Clear skies, gorgeous mountain views, and a floral filled wedding set the tone for Eric and Rj’s elopement at Red Rock Canyon Boardwalk. Not only did they have the most gorgeous florals, but they also incorporated their own tradition that represents their love that will never stop blossoming.

WORDS TO DESCRIBE OUR WEDDING:

dapper, chic, making-the-best-of-it

THE PROPOSAL:

Over the years as boyfriends, we would casually discuss ideas we loved for a wedding. And every once in a while, RJ would say “Marry me,” half kiddingly and half seriously. Eric finally said, “Before I give you an answer, I want our families to meet.” We organized a trip to Las Vegas with both of our families, everyone met, and they all got along very well. One morning 2 months after that trip, we were sitting on the couch at home and Eric said to RJ, “So, should we tell them?” RJ understood this to mean “tell our families we are getting married,” and he said, “Yes!”

THE VISION:

Our original plans to start our new family were for a memorable experience in Las Vegas with our loved ones and friends in an unconventional environment in 2020. We booked a venue on the top floor of a hotel that would offer spectacular views of The Strip during our ceremony at sunset. We excitedly planned out every little detail of the ceremony and reception to make it an engaging celebration for our guests as much as it would be for us. This included elements of the sky and nature. After the pandemic hit, we had to cancel our original venue. We were able to keep our date, scaled things down to our immediate family to stay safe, and ended up finding the inspirational and uplifting environment of Red Rock Canyon. We adapted our original elements of rich, jewel tones of teal and orange, lush greenery, modern geometric shapes, and the natural wood of the boardwalk, under the sky of the Mojave desert.

THE PLANNING PROCESS:

We worked with an amazing team that stuck by us despite 2020’s changes and challenges to execute our vision. Emily Grace Julaton of Emily Grace Events consulted with us to put together all of our original plans and be our coordinator in Las Vegas. When things changed in March and many things felt uncertain in July, we decided to not postpone and try to keep as many of our vendors involved in an elopement. Adam Trujillo was our photographer joined by Golden Summit Films as our cinematographers; Amy Wong from Amy Wong Events built the tropical floor arch, our personals, and curated the rug, chairs, and table; Angie Kelly from Peachy Keen Unions officiated our custom ceremony including a tree planting ceremony; Waldorf Astoria became our new home base and the perfect shelter-in-place accommodation while in Las Vegas; and Emily & Samantha provided support from Elopement Las Vegas at our new destination in Red Rock Canyon.

YOUR OUTFITS AND ACCESSORIES

Eric wore a custom deep teal tuxedo made by Indochino, a tuxedo shirt from Suitsupply with an orange bow tie from the Tie Bar, and shoes by Magnanni. RJ wore a traditional black tuxedo from The Black Tux, a Brackish feather tie, and shoes by Manganni. Behind his lapel, he honored his friend Lorraine with a Grape Soda pin as well as his Dog Pogi’s tag; over the outfit, RJ wore a Filip + Inna custom cape handmade and embroidered by artisans in the Philippines. They gave each other rings by David Yurman. Our emblem was designed by Eric and wood cut by his friends Carla San Roman & Nick Rose. Our wedding suite was designed by Eric and printed by Peterkin Premium Paper & Printery and Basic Invite. The Yuzu tree used in our tree planting ceremony was from Four Winds Growers in California.

MEMORABLE MOMENTS

Before the ceremony, gusts of winds came through the valley out of nowhere making it challenging to set up and pushing the flowers over.  All of our vendors came together to make sure to secure everything, including physically holding the greenery floor arch while hiding behind them during the entire ceremony.

ADVICE FOR OTHER COUPLES

Take the time to evaluate your vendors and put together a collaborative team that can remain calm and focused, and clearly communicate your expectations and vision. Practice constant forgiveness and don’t despair when challenges arise (like unpredictable winds blowing your floral arrangements over) so you are able to adapt with what comes your way & focus on the beginning of your new family. Do your best to stay present in the moment; take mental snapshots of those special moments.

VENDORS
Officiant : Angie with Peachy Keen Unions
Photographer : Adam Trujillo
Floral: Amy Wong Events
Coordinator & Permit: Desert Elopement Las Vegas, Planner for RJ & Eric-Emily Grace