If there was ever proof that love is the most badass thing of all—and that it’s still possible to have a beautiful wedding during a pandemic—this Seattle elopement is it!

Meet Liz & Zach

Like so many other couples these days, Liz and Zach’s wedding didn’t go as originally planned. After postponing their wedding not just once but twice due to COVID-19, these two lovebirds were disappointed and drained. Can you blame them?

Then one day Liz had an epiphany, and I am so glad that she did. She realized that getting married during COVID-19 was still a possibility, and that she could do it in a way that felt so Liz and Zach! In the end, it was such a beautiful and intimate day and I don’t think it could have been any better.

What made the day even more special is that Liz was one of my very first friends here as a Seattle wedding photographer. Being able to not only watch her go from single, to Zach, to engaged, and then to happily married despite so much pandemic heartbreak—but to also be a part of her special day—was freaking amazing.

Wondering how to elope during quarantine? Well for Liz and Zach, the first decision was to have their ceremony on the stoop of their private residence in Ballard (which they bought less than a year ago), joined by their adorable rescue pitbull, Luna. They also chose a new date, which happened to be the anniversary of their first date.

Seriously, how perfect is that?

They kept the guest list small with just 12 of their closest friends. They stuck to open spaces (thank you, Seattle weather, for cooperating!) and everyone was tested prior to the big day.

During the intimate ceremony, the guests had ‘FaceTime buddies’, so that their closest friends in California could watch as well. Liz and Zach also let their neighbours know about the ceremony ahead of time, and many of them watched from their windows and even sent gifts. They ended up repurposing the gorgeous floral arch to make bouquets as thank you gifts for their neighbours. My heart!

One of the best things about this Seattle elopement is that all their friends doubled as their vendors (list below!). From the florals to the music, everyone in attendance played an important role in this very special day. Even the private, intimate reception was held in a large, outdoor space at their friends’ brewery just up the road.

I was so happy to be part of this experience, from being there when Liz found her perfect dress, to helping Zach with his bowtie, to shooting a beautiful Seattle elopement, to dancing the night away with awesome people (at a safe distance, of course). 

Plenty of couples are making the decision to elope during quarantine, and I am so down with it! Eloping not only allows you to safely tie the knot, but it reminds you to focus on what’s most important. Big weddings can be a ton of fun, but in the end, this day is all about you and the love of your life. Add a few of your nearest and dearest (if you choose), some good food, a bottle (or two) of champagne, and a photographer to capture it all, and you’ve got yourself one kickass day. 

If you’re looking for a Seattle elopement photographer, let’s chat!

VENDORS

Videography: Alayna Erhart
Florals:  Angelene Little
DJ:  Alex Aguirre
Officiant:  Talitha Bullock
Makeup:  Kendra Springer
Hair: Natalia Dos Santos
Catering:  Boat Street Kitchen
Reception:  Peddler Brewing Company

Kind Words from the Bride

These kind words from Liz have me feeling all warm and gushy inside:

“I don’t even know how to begin talking about how much I love Chelsea. I had a micro wedding due to COVID because ain’t nobody got time for a 100+ person wedding right now and the possibility of getting your loved ones sick. Her flexibility and grace with me will forever be ingrained in my mind and in my heart. As a former wedding photographer myself, I know how important it is to make your bride/client feel comfortable, stress free and help focus on only one thing – enjoying themselves. Chelsea did that 100000%. Not once did I worry if Zach was where he needed to be or if he knew how to tie his bow tie or if he was simply having a good time. Chelsea made sure everything ran smoothly to perfection.

From the minute she showed up on my wedding day, to the minute she left, I felt SO taken care of. I didn’t worry for one second if she was/wasn’t capturing important moments. She not only made me look and feel like a beautiful goddess, but she made my husband feel like the most handsome man that he is. She captured his smile, his sense of humor and his 007 good looks/photogenic ways perfectly and I can’t even handle the photos. I literally burst into tears when she sent me the preview. I have the selfies to prove it.

My advice to couples looking for a photographer, especially during an unprecedented global pandemic, is this. Stop looking. Take my words as your personal, first hand advice to hire Chelsea. This is one of the most important days of your life and you want someone who is going to be professional, personable, fun to be with and deliver incredible photos and an even more incredible experience. I will forever look back on these photos and get emotional each time and this is coming from someone who felt indifferent about getting married! My priority was to find the man of my dreams and the wedding would be a bonus. Well that bonus happened and Chelsea made it one million times more special than I could have ever expected. She’s the best, I will be forever indebted to her in the most wonderful way and so will you.”