I’ve wanted to do a Christmas elopement styled shoot for awhile, and since doing this one I have ideas for ten more! The time between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day is proposal season. It’s the perfect time, right?! Everything is strewn in garland. All the family is gathered…the people most important to you in the world. I wanted to take these elements and plan a shoot around the idea of a Christmas elopement…at the beach!

This shoot was a challenge. We had originally planned an October shoot date and had to reschedule it a week out due to the impending flooding rains headed our way. Then on the new shoot date, we encountered rain again. Rather than cancel, my shoot coordinator Elizabeth firmly declared “No, we are doing this. We’ll do it in the rain if we have to and it’s going to be amazing!”

To my future couples…you need to hire her! She will literally make it happen no matter what!

Since our original spot on the east end of Galveston was flooded out, we went looking for a new location. After some social media scrounging we were pointed to Murdoch’s which sits on a pier across from Hotel Galvez. We made our way down the seawall to the pier and began setting up. As the scattered showers passed above we were solidly covered and able to keep our amazing (real life) couple Mollie and Mack out of the weather.

We were short on time due to our delay and daylight savings so we employed a divide and conquer strategy. Elizabeth of Elizabeth Abshire Events and Design brought all of the elements I had gathered together to make our tablescape look divine. While she worked on getting our table just right, I photographed our models and some details.

Our color scheme for this shoot was silver, gold and aqua. I wanted to really focus on the southern beach aspect and use elements that would fit with the location. I also wanted the look to be elegant, but still casual. Our Christmas touches were simple silver and gold ball ornaments and we used white starfish to add a beachy (yet still Christmasy) element to the table.

The Foundry Rental Co. provided us with the epic weathered farm table, the simple wood garden chairs and the blue lanterns (which, as a lantern lover AND aqua lover, I was obsessed with). Our chargers and aqua napkins supplied by House of Hough added a little bling and color to our place settings.

The absolutely gorgeous garland that served as our table runner (and also smelled sublime) was constructed by Holly from Flower Vibes. She also created the bridal bouquet, which must have been a little challenge since it’s the only aspect of the shoot I didn’t have a definite vision for. When I arrived to pick up the florals and saw the protea and gold babies breathe, I almost fell over. It’s one of the most exquisite bouquets I’ve ever seen and it was absolutely perfect for our shoot. That’s how you know someone is an artist and totally gets your vision…when you can be unreasonably vague and they create something that is better than anything you could have possibly imagined yourself.

Jacqueline from Lily and Rose Studio went way beyond anything I could have asked for and not only provided us a lovely invitation suite, menu and place cards, but also a custom mirror and even personalized ornament favors! Massive amounts of credit to Elizabeth for finding her and bringing her into this project!

Natalie, the genius designer behind Damsel White Label, loaned us an absolutely perfect dress, which is part of her new 2016 collection! The shimmery champagne fabric with silver mesh overlay and beading details is the best combination of elegance with a modern edge.

Pam from Southern and Adorn styled our model’s hair in a perfectly, elegant beachy updo. Our crystal and pearl starfish jewelry from The Beachy Diva and white lace bridal shoes from Bella Belle Shoes were the sweetest finishing touches to our model’s effortless bridal style. Our groom rocked a simple black suit and a smile!

I’m so proud of this shoot, so please forgive my overshare…and don’t forget to check out all the vendors that helped make my vision a reality (they’re all linked at the bottom)!

This dress with this bouquet is seriously magical!One of my favorite details from this shoot was the cake. Brittany from Rise Cupcakes made us a fun three tiered cake with a simple, yet unexpected, geometric design. It was our standout piece…like a red chair in a neutral room. And I LOVE how Elizabeth displayed it!

Everyone worked so hard on bringing this shoot together, but I especially want to thank Elizabeth for letting me bounce ideas off of her, helping me round out our vendors and just generally being a badass bosslady and design champion! I also want to thank my good friend Christine Gosch and Elizabeth’s mom for being behind the scenes workhorses. They had the hardest job of all…moving all the furniture and props to and from the beach! Also a big hug to our awesome models Mollie and Mack for being down for anything, rain or shine!

EVENT VENDORS

Event Location / Galveston Beach
Event Coordination / Elizabeth Abshire Events and Design
Furniture and Lanterns / The Foundry Rental Co.
Floral Design / Flower Vibes
Chargers and Napkins / House of Hough
Calligraphy, Stationary, Place Cards, Mirror, Favors / Lily and Rose Studio
Cake Designer / Rise Cupcakes
Bridal Gown / Damsel White Label
Hair and Makeup / Southern and Adorn
Bridal Shoes / Bella Belle Shoes
Jewelry / The Beachy Diva

If you’re planning an elopement, whether private for just the two of you, or a shared elopement with up to 16 guests celebrating your vows, be sure to get in touch with me. I can help make your day extra inspiring!