A garden elopement that came from a postponed wedding

Our bride Nikki shares her experience of hosting an intimate and romantic elopement at Kraft Azalea Garden

COVID-19 has, without a doubt, affected us all in many ways. Unfortunately, engaged couples have been hit hard as our world shut down around us, and year-long wedding plans were having to be postponed. While this is a hard time for us all, this story that Nikki shared with us was so uplifting and positive. We hope that Nikki and Brian’s romantic and intimate elopement at Kraft Azaelea Garden can be a source of some hope, inspiration, and positivity during these uncertain times.

Name: Nikki

Subject: COVID-19 Elopement Story

Message: COVID-19 had other plans for our wedding day, but that didn’t stop us. After almost a year of planning, it was heartbreaking to learn that we needed to postpone our wedding. There were plenty of tears shed on my end, but then we learned how to accept it and to be thankful for what we have and each other. As time got closer to our wedding date, we decided this was still going to be our date. From having it engraved in my now husband’s wedding band, to have it stitched in his wedding suit, not to mention hundreds of can coolers, we were doing it! We cut his hair on our own, I painted my own nails, did my own hair, and thankfully my friend came over with a mask and gloves and did my make up as quickly as she could. We picked up our bouquet and boutonnière, had a mini wedding cake delivered, and met a few of our close family and friends at Kraft Azalea Garden in Winter Park, FL. It happened to heavily downpour here for a decent part of the day, making my anxiety increase. Magically, the sun came out and the stars aligned. We got ready together at home and FaceTimed some of his friends beforehand who were so sweet and dressed up in their wedding outfits. Our little elopement came together beautifully thanks to the support of many, including our amazing wedding photographer who came and took professional photos of us, to our officiant who I have known since middle school! Thank you, everyone! We are now even more excited to hopefully celebrate with our closest family and friends in six months! Cheers to being a husband and wife.

Partner's Name: Brian

Event Type & Location (wedding, rehearsal dinner, bridal shower, bachelorette party, or honeymoon): Elopement at Kraft Azalea Garden in Winter Park, FL

Event Date: 04/18/2020

Vendors & Their Instagram Handles : 
Photographer - Dani Nichol Photography - @daninicholphoto
Florals- Events By in Bloom - @eventsbyinbloom

How did you & your partner meet?: First on Tinder, but I did not respond to him. Three months later we matched on Bumble and the rest was history!

When was your first date?: September 20th, 2016

How did your partner propose?: At our home before dinner on a Friday night. On our way out, he asked to talk to me on the couch. I seriously had no idea it was coming and was completely surprised. He did not tell anyone from my side of the family or friends except for my father. It was an amazing surprise and I am not easy to surprise!

What was your dress shopping experience like? : I went to two bridal stores for my wedding dress and ended up picking one of the first ones I tried on at the second location. I then bought my accessories after choosing the dress, from The Bridal Finery and Jimmy Choo. I can feel overwhelmed with a lot of opinions, so I only had my mom come with me and it was great!

What did you wish you knew before you started wedding planning?: I would have loved to receive a checklist of items no one tells you about for the day of (if you need to bring your own champagne glasses, cake knife, etc.)

Where was your wedding? What did you decide on that space?: It is supposed to be at The Brazilian Court in Palm Beach, FL. However, due to COVID-19, for the time being, we eloped at Kraft Azalea Garden in Winter Park, FL. We decided on The Brazilian Court because my parents are good friends with their chef, who is also French like my dad. We love their food and environment!

What's your favorite memory from your event?: From the elopement, I ended up loving that it was more intimate and that it was solely about our love.

What is a 'must have' for brides on wedding day? : Making sure they have enough food for the bridal party on their wedding day! It's a long day of getting ready. Keep the food and drinks flowing.

How would you describe the overall feel of your event?: It will be a mix of blush and neutral tones, which is perfect for Palm Beach. The feel will be elegant, but fun.

What wedding planning advice do you have for other brides?: Start with a list of venues and see what dates they have available. After securing the venue and date, move onto the photographer and videographer. They get booked quickly! I highly suggest finding your wedding dress before picking your bridesmaids dresses and florals. Before I found my dress, I thought the "vibe" of our wedding was going to be more bohemian. It ended up being nothing like that!

Where was your honeymoon?: It is supposed to be in Hawaii, but due to COVID-19, we canceled. Hopefully, we can go next year to celebrate our one year elopement anniversary.

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