I love a good elopement!  I’ll admit, as much as I wanted our big wedding (which ultimately I’m so glad we had), there were moments in the midst of planning when I got super stressed and thought- maybe we should just elope! Even though it wasn’t the right choice for us, I think elopement is such a wonderful option for lots of couples. It’s intimate, often budget friendly, and a special experience shared just between the two of you. It was definitely the right option for Jesse + Hannah, and I love the way they chose to document their day. Here’s more from the bride, Hannah…

We tried to use a lot of friends and focus on places that supported our farmer friends in Louisville. Overall, by thrifting a lot and the support of friends, the whole day cost under $1000.

My dress was made by Aryn K from a small boutique in Lexington, but everything Jesse was wearing was thrifted. I made my own bouquet/hair pieces. We stayed at the Brown Hotel in Louisville, and visited amazing places with emphasis on farm-to-table and local ingredients: Hillbilly Tea, Harvest Restaurant, Louisville Beer Store.

It was a super casual day in some ways, but also really special. I am confident that we will always be able to remember every perfect detail of it…whereas I feel like most couples experience a sort of whirlwind on their wedding day after all the buildup and expectation and planning and money. It feels like a blur!

If I have any advice, it would be that having a small and intimate wedding, even an elopement, can still be special and extra-memorable. I think in some ways, it is MORE special. It is not for everyone, I am aware, but for us, while we are putting every penny towards our new farm and generally trying to live lives of small-impact, it just made sense.

By spending some money on our photographer (the extraordinary TIM HARRIS!), we are still able to share the day with all our friends and family, even though they weren’t technically there. Basically, for engaged couples: do what YOU want – not what you think is normal or expected. It is YOUR day and about YOUR happiness.

Jesse + Hannah’s photographer, Tim Harris, also put together this awesome video of their day. Which brings me to another point that I’ve said before, and I will probably say a million more times- having a video of your day is worth every penny! Great photos are incredibly important, but there is just something about being able to watch a video of your wedding that is really special and truly brings you back into the moment. With that, here is Jesse + Hannah’s wedding video…