We almost eloped. In fact, we spoke about it a lot after we got engaged.

I just about broke out in a rash at the thought of arranging a BIG white wedding. Mike agreed. We started making rough plans. And then it dawned on me. A wedding isn’t just about us. Its about our families, our friends, and wanting to share the start of a new chapter in our lives with them.

So I caved. After I stubbornly threw the Wedding Rule Book away of how things ‘should’ be done, and started planning an intimate affair for just our closest family & a handful of friends.

BUT, since we have both  been living in the UK for over a decade, we decide to have our legal ceremony in London, a few hours before flying out to SA for our wedding. And it felt a bit like we eloped. We got ready together beforehand; we looked all fancy. We exchanged rings. I cried through the majority of our short but personal ceremony. We then went for brunch with our friends who witnessed the ceremony, followed by portraits with my lovely friend Charlotte.

So we kinda did both. We eloped. And had our wedding the following week. A little different to the norm, just the way I like it…

(Wedding photos to follow at a later date!)

Are you planning to actually elope? I would absolutely LOVE to capture it. Get in touch on hello@jodiredhouse.com

**Photos by Charlotte Bryer-Ash**