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Postponing your wedding due to Coronavirus? This $600 elopement is the perfect plan B.

May 12, 2020
Sweet southern California family elopement at a park

Laurel + Philip’s woodsy SoCal park elopement, as shared by Jamie of Rad + In Love, is so sweet and simple and a big ol’ reminder that love is not canceled. Actually, we think it’s a perfect plan B for those of you pivoting wedding plans in the coming months. It’s intimate, with immediate family only. It’s outdoors (a pretty big deal during a time of social distancing). And it doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate with a larger group when it’s safe to do so—L + P will be! What it DOES mean is that you can indeed get married during Coronavirus, and have a meaningful, memorable celebration too.

Sweet southern California family elopement at a park Sweet southern California family elopement at a park

Laurel + Philip live in California but knew they’d eventually want to have a wedding at Phil’s grandmother’s home in Costa Rica. With that in mind for the future, they planned to elope here in the states… And quickly realized they’d want their parents in attendance. Once they invited them, the guest list expanded to a few more friends + fam so they changed the date to accommodate everyone and landed on a secluded location scouted by Rad + In Love.

But they had to pivot yet again when a rainstorm was slated to hit California, moving the wedding up a few days which left some guests unable to attend. Talk about a rollercoaster! Knowing that no matter what, they could still celebrate with their other loved ones in the future, made it easier to be flexible and go with the flow.

Sweet southern California family elopement at a park Sweet southern California family elopement at a park Sweet southern California family elopement at a park Sweet southern California family elopement at a park Sweet southern California family elopement at a park

With all the changing dates, they had get creative wedding services. Laurel found her ASOS dress on eBay, thrifted heels, and purchased pretty floral-embroidered tulle from Etsy to craft into her veil. She enlisted (and totally recommends!) California Hair Design Academy for her hair + makeup on the big day—such a good idea especially if in a pinch!

Sweet southern California family elopement at a park Sweet southern California family elopement at a park Sweet southern California family elopement at a park Sweet southern California family elopement at a park

For those of you in the stressful spot of wedding planning during COVID-19: Jamie and the Rad + In Love team are working to ensure that couples have the easiest time possible finding that plan B:

We know that a lot of people are emotionally exhausted and want to get married without having to make so many decisions, and we think we can really help, and that it does not have to make it any less special or magical. First, we are developing a flexible love-in-the-time-of-covid booking policy. Sort of a Disneyland-like like calendar which allows clients to easily re-schedule if stay at home orders are lifted but then put back in place.

Next, we are making sure that all of our clients know we can help every step of the way, from choosing a few other key vendors (from our community of pre-vetted vendors, all who are just as excited about elopements and micro weddings as we are) through choosing the best spot such as this secret oak grove location. Whether your vibe is at home nestled in the redwoods in Northern California, among the boulders of Joshua Tree, the cliffs soaring over San Diego’s beaches, or the city streets of Los Angeles, we have a vast range of rad locations up our sleeve. 

Sweet southern California family elopement at a park Sweet southern California family elopement at a park Sweet southern California family elopement at a park

As environmentalists and outdoor educators, the laidback, simple, and sustainable ceremony fit them perfectly. Every detail was nature inspired and designed to fit right in with the oak grove around them.

Sweet southern California family elopement at a park Sweet southern California family elopement at a park

Our couple tells us, Just under the wire as the storm brewed in the distance we picked up the bridal bouquet, hor d’oeuvres, picnic supplies, champagne and flowers from Trader Joes, had a quick hair and makeup appointment, set up the site as a group, and finally celebrated our intimate ceremony together. Laurel’s sister served as the officiate and everyone offered a prayer. Laurel’s three nephews served as flower boys and ring bearers and Laurel and Phil were wrapped in Laurel’s grandfather’s Tallis (Jewish prayer shawl) under the ancient oak trees. 

Sweet southern California family elopement at a park Sweet southern California family elopement at a park

Laurel got her bridal bouquet from La Mesa Floral Design Shoppe and they decorated the rest of the ceremony spot with blooms from TJs. And since their photography package was a wedding gift, the entire elopement only cost $600! So impressive.

Sweet southern California family elopement at a park Sweet southern California family elopement at a park Sweet southern California family elopement at a park Sweet southern California family elopement at a park Sweet southern California family elopement at a park

We really kept it simple and didn’t sweat the small stuff, instead focusing on an easy, smooth experience with minimal stress. The food was a picnic that we all carried in and enjoyed on the grass and the cake was bought the day off from a local bakery. One important aspect for both Laurel and Philip was creating a ceremonial altar with photos of their grandparents to honor their ancestors who had helped lead their journey. Many hands make light work so have your guests help out (ours cooked the food, made flower arrangements, wrote poems to read in the ceremony, helped set up, clean up, and even played the music!).

Sweet southern California family elopement at a park Sweet southern California family elopement at a park Sweet southern California family elopement at a park

Engaged Cakies, be sure to chat with your photographer about how they can share their expertise with you during this time. Photogs like Rad + In Love have a wealth of knowledge about every part of the planning process and might have a few tricks up their sleeves!

Sweet southern California family elopement at a park

And don’t forget the wedding film! In addition to flexible booking policies and help with location and vendors, Rad + In Love couples can choose film coverage (or a super 8 like below!) so that all your friends + fam get to witness the day too.

Congratulations, Laurel + Phil!

Photography + Film: Jamie Street  of Rad + In Love / Bridal Bouquet + Boutonnière: La Mesa Floral Design Shoppe/ Hair + Makeup: California Hair Design Academy / Bride’s Dress: ASOS /  Veil: DIY with fabric from Etsy / Groom’s Suit: Men’s Wearhouse / Feather Bowtie: Amazon / Wedding Rings: M. Lowe