ELOPE

A romantic, quiet elopement is a godsend for couples who prefer to stay out of the spotlight on their wedding day. Exchanging vows along a secluded sandy river shore is as quiet, romantic, and private as it comes. Elopements can be a bit daring too - a quiet slip away from the demands of the world. Time stands still and you feel quite invincible.

Caroline Koehler, of Caroline Koehler Photography and Lexi Clifford styled this loose, earthy, romantic elopement along the river's edge. Delores, the beautiful bride, tied her long hair back loosely and let the wind rustle through its strands. Her flowing, sandstone Gossamer gown billowed and sailed when it caught a breeze. The trees pushed their mighty branches across the dark green water and the wind shook the leaves into a long song.

Relaxed, organic elements, the simple colors of river, sand, and sky found expression in Delores' full and wild ribbon tied bouquet. Sun washed summer greens of eucalyptus, vibrant coleus whose green and purple mimics fine brocade. Lacy love in a mist twirls atop sinewy stems like a stage of Degas' dancers. Veronica, larkspur, Queen Anne's lace, and stock gather round the beaming face of an unfolding, milky dahlia.

Owl Post Calligraphy created stationery with a pressed frame edge, just enough definition to draw its thickness out. Ink the color of dark sand marks the page with a record of our hope.

Rivers hold our human stories in their bedrock, furled and tangled in the roots and shallows. It’s no wonder we seek them out for inspiration, choosing them as a starting point of our journey. They connect and course along furrows and water-filled canyons whose deepness is unknown disappearing into cracks, crevices or the open sea. Approaching a river at night, in total darkness, one can listen for the sound of the water and know its depth.

A few simple elements - water, flowers, paper, soft fabrics gathered on a afternoon, bound with the emerald ribbon of passing time hemming our wishes together under a bright, cotton white sky.