There aren’t many couples brave enough to follow their hearts instead of following the “rules,” so, I’ll just say it outright—congrats on being pretty badass.
The most amazing thing about choosing to elope is that you can forget all expectations, opinions, and obligations about what you’re “supposed” to do, and instead focus entirely on what matters most to you two, with nothing holding you back.
All of this freedom can be a bit overwhelming though—when there’s no longer any “rules” or “formula” on what your wedding day is “supposed” to be, then how do you plan it?
I can’t tell you how excited I am that you and your partner have chosen to throw tradition to the wind, grab hold of what’s important to both of you, and create an incredibly unique wedding experience that’s a true reflection of who you are.
Hey You Two!
A note from me
I’m here for you every step of the way. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the process of creating a wedding experience that you’ll love every minute of.
I can’t wait to get to know you two better and help you create an incredible elopement day!
to help make the process of dreaming and planning your unique wedding day as simple and stress-free as possible.
That’s where me & this client portal come in...
xx Aly
how it works & What's Next
Just like there’s not just one way to elope, there’s also not just one way to plan an elopement. So while these are generally the steps to follow, it’s not always a linear process.
If you need help along the way, I’m always a call or email away…ready to help you! for you!
6 Steps To Planning Your Elopement Or Intimate Wedding Experience
Once you have some of the major details decided on, it’s time to put your vision all together!
First, you will fill out my questionnaire + then schedule a time for us to talk!
On the call we will create a timeline for your elopement or intimate wedding day (or multiple days) that fits everything you want to experience.
Craft your timeline
Step Three
After your timeline is complete, you will be able to start booking vendors!
The next step is plan out all of your details for your day including booking your travel and a place to stay if you haven’t already, choosing your vendors, finalizing activities, picking out your wedding day attire, and gathering any other items or gear you may need.
Step Four
The first step in any great creative process is to dream & brainstorm. This is where you and your partner explore all of the possibilities of what your day could look like—without being hindered by details or logistics yet.
Don’t worry, I have prompts for this!
Dream up your best day
Step One
Once you have an overall vision for what you two want out of your day, it’s time to make the biggest decisions that will affect your elopement experience the most: who are you inviting, where are you going, and how long you’re going for.
Use my ceremony locations guide to help you determine what location is your top priority for your ceremony, and any other places you want to do during the day!
Review my accommodations + island guides to help you narrow down which island if you aren’t sure yet, what part of the island you want to stay on, and some of my hotel and airbnb recs.
Make the big decisions first
BOOK VENDORS + PLAN OUT THE DETAILS
Step Two
I will email you about 4-6 weeks out from your elopement day to schedule your 6 WEEK CHECK IN CALL
This is where we will discuss which vendors you have booked, create a weather backup plan, and answer any other last minute questions or changes you want to make!
After this call, most of the planning is done and you just need to gather everything you need, pack for your trip, make sure you communicate with your guests (if you have any), and get ready to have an amazing day!
Craft your timeline
Step Five
You did it! Your day is here. Relax and soak in every moment and be fully present with your partner. Enjoy the incredible experience you created together as you say your vows and commit your lives to each other.
Step Six
Have the best day ever!
Communication & Expectations
You can email me or schedule a call whenever you need support:
alydovephoto@gmail.com
We will start communicating via text messaging the week of your wedding. This is so I can make sure to prioritize you the week of your wedding.
Elopement planning checklist
What you need to do and when
01. after booking a photographer:
Decide on a Budget
Decide on the island and ceremony location/venue if you haven’t already
Use My Prompts to Brainstorm your elopement day flow and activities!
03. After kick-off call
Book Hotels or Accommodation
02. 1 MONTH AFTER BOOKING PHOTOGRAPHER
Complete Questionnaire + Schedule Kick-Off Call With Aly
04. Book Vendors
Choose an officiant
Book Rental Cars
Book Flights
Book Vendors:
Florist
Hair and Makeup
Videographer
Caterer/Picnic/Private Chef
Musician
Activities (i.e. boat, helicopter, ATV)
05. After you have your officiant + ceremony location
Apply for marriage license (see blog post here)
Make your appointment with a marriage license agent
06. Details
Find Dress(es)/Jumpsuit(s)
Find Suit(s)
Purchase Wedding Bands
Pick out/suggest color scheme for wedding party
6-8 months out
Plan Honeymoon
4-6 months out
Purchase day of accessories
Order Vow Books (I love these options with his, her, their, or our vows on Etsy and Artifact Uprising)
2 months out
Pick out music for wedding day, send to Aly + download in case we are out of service
Processional
First Dance
Fun Playlist of your favorite songs!
Finalize floral arrangements
Finalize menu with caterer
Start writing vows
Follow up with guests who haven’t RSVP’d
6 weeks out
6 week check in call with Aly
1 month out
Book some self care things!
Review my Tips for your First Visit to Hawaii
Order a carry on bag for your dress
2 weeks prior
Final Dress Fitting
Pick Up Your Dress
Pack for Hawaii!
Arrange pick up times for delivery with vendors if applicable (i.e. flowers, cake)
week of
Reconfirm times with vendors
Send out schedule to guests
Be mindful of sun exposure if you tend to get sunburnt easily
Go to appointment with your marriage license agent
Day before
Check in with all vendors if needed
Pick up items if you’re starting at sunrise (flowers, cake, etc.)
ENJOY!
after
HONEYMOONNNNNN!
1 week after
Get excited to review your gallery of sneak peeks together!
Send out “We Eloped” cards! I love this template!
A message like this can be a wonderful way to share your excitement with loved ones and let them know you were thinking of them even though they couldn’t be there:
“Although we opted for a private ceremony in Hawaii, you were with us in spirit!”
8 weeks after
FULL GALLERY DELIVERY DAY!
