It’s no secret that I love when couples elope. There is something so intimate and sweet about foregoing the traditional wedding celebrations and marrying your One – without all the fuss and stress that traditional wedding days sometimes bring. This elopement was especially close to my heart, as that beautiful bride is one of my dearest friends. Ledia and I met in architecture school and became close friends really quickly. We’ve seen each other through big life decisions, heartbreaks, and all kinds of celebrations. It’s been an eventful 11 years since we met and I am so thankful to see her step into marriage with a man who loves her well.

Ledia + Ervin didn’t want to make their elopement too big of a celebration, but all of our friends and their family members wanted to be sure we were able to celebrate their love. The night before they eloped, our whole group of friends rented an Air BnB and we stayed up WAY PAST our normal bedtimes to exchange stories, laugh and reminisce. The entire elopement was such a  group effort! I think this is just another reason why it was so special. The morning of, Ledia had her hair done by her Jacksonville best friend, our friend Alice did her makeup and I made her bouquet (thanks, Trader Joe’s!).  Adolfo (one of our guy friends) and the groom assisted me while I put together the bride’s bouquet! High five to the guys! Ledia’s immediate family joined us at the courthouse for the ceremony and treated us all to lunch in downtown St. Augustine to celebrate afterward. We ended lunch by enjoying the homemade baklava that Ledia’s aunt sent for us to enjoy…it all came to their celebration from Albania!

Both Ledia and Ervin said that their favorite part of their day was taking these pictures with me. YOU GUYS! It melted me to hear that they had never had so much fun having their pictures taken before! Grateful for friendships that withstand distance and time, but also for a job that brings people joy.