Describe your wedding: It was simple, carefree, beautiful and intimate

The proposal: he proposed December 15 at a holiday light display here in Wichita. He took me to a corner without a crowd (neither of us like the attention of a public proposal) and got on one knee. After asking me to be his wife, he immediately bounce up and said he knee was all wet as it had recently snowed 

The vision: we wanted to blend our styles to have a simple and intimate day with just our closest family and friends. We had 15 guests join us and we knew we wanted the day to be laid back but still feel very special and create a beautiful memory for us. Joe loves to be outdoors and Red Rock Canyon Overlook was a perfect combination of outdoorsy and natural beauty. 

Planning: I basically spent more time researching who to use to help us with our small elopement in Vegas than anything else. Once I found Emily, I knew we made the right choice. We had some stressors when the government shut down and stopped giving out permits, but Emily stayed calm and persistent once things opened back up. Within days we had our permit. I sent a few photos of bouquets I loved and they put together a beautiful (and large!) bridal bouquet for me. We were given options, but very simple and straightforward options. It did not feel overwhelming, yet still let us make choices to feel catered to us as a couple. 

Outfit: I wore a Maggie Sottero gown (Kingsley) and my earrings were a “something borrowed” from my friend Rachel. My makeup and hair were also very important to me, and I loved what Amelia C and Co did for my hair that never holds curl (it did!) and Andrew with Las Vegas Makeup Artists did an amazing job making my makeup exactly what I wanted. I found my wedding dress after buying about six BHLDN gowns online because I had wanted to avoid a true “bridal gown”. However, I quickly realized that those dresses I was trying on were beautiful but I wanted a wedding dress. I went to Dress Gallery in Wichita and Jillian helped me to try on about 40-50 gowns. I left empty handed the first day, but came back a week or so later after she promised me that we would find the one no matter what. They were great and so patient. I loved my gown and felt it was perfect for the desert setting. 

Advice: do what feels best for the two of you. I wanted to avoid a big bridal gown, but realized quickly it was an important component for me. Do not skimp and skip on the things important to you. Know that your day will be perfect no matter if you spend a little or a lot. Realize what is most meaningful to you and put your future spouse’s opinions at the same level of respect as your own. You can work with Desert Elopements to be as simple or intricate as you want. Even their most simple plans include things that are important and special to any wedding day (cake, champagne, bouquet).

Photography: Gaby J