The rhythmic whispering of waves rolling onto shore, a refreshing sea breeze, and a view that makes your jaw drop. Leidy & Mario chose the perfect scenery for their intimate wedding. What we LOVE about elopements / intimate weddings is that you really get to craft a day that fits best with who you are as a couple and that is exactly what Leidy & Mario did. Their elopement on the Oregon coast is a perfect example of how you can incorporate family and friends into your wedding day and still enjoy those intimate moments where it’s just the two of you.

Leidy and Mario’s all-day coastal elopement timeline

The day started bright and early for all of us. While we were driving to the hotel to meet Leidy and Mario, the couple was getting ready for their big day. With the help of her friends, who did Leidy’s make-up and hair, the bride looked stunning and ready for the first look. On the terrace overlooking the ocean, Mario was anxiously waiting to meet his Leidy. When he turned around to admire her, the couple was all smiles (and some joyful tears). What a wonderful start to a beautiful day!

Mario & Leidy love to hike and explore together. So much that this just had to be part of their special day. After their emotional moment on the terrace, it was time to exchange the dressy shoes for hiking boots and drive up to The Villages Trailhead. Together the couple hiked The Knoll Trail to arrive at their destination: God’s Thumb. Hungry from climbing the hill, Leidy and Mario ate their well-deserved lunch with in the background the sound of waves crashing against the rugged Oregon coastline. With filled bellies, they exchanged their personal gifts on the top of God’s Thumb.

Then it was time to hike back to the parking lot. After the couple enjoyed an hour break we met at the spectacular Cape Kiwanda for their ceremony. Although the original plan was for the couple to exchange their vows on a rock at Cape Kiwanda, mother nature had different plans as it started pouring rain. Time for plan B! On the beach near the restaurant where they would have their reception later Leidy & Mario exchanged their vows with their twelve close family and friends watching. A celebratory champagne pop marked the ending of their beautiful and intimate ceremony. After the champagne shower, we said our goodbyes and the couple and their guests went inside the restaurant to enjoy their reception dinner party. What a day!

6 ways to include friends & family in your adventure elopement

Mario & Leidy’s day shows that you can have the best of both worlds. During the day they shared intimate moments together as a couple and later they got the chance to celebrate with family and friends. So how can you achieve the same or something similar on your special day? 

1. If you have internet, set up a zoom call before you go to your ceremony location. This way your family can watch your ceremony without being physically present. 

2. Involve your family in your planning. For example: bring them along while shopping for your attire or let them help you explore and pick the location.

3. Read letters or open gifts from family members. 

4. Invite them during a small part of the day. This can be when you are getting ready, ceremony, or during a reception

5. Have a reception later during your special day. 

6. Plan a 2-day elopement experience. On day 1 you have a “just us” wedding experience. Then on day two, you can plan a ceremony and reception with family and friends.

What the couple had to say?