If we could photograph elopements like Courtney and Luke’s every week, we’d be the happiest people on the planet! Honestly, it was an absolute dream and our honor to be a part of their Marco Island elopement last Tuesday on 2/22/2022! They traveled to Marco Island from Iowa so they could get married in an intimate and sweet ceremony on the beach. This wedding was over a decade in the making as they are high school sweethearts who fell in love in their small town. After dating for a long time, Luke finally proposed to Courtney in their home making it a special moment just between the two of them. And as they planned their wedding and attended other large weddings, they realized that a big wedding wasn’t what they wanted for themselves. They wanted something extremely personal and private, and that’s exactly what they got!

They decided to have their elopement at the JW Marriott in Marco Island (our favorite hotel and wedding destination in that area) and since it was just them two, both of us actually helped them get ready for their big day! Vic helped with Luke’s tie and boutonnière, and I helped Courtney get into her dress and put on her jewelry—including some delicate chains that added the perfect touch of elegance to her bridal look. But they did honor their families in the details of their day by having Luke’s parents write notes to him in a booklet as a surprise and Courtney’s mother who passed was honored by having the diamonds from her wedding ring placed into Courtney’s engagement ring and wedding band. It was such a privilege for us to be there for this amazing couple not only as photographers but we truly felt like long-time friends! And we will say it a thousand times over, there’s nothing like a Marco Island sunset, and to have a couple like this in front of the camera makes it that much sweeter. We have WAY too many favorites from this amazing elopement and we’re so excited to share more with you all today!

Courtney and Luke, we love you guys and are honored to have been a part of your amazing day. You are the sweetest souls and your love for each other is so beautiful. We are so excited for you to embark on this new journey as husband and wife! Welcome to the married club :)

 

Creative Team:

Venue: JW Marriott Marco Island

Bride’s Dress: Schaffer’s Bridal

Dress Designer: Eddy K

Bride’s Shoes: Betsey Johnson

Florals: Triton Floral Design

Hair: The Salon at Marco 

Makeup: Unbreakable Beauty

Officiant: Mary Gehr of Coastal Point Love