Bentwood Inn Wedding in Jackson Hole Wyoming

The front porch of the Inn is perfectly framed with a lush garden, and decorated with classic western furniture, wagon wheels and other unique antiques from the region. The creek boardering the edge of the property was flowing beautifully due to the recent snow melt, and a pleasant breeze moved the surrounding cottonwood trees like a song. The ceremony was set with the aisle leading up to the base of three of these trees. It was like they were grown here as a trio for this very moment—it was the perfect spot.

Fairytale Wedding at Castle Farms

Megan planned her dream fairytale wedding from afar as she and Rainer live in Ohio and Castle Farms is located in Charlevoix (which is in Northwestern Michigan). Since their wedding was going to be at such a magically aesthetic place, it was only natural that the getting ready locations match the feeling—the Mushroom Houses were perfect. Both homes seemed to have come straight from the story of Snow White.

Acadia National Park Elopement

In the midday sun, with only their immediately family present, they exchanged vows and rings atop Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park. This Mt. Desert Island backdrop was an expansive view of the sea, other nearby islands and sailboats.

Afterward, for portraits we spent some time exploring the different overlooks and view points; and then made our way down to the coast to explore the otter cliffs. Lauren & Michael wore their hiking boots, and we scrambled across the rocks as the waves thundered loudly with each crash against the cliffside.

destination weddings, elopements, weddingseastlyn brightOctober 5, 2020Maine, National Park, New England, Outdoor, Coast, Mountain, Beach, Intimate Wedding, Summer, ElopementComment

10 Reasons to Plan an Elopement in Response to Covid-19

With so much remaining uncertainty, couples are not even given hope that their wedding can still happen next year. Like everything else pertaining to this virus, the surge of 2020 couples needing to re-book could not have been foreseen, and therefore, many venues and vendors are already completely booked with 2021 couples.

It’s a devastating mess.

Some couples will still want their dream, big weddings and are willing to wait to have them—that’s completely okay and we applaud your patience.

However, we also know there are many of you that may not want to wait another year or even longer to start your lives together. That’s okay too. We’re here to help. So, in this post, we’re giving you 10 reasons why we believe planning an elopement or intimate ceremony may be a beautiful option for you.

elopements, destination weddings, weddings, wedding inspirationeastlyn brightMay 7, 2020Wedding PlanningComment

Hocking Hills Ohio Sunrise Elopement

Every love story is unique—and Nate and Ashley are no exception to the realness of this sweet cliché. Their affection for the outdoors inspired them to commit themselves to each other in a place, although hundreds of miles from their home, that was meaningful to their story and passion for nature. They welcomed the mud and dirt and chilly morning air, all as part of their wedding party, and the waterfall filled the outcropping with celebrant applause.

Spiritual Wedding at the Hidden Hive in Derbyshire England

We knew that there was something special about Kezia and Jordan just from their first inquiry. Then, from all the way across the Atlantic Ocean, on a video call, we met their glowing faces and heard their story; but we also saw their hearts—overflowing with love, even for us, strangers they had just met, honoring us with sincerest kindness. Their faith stood high above their ideas for a “dream wedding”—trusting that they didn’t need to wait another year to plan something “perfect,” but that “the time is now” to start their journey together.

weddings, destination weddingseastlyn brightApril 23, 2019Tented, Outdoor, Golden Hour, Sunset, Summer, Autumn, Europe, Traditional WeddingComment

Intimate Wedding at the Cliffs of Etretat in Normandy

On our way to Étretat through the countryside, we followed Marcus and Beth and watched as Beth hung her head out the window, allowing the wind to whip it as it willed. She closed her eyes and smiled, feeling the moment deeply as she painted the air with her hand. She is a true free spirit, and both she and Marcus are compassionate toward all life, loving and dreamy.

weddings, destination weddings, elopementseastlyn brightFebruary 27, 2019France, Coast, Ocean, Beach, Europe, Summer, Sunset, ElopementComment

Intimate Garden Wedding in Normandy, France

Beth and Marcus, our insanely kind and free-spirited couple from England, knew that they wanted to get married abroad. It was important to them that their wedding day felt like an adventure—just like their relationship has been—always jetting from country to country, and even getting engaged in front of a waterfall in Iceland.

They decided on Normandy, France, and then began…

destination weddings, weddingseastlyn brightFebruary 8, 2019France, Outdoor, Backyard, Intimate Wedding, Airbnb, Europe, Garden, Farm, Farmhouse, Summer, Destination Wedding, WeddingComment

THE JOURNAL

Real wedding and elopement stories, heartfelt moments, and location guides from Ohio, Jackson Hole, and beyond.