The couple poses playfully, kissing and showing off matching middle fingers, standing outside a tattoo shop. Their carefree expressions and matching rebellious gesture show their fun, carefree dynamic.

A Dallas Elopement with Butterflies, Tattoos, and Pizza

Kasandra (she/her) and ShyAnn (she/her) met on Bumble, and from their very first date, they were inseparable. Their elopement at the Dallas Arboretum wasn’t just a wedding, it was a day filled with personal touches like a butterfly release and matching tattoos of their wedding date in angel numbers. From pizza and rainbow cake to a friend officiating their vows, Kasandra and ShyAnn’s day was truly an extension of who they are.

How did you and ShyAnn meet?

We met on Bumble, and from the very first message, I was hooked! I (Shy) remember thinking, “Wow, she’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen!” We were so infatuated with each other, spending almost every day together. After 8 months, Kas proposed to me in the mountains of Flagstaff, Arizona, surrounded by those gorgeous yellow aspen trees. It was perfect! We knew elopement was the right choice for us, and we started planning our day.

Why did you choose to elope at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens?

Initially, we thought about eloping in Oregon, but we wanted to get married sooner. We ended up choosing the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens because it was absolutely stunning, plus it was easier for us. It turned out to be the perfect location, especially with the little white gazebo we found, it was so peaceful, and we knew it would be the perfect spot for our vows.

What was your elopement day like?

Our elopement day was 100% us, from start to finish. We had breakfast at First Watch, scoped out the gardens for our vow spot, and then got ready separately for our first look. The first look was so exciting! We felt amazing in our outfits, and after that, we released butterflies, just like we did after our engagement in Arizona, so it was really special to do it again on our wedding day.Our ceremony at the Dallas Botanical Gardens was intimate and perfect, with our friend, who got ordained just for us, officiating. After the ceremony, we took photos around the gardens, headed to a tattoo shop to get inked with our wedding date as angel numbers, and then ended the day with pizza from Zalat and a gorgeous white chocolate raspberry cake made by 1889 Cafe and Bakery. The night ended in our comfiest matching pajamas, which might have been one of our favorite parts!

Their vow books are placed on a textured surface alongside a bouquet of flowers in shades of peach, white, and orange, with a pair of white pearl-studded heels and an engagement ring.
A pair of custom white sneakers decorated with pearl accents next to the couple’s vow books and wedding rings, capturing a modern and personal touch for their elopement attire.
One of them, with bright orange hair, adjusts a sheer veil adorned with small pearls and a large bow while standing in front of a sunlit window.
On a rooftop terrace surrounded by trees, they share a joyful moment during their first look, one holding a bouquet of vibrant flowers while the other wears a white suit.
The couple embraces on the terrace, with one holding a bouquet as they stand against the backdrop of lush green trees.
They release butterflies from a white mesh basket, capturing a symbolic moment during their wedding ceremony.
One stands near a bright window, adjusting their veil while wearing a short white dress and platform heels, their tattoo visible on their leg.
A close-up view of one’s orange boutonniere pinned on a white suit, paired with a lilac beaded shirt underneath.
Inside a car, one holds their bouquet on their lap while their hand rests on their partner’s, showing a detail of their journey to the ceremony.
The couple walks together down a path lined with trees, with one’s bow veil and bouquet visible, while the other wears a white suit.
The couple walks hand-in-hand toward a gazebo, surrounded by a lush green lawn and large trees, one holding a bouquet with orange and pastel flowers.
One of them reads handwritten vows from a small notebook, while the other stands in a white suit, adorned with a bright orange boutonniere.
Under the blue roof of the gazebo, the couple exchanges vows with their officiant raising her arms in celebration as they smile at each other.
The couple stands close, sharing a moment in front of the gazebo, one holding a bouquet filled with bright flowers while the other gently rests a hand on their cheek.
The couple playfully leans toward each other, holding hands and smiling in front of the gazebo, with one holding a bouquet.
They walk hand-in-hand down a stone pathway lined with greenery, leading to a reflecting pool with a lake view in the distance.
The couple shares a kiss at the bottom of a stone pathway, framed by tall trees and overlooking a serene body of water.
Seen through the framing of a decorative fountain, the couple sits close together in a garden area filled with flowers, sharing an intimate moment.
The couple stands together on a stone pathway near a reflecting pool, surrounded by manicured gardens and vibrant flowers, with a large building in the background.
One kisses the other’s cheek while holding a bouquet, both standing on a pathway in the gardens with neatly trimmed hedges and a building in the background.
A black and white shot captures a tender moment as the couple sits closely on garden steps, with one gently holding the other’s face, sharing an affectionate gaze and smile. The floral bouquet rests between them, adding a soft touch.
The couple shares a kiss beneath an ornate stone archway, with lush gardens and water reflecting behind them. The serene setting highlights their connection amidst nature.

