Fleeing a national park with only five of their close friends and family, Tabatha and Richie planned everything on their own, just the way they wanted.
“We didn’t follow the traditions expected of a wedding itinerary,” Tabatha told us. “We booked a lake house in the National Forest for four nights and cooked meals, played Switch games and board games, and just spent some quality time together. The memories of that weekend are some of the most special I have. I’m so glad it’s become such a low-stress and intimate event for us.
Tabatha knew she wanted a black dress, but had a little trouble making her dream come true. She explained, “I had several moments where I thought I had to give up on that vision because the options either seemed out of reach for my budget or too gimmicky. All the bridal shops in my area that had black options were the same dresses from the same designer couple. And they were very trendy silhouettes. I wanted something personal, timeless and unique.
“I was very lucky to find an affordable option to have a dress made to measure. I went to a local boutique and tried on a few silhouettes to get an idea of what I found most flattering, then I I customized them to match my vision Seeing me in all white also reinforced my thoughts that it was NOT for me.
The photographer of any elopement is crucial, as they have the responsibility to capture the entire day to share with other friends and family. The couple’s biggest expense was their photographer, Henry Tieu.
“We decided long before we started planning a wedding in earnest that photos had to be a priority in our budget because they’re the ones you have to look back on to remember the day. I’m glad we did. We fell in love with a photographer who had a style that we knew would compliment our vision.
They chose to marry in Olympic Park, Washington, finding a wooded glade to take their vows. “Our ceremony was very short and consisted mainly of reading our vows,” the bride said. “Mine was full of Dungeons and Dragons puns with casually swiped Pokemon theme song lyrics! We were so proud of the experience and the memories we created for all of us. We were able to prioritize the things that were We really wanted the focus to be on the two of us, our love story, and those who love us – not the event itself.
As the couple headed out for a photo shoot on the beach, one of their guests cooked them a lake house dinner as a wedding gift. They returned to a cozy meal, then celebrated with champagne and played board games.
Their unique and personal wedding was exactly as Tabatha and Richie imagined it to be, and their advice to other couples would be, “If you don’t feel like the traditional wedding is right for you, don’t be afraid to change it up.” This is your story. You should have the freedom to present it your way. Allow yourself to be creative!”
SUPPLIERS
- Photography: Henry Tieu
- Styling: Viet Dinh
- Venue: Olympic National Park, Washington
- Bride’s Dress: Anomalie
- Bride’s Veil Cape: Noon on the Moon
- Bride’s Crown: ADDYOU via Etsy
- Bride’s Necklace: indigosilver925 via Etsy
- Bride’s Shoes: Dr Marten
- Groom’s Jacket: Bête Noire
- Groom’s Shoes: Taft
- Stationery: Birdhouse197 via Etsy
