Got a bit of wanderlust? Photographer Elizabeth Moore and her team of talented local vendors create an inspirational photo session perfect for brides and grooms who have a penchant for travel. Take a peek at this dreamy elopement to gather some great ideas for your big day.
1. “We imagined this couple as passionate travelers, so there are travel-themed elements throughout the session,” says Moore. Components like maps, passports and, yes, even a hot air balloon keep the concept afloat.
2. Moore makes a special effort to show that elopements don’t have to be ho-hum. Here, a bounty of personal detail is incorporated to make the day memorable. “Even if it’s a small event, be sure to bring in things that are important to you as a couple,” she says.
3. Looking to have a hot air balloon at your wedding? A flexible schedule is key. Hot air balloons are weather-dependent, so plan a few possible days for your elopement.
4. Don’t limit yourself to standing in the basket! “The US Hot Air Balloon Team actually encouraged us to go inside the balloon while they were blowing it up,” says Moore. “It makes for a really great photo.”
5. Lush, romantic bouquets appear throughout this celebration, providing an ethereal vibe. Forte Florals used in-season blooms for the month of May, including peonies, ranunculus, anemones and roses.
6. Go wild with greenery. Branches of eucalyptus leaves create the appearance of overflowing florals without breaking the bank. Here, the team wove the leaves through the hot air balloon basket for a natural touch.
7. An embroidered bodice with sweetheart neckline and flowing layers of soft tulle…could this Posh Bridal wedding gown be any more romantic?
8. “I really wanted the flower crown to display the hair, not cover it,” says Moore. Rather than overshadow that gorgeous up-do, take a tip from this bride and opt for a more minimalist crown featuring olive branches and a few small buds.
9. If you can’t find what you want, have it custom made. Moore easily found an Etsy vendor to create the groom’s vintage map bowtie.
10. From flowers to furniture, this photo shoot sticks close to a color palette of reds and soft pinks, matching the iconic hot air balloon. To ensure everything flows, inquire about your balloon before you pick your hues, then work to accommodate the color.
11. The best thing about an intimate gathering? You can make it truly yours. Try incorporating some family heirlooms, like this china from Moore’s great grandmother’s collection, during your dinner.
12. If you have a creative side, consider working with a local artist to create custom watercolor and calligraphy for your paper goods. This gorgeous paper suite by Kara Hill Calligraphy is complete with hot air balloon illustrations.
13. Get crafty with your cake stand. Suitcases, vintage trunks, globes and telescopes, all from Treasured Events, make a theme-appropriate display for this watercolor cake by Bella Manse.
14. Fewer guests mean more opportunity for detail. This couple offered “in-flight treats”: handmade hot air balloon cupcakes, each uniquely decorated by Lancaster Cupcake.
15. Moore’s takeaway tip for the happy couple during their portraits: “Just be yourselves,” she says. “Remember, it’s okay to laugh and be candid; that’s who you really are.”
Vendors:
Photographer and stylist: Elizabeth Moore Photography / emoorephotography.com
Floral designer: Forte Florals / fortefloralspa.com
Venue: The Farm at Eagles Ridge / farmateaglesridge.com
Wedding dress and accessories: Posh Bridal / poshbridal.com
Hair and makeup: The Bonafide Ginger / the-bonafide-ginger.com
Map bow tie: Brooklyn Bowtie Factory / etsy.com/shop/BklynBowtieFactory
Wedding cake: Bella Manse / bellamanse.com
Cupcakes: Lancaster Cupcake / lancastercupcake.com
Balloon cookies: QZcookies / etsy.com/shop/QZcookies
Rentals: Treasured Events / treasuredrentals.com
Hot air balloon: United States Hot Air Balloon Team / ushotairballoon.com
Calligraphy: Kara Hill Calligraphy / karahillcalligraphy.wordpress.com