Tell us about your outfits! How did you find your elopement day looks?

We wanted outfits that felt authentic to us. I (Kas) wore pants from Abercrombie, and ShyAnn found her dress at Classy and Co.. We felt like our outfits reflected our personal styles perfectly, and when we saw each other during the first look, we were both in awe.

How did you personalize your ceremony?

We made the day personal by having a friend officiate and writing our own vows, which made the whole thing even more intimate. The butterfly release also felt special to us because of its significance in our relationship.

How did you find the key vendors for your day?

Finding vendors was surprisingly easy! We found our photographer, Kallie Anne Photography, on Instagram, and when we saw she had worked with another gay couple, we knew she was the one. Taylor from Bebbs Flowers did an incredible job with the bouquet, and our videographer, Mattis, was a last-minute decision but ended up creating a video we’ll cherish forever. Shelby at 1889 Cafe and Bakery brought our dream cake to life – rainbow layers in a vintage heart shape – and it was honestly the best cake we’ve ever had!

Walking hand-in-hand down a garden path, the couple is seen from behind. The bride’s bright bow veil and the other’s long hair flow as they walk past manicured hedges and vibrant flowers.
Vibrant orange and purple smoke surround the couple as they embrace outdoors, creating a dynamic and romantic atmosphere. The colors contrast beautifully with their attire.
Against a backdrop of smoke in blue and orange hues, one partner lifts the other off the ground in a joyful, playful moment. They appear lost in each other, with the dramatic smoke adding visual impact.
The couple walks down a city street in casual wedding attire. The bride’s white sneakers and short dress complement the relaxed vibe of their stroll, while the urban background adds contrast.
The couple poses playfully, kissing and showing off matching middle fingers, standing outside a tattoo shop. Their carefree expressions and matching rebellious gesture show their fun, carefree dynamic.
Inside the tattoo parlor, the couple prepares for their tattoos. The cozy and eclectic interior reflects their personal style, adding a touch of intimacy and spontaneity to their wedding experience.
A close-up of one partner’s arm shows the fresh tattoo stencil with the number "222." The detailed floral tattoo next to it and the textured pearl sleeve add visual interest.
The couple holds hands as one gets a tattoo. The focus is on their intertwined fingers and the supportive, intimate connection they share during this unique moment of their wedding day.
Close-up of two forearms with tattoos, one featuring angel numbers "222" and the other showcasing various designs, including a skull and flowers, as the couple stands arm-in-arm.
A heart-shaped white wedding cake on a countertop with the text "Married AF" piped on top, with a bouquet of flowers in the background.
The couple kisses while standing behind their heart-shaped wedding cake, which has a slice cut out to reveal rainbow-colored layers inside.
The couple pops a bottle of champagne, spraying it joyfully on a balcony, surrounded by greenery and string lights.
Close-up of the rainbow cake’s interior, showing multiple vibrant layers within the heart-shaped white cake.
The couple shares a drink from champagne flutes in a kitchen while standing next to an open pizza box with a large pepperoni pizza.
One partner straddles the other as they share a kiss, both wearing matching "Wife" t-shirts, sitting comfortably on a couch in a cozