Surprise Winter Elopement in a Tropical Botanical Garden

Jan 30

Callie and Ben decided they wanted to elope on the Friday before Christmas, but they wanted their parents and siblings to be present, and for it to be a surprise. They asked a close friend to officiate and let their siblings in on the secret. Their crew helped them come up with a plan to surprise their parents, who had no idea - Callie and Ben weren’t even engaged, and had only contacted me a few weeks prior!

They told their parents that they wanted to have a “fancy lunch” at the Trellis Cafe at the Botanical Gardens before the holiday craziness was full swing, and told everyone to get dressed up and come enjoy the beautiful dome and balmy weather inside.

I met Callie and Ben ahead of time, so we could take some portraits before anyone arrived. We chose their ceremony spot and tucked Callie away behind a wall of stunning red and orange crotons, and then we waited for a sibling outside to send the “we’re coming in!” text. Once we got the message, I hid behind some bushes (oh yes I did) and waited for the unsuspecting parents to discover Ben, standing in a grey suit next to their officiant, at the “altar.”

Suddenly, realization swept over everyone present, as Callie stepped out in her gorgeous gown and bouquet of orchids, roses, and eucalyptus, arranged by Shelly Sarver. Her dad went to greet her and walked her up to Ben. Callie’s mom was the most surprised, and I’m not sure there was a dry eye in the place, myself included.

The ceremony was brief and touching, and the two shared a kiss followed by many more happy tears and bear hugs. For those who were wondering, the fancy lunch at Trellis did indeed take place following the pop-up wedding.

I love weddings like this SO INCREDIBLY MUCH. You don’t have to have 300 guests or a caterer or a giant venue if that’s not your style. Intimate elopements are magical and meaningful, and I hope to witness and photograph many, many more.