Before I move back to Grand Rapids Michigan in the fall, I had the privilege of photographing Ariel + Ruiyu’s intimate elopement in the beautiful forest. This wedding was pretty short and sweet, but that’s just the way they wanted it!
I started the day by capturing a few of their details, including a ukulele that would make another appearance during the ceremony (scroll to the end). After the final touch photos, I capture their first look and we walked through the forest for a bit to get more photos. Then, it was ceremony time!! Ariel + Ruiyu were accompanied by their parents, siblings, an officiant, and three dogs (with the cutest flowers on them). They walked themselves into the ceremony, kind of as if they were just showing up to a family dinner a few minutes late! The ceremony was filled with kind words and prayers from each parent, personal vows, and a song of worship lead by the bride and groom themselves.
I’m a sucker for an intimate elopement, because each couple has a different way of celebrating their day – whether it’s dogs in a flower suits or playing the ukulele during the ceremony. So I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: do your wedding how you want to do it, PERIOD no exceptions.
VENDORS:
Florals by The Flowery
Hair and Makeup by Sachiko Hair and Makeup
Dress by Lace Bridal
