Elopements: The New 'Pandemic' Wedding Style in Santa Barbara

Elopements by Patrice Handley

Alma of Alma Erika Photography captures true love in this intimate elopement style wedding at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse in Santa Barbara, California.

ALL I EVER NEED IS YOU

Even though a big wedding reception isn’t possible here in Santa Barbara because of the pandemic, it’s still the perfect time to make the most of the marriage experience. Aracely and Jose Luis chose to make it especially beautiful by dressing in the traditional way: her in an exquisite wedding dress and he in a sleek black suit. Their elopement began with an intimate ceremony by myself, Patrice Handley of Santa Barbara Classic Weddings, at a private venue in the hills of Santa Barbara, followed by a photo session at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse. Alma of Alma Erika Photography is tremendously skilled at creating very romantic photos. And what shined through each photo is our splendid theme of elopements: “All I Ever Need Is You.” They didn’t let ideas of how a wedding “should” be get in the way of the true meaning of a marriage – the joining of two souls in the shared adventure of their lives. They chose LOVE; everything else got out of the way! 

Photo by Alma Erika Photography.

SILVER LININGS

As elopements have become the “new normal,” couples are discovering that focusing on creating a unique experience just for them is actually a relief.  The common practices of caring about the entertainment and needs of others fly out the window, not to say that there’s also a bit of comfort in knowing the enormous expense of a reception has been avoided. We all have been looking for the “silver linings” of Covid-19, and the joy of marrying the love of your life in a very meaningful way is certainly that.

LOVE AND LOVE ALONE

I gave Jose Luis & Aracely a vellum-covered Keepsake Booklet of their personalized ceremony — to share with their loved ones, and I listened as they promised to bring it out each Anniversary and say again their vows. As this lovely couple drove away, it was clear that obstacles can be overcome by letting LOVE, and LOVE alone, be the most important guiding factor!