Stephanie and Sara’s Pacific Northwest Elopement

Photographed by Tori of Adventure Instead

Read on below to learn more about Stephanie and Sara and their elopement day!

What are your favorite qualities about each other?
Steph: I love how strong and confident Sara is. She knows what she wants and she’ll get it. Her strength inspired me to become less introverted and more outspoken. She’s had to overcome some of the most challenging obstacles in her young life, and she doesn’t allow it to hold her back. It’s only made her stronger. She’s an amazing woman.

Sara: Stephanie is modest, compassionate, driven, and rational. I am inspired daily by her heart of gold. She seldom puts herself before others, especially those who don’t have a voice. Her advocacy for animals is incomprehensible. Whether it be a turtle crossing the road, a stray dog that needs fostering, or a baby bird that fell from it’s nest, Stephanie is always there to give them a second chance without a second thought. She has helped me immensely grow as an adult, think logically and remind me of the importance of finishing what I’ve started without throwing the towel in when things get tough. I am forever thankful for her guidance and support.

What is a quintessential story that describes your relationship?
We flew out to Arizona to pick up our 1986 Toyota Sunrader. We named her Sue, after my mom who passed away in 2011 from pancreatic cancer. This is Sara writing. We didn’t really know what to expect but we were excited by our spontaneity. On our long drive back to Florida she ended up overheating many times. When we made it to Austin, Texas, we were convinced we’d have to leave her there for repairs and fly back to Florida. Our 8 hour treks quickly turned into 12. Our anxiety had reached new heights when we ended up overheating 2 hours from home and got stranded in the middle of nowhere. Despite the seesaw of emotions, the tension filling the moments of silence, we ended up making it home. It was a true testament to our relationship, but we survived through the tears and laughter. 

Why did you decide to elope?
We’ve been to the big weddings and we just did not want that for ourselves. All the stress of putting on a show/party for everyone else seems exhausting and stressful. We just want it to be about the two of us and possibly some really good friends that have been by our sides every step of the way. We also want to save our money for our travels, buying a home, etc.

What is the most important part of planning your elopement experience?
​Being able to support our union with the people who have supported us since day one. We want the experience to be natural and fluid, like we were at any other get together with our closest friends––capturing the elements around us.

Describe your perfect day with each other!
A perfect day would include teleporting to Iceland. The day would consist of glacier hiking, snowmobiling, swimming between tectonic plates, whale watching, thermal pool dipping, driving around the golden circle and ending the night camping under the northern lights, whiskey in hand, reminded that we are so small in the vastness of the world. This day wouldn’t consist of 24 hours. Time would be infinite and in our favor. The day would be done when we were finished seeing and doing it all.

Vendors

  • Officiant: Stephanie & Sara’s Friend
  • Hair & Makeup: Pacific Brides, (IG) @pacific_brides
  • Dresses: Stephanie’s dress is from We Are Reclamation on Etsy, Sara’s dress is from Willowby
  • Photographer: Tori from Adventure Instead, (IG) adventure_instead 
  • Other Accessories: No accessories, except hiking boots. Sara’s is wearing Solomon’s.

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