Lyndsay and TJ had planned the most perfectly romantic Florida elopement: Gorgeous locations dripping with Spanish moss, sunlight, and sea oats, an ethereal champagne colored wedding gown, and a toast to their marriage as they watched the sun set at the beach. It couldn’t have been more beautiful if it had come straight out of a storybook.

Whenever I tell someone (who isn’t part of the wedding industry) I’m shooting an elopement that’s been planned for months, their first reaction is to look confused. Aren’t elopements unplanned? A spontaneous decision by a couple to skip town and get hitched without any fanfare? Well, that’s how they used to be. These days, elopements are usually tiny weddings — no guests, or very few, but there’s usually still a wedding gown, flowers, a photographer, and stunning portraits involved. Elopements are intimate celebrations, but they’re just as much of a celebration for the couple as a large-scale wedding. See for yourself.
They exchanged their personal wedding vows under the grand old Fairchild Oak at Bulow Creek State Park.
It felt like the sunlight was celebrating right along with the newlyweds!

And, Lyndsay, you were flawless. I think TJ knew he was the luckiest guy in the world.In place of a wedding reception, they shared a wedding picnic on a quiet stretch of pristine beach.
I love this moment!Lynday’s Essense of Australia gown, from Bridal LTD Gallery., was just the right mix of romance and elegance, and it looked easy and breezy enough for the beach!So cute!

Again, Lyndsay — just gorgeous! And TJ, you were looking quite dapper!
The watercolor sky and sea were the perfect ending to a perfect elopement.Lyndsay and TJ, I was so grateful to be there to capture the start of your marriage, and I wish you two the very best in your life together!

~ Laura