to give you shit, you have my permission to respond, “If the fabulous Kristen Bell can elope at a courthouse, then DAMMIT, MOM, SO CAN I!”. Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s look at some pros and cons. Obviously a courthouse elopement is the most affordable marrying method, though I have seen many make it bougie. Courthouse elopements are great for those who don’t want an audience and are looking for a down-to-earth and intimate experience. Courthouse elopement photos turn out cool as hell, and there are usually locations nearby that make for additional photography backdrops.
Styled Shoot at the Monte Bello Estate: for full vendor details, scroll to bottom.
Styled Shoot at the Monte Bello Estate: for full vendor details, scroll to bottom.
Hope you enjoyed this read! Stay tuned for next week’s upcoming blog post, “Building your Wedding or Elopement Timeline”. Happy planning!
Monte Bello Styled Shoot Vendor List
Venue: @montebello.estate
Artistic Direction and Design: @styledshootsinc
Florist: @kirstenbloommagic
HMUA: @makeupby.karishma
Cake: @thesweetreservebakery
Solo Bride Gown: @millia.london
Bridal Gown Designs: @marina_semone
Tuxes: @menquintux
Furniture Rentals: @elementspreserved
Tablescape and Champagne Table: @dishanddecorvintagerental
Styling shoes: @bellabelleshoes @
Calligraphers: @essenceofflair & @poppiestudios
Linen: @windycitylinen
Rings: @tryhitched
Lead Photographers: @joshuaharrisonphotography @rachelellephotography
Models: @devidevtheman @jessiiexrose @annette_eve_ @jennifernsch @mrbearister
