Just The 2 Of Us: An Intimate Buenos Aires Elopement
Written by Melissa Woods, Images by Jenn Emerling
This started out as a traditional wedding, but after becoming overwhelmed by all the planning that goes into a typical marriage celebration, Melanie and Phil decided to scrap the idea and start again. They wanted to redefine the idea of 'eloping'. With this in mind decided on an intimate Buenos Aires elopement.
''We love the symbolism of doing something secret and private that the two of us can share.''
The key was to keep things small, intimate and focused, but the couple did host a separate ceremony for parents and siblings to be part of and to mark the special occasion of two families becoming one — something that an elopement doesn’t cover.... The upside of this? Melanie got to have 2 dresses...
I found the pictures so enchanting, I asked Melanie and Phil to start from the beginning of their love story in order to share it with you.
The couple met through online dating app Coffee Meets Bagel. Melanie was trying it out for the first time and Phil was her first match! They knew they were onto something special after whiling away the hours together on their first date.... If only everything in life were that simple...
Once fate had sealed the deal, Phil decided to propose to Melanie by staging an unsuccessful trip to go ice-skating. When the trip fell through **wink wink** he casually suggested an impromptu visit to the restaurant where it all began, a place they hadn't visited since their first date.
Phil had booked a private, candle-lit dinner, but upon arrival, Melanie noticed that it seemed unusually quiet. Before she could say anything, Phil was on one knee, presenting her with a bespoke engagement ring by Jean Dousset, vintage with a modern twist.
I'll let you guess the answer....
''There are lots of reasons to choose Buenos Aires as a wedding destination... often described as the Paris of South America.''
Thanks to Airbnb, they found the perfect setting to say the vows that they wrote especially for one another, a beautiful Cupola based in the heart of Palermo. Both Melanie and Phil describe the exchange of their vows as a highlight and something they placed a real emphasis on, being just the two of them.
The modern couple planned their Buenos Aires elopement quickly and with ease, using their exquisite location as a starting point. They managed to save time, money and logistical issues as La Cupola doubled up as both venue and accommodation with its stunning rooftop terrace, stylish interior and original features.
The day was spent exploring the exploring the beautiful city together, at their own pace. Jenn was there to capture those tender moments and maximize any awesome photo opportunities in such a vibrant location. Both Melanie and Phil were keen to find a talented journalistic photographer to capture their special day. After browsing through dozens of portfolios, Jenn stood out as a clear winner! Once the couple explained their intentions for the day, Jenn's enthusiasm made it clear that she was the lady for the job!
The essence of the day was to go with the flow, even the single red rose was bought on a whim by Phil that very morning.
I asked the couple if there was anything they wish they had done differently?.... not in the slightest! I asked what advice they would give to anyone thinking of eloping?...
''For other couples just getting started, we think it's really important to challenge common assumptions that define a wedding. If something isn't meaningful for you, be courageous and ask yourself if you really need it?''
1000000 % !!!!!!!
For this couple, all they needed was each other. Who says you need a big wedding reception?... start as you mean to go on and dance together!
Photographer Bio - Jenn Emerling, Holy Matrimographer
Jenn Emerling is a purple-haired photobomb extraordinaire seeking fun, adventurous couples to make creative magic with. She enjoys gargantuan waves of life-altering joy and is easily won over with tacos and coffee. Because every couple, every wedding and every love story is different, her photographic approach is never formulaic. Instead, she brings a vivid, kaleidoscopic eye to all the details and moments that makes your big day yours. Her deal is to not only capture those little moments that make your wedding so, well, you, but also to bring back those feelings of reeling bliss, no matter if you view the images 6 months or 60 years after the event of your lifetime.
Venue - La Cupola, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Bride's dress - Grace Loves Lace (Inca Dress)
Tulle overskirt - Heidi Elnora
Bride's shoes - Aquazzurra
Earrings - Christie Nicolaides
Groom's suit - Tailor's Keep, San Francisco
Hair and Make Up - Flavia Vilar
Have you ever seen anything more romantic? If you are planning a Buenos Aires elopement or anywhere else in the world, I'd love to hear from you!