You are going to sooo love California natives Christine + Matthew’s elopement. First of all, it was captured by the talented Tyler Rye Photography, who popped up as a suggestion to them on Insta. Plus, it capped off a backpacking trip through Europe (story below!). And did we mention it was in Italy? So, so good. Thanks to our bride Christine for sharing their story:
We had originally planned to get married in fall 2015 but with the month long backpacking trip to Europe we had already planned with my sisters, we couldn’t afford to. I lamented to a friend during a post-workout sauna session one night that we’d have to postpone and she suggested eloping. I casually mentioned the idea to Matthew and, surprisingly, he was so into it! I started looking into our travel destinations to see which country we’d most like to be married in and it came down to Italy and France, both of which were equally romantic and beautiful.
They ended up choosing Italy where there isn’t a residency requirement to be wed. After perusing romantic options, they chose the coastal down of Sapri, two hours south of the Amalfi Coast…
Looking out at the water as we drove along the windy roads in search of memorable photographic locations was probably the most surreal part of the whole thing… Aside from actually getting married! It felt so unreal during our ceremony. I don’t think it really hit me until we settled down at the end of the night! Although it was really hard not having our family and friends be there, we loved the fact that we were able to have such intimacy on our wedding day.
Even though they’d been planning the trip for eight months, they only decided to elope two months before. They lucked out with Tyler Rye being so flexible, and getting Christine’s Amanda Wakeley Cleopatra gown shipped from London just in time. The only mishap was missing a flight by just a few minutes, missing an appointment to fill out the legal docs. Luckily, they were able to get it figured out at the last second!
These two were together nine years before saying I Do. Christine says it was never a matter of if, but when. So meant to be, right?
They honeymooned in Santorini after all the adventure. Cheers, C + M!
Photographer: Tyler Rye Photography / Location: Sapri, Italy / Venue: Sentiero degli Innamorati (Lovers Walk) / Planner: Lucia Pepice with Slow Dreams / Hair: Sarah Gardner/ Hair Color & Extensions: Tara Reich / Makeup: Bride / Bride’s dress: Amanda Wakeley Cleopatra Gown from The White Dress / Heels: Valentino Rockstud / Sandals: Sam Edelman / Groom’s Suit: Hugo Boss from Nordstrom / Shoes: Cole Haan
