I'll Elope if I want to!

Today we tackle something that has torn apart families since the dawn of man.  Something so controversial, that when it has happened in the past it triggered wars between nations.  Something so contentious that just uttering it's name can make even the most weathered grandmother cringe.  That's right, I speak of "elopements".  Elopement:  the killer of tulle, the squasher of sap, and the (often threatened) breaker of your mother-in-law's heart!  Yes, today we will look this controversial beast dead in the eye and say "bring it!"

So, what's all the hoopla about?  Seriously, if you and your fiance want to elope (or simply can't afford an over-the-top platinum wedding), why does everyone treat the idea like the plague?  My theory can be summed up with one word: Projection.  Anyone who's ever spoken of their engagement out loud knows exactly what I mean.  The moment you tell people you're engaged, they immediately start projecting their own marital dreams onto you:  "you have to arrive in a horse drawn carriage; your wedding dress must have a 10 foot train; if you don't have white marigolds in your centerpieces then I'm going to cry; you can't put a vintage King Kong statuette on top of your elegant white cake;  what do you mean you're not going to wear a veil?!"  Sorry, I got a bit carried away... all the memories just came flashing back so fast!

So, how do you deal with all of this projection?  Do what I did.  I smiled, nodded, thanked them for the wonderful advice, and then did whatever the hell I wanted.  The reality of the situation is, it's not their wedding... it's yours.  So don't be peer pressured into having the wedding your sister always dreamed of, no!  If you and your fiance want to elope, then dangnabbit you go and elope with your sexy selves!

Alright, now that I've said my peace here's a great example of a couple that married their own way.  Nancy & Eric planned to get married in city hall and then just have dinner at a nice restaurant with 30 of their closest family and friends.  Since they were eloping, they came up with a brilliant plan: instead of taking photos for engagement announcements, why not just use that photo session to take bridal portraits in their favorite places?!  So a few weeks before their elopement, they met up with photographer Alison Yin in full wedding attire and were able to get some amazing wedding photos.  With San Francisco and the Japanese Tea Garden as their backdrop (and puppy Royce as their companion), check out the gorgeousness that ensued...

Thank you to the gorgeous Nancy & Eric for showing us that whatever your wedding day is, it will be perfect!

Photographer:  Alison Yin Photography

Locations:  Japanese Tea Garden, Golden Gate Park, & The Sutro Baths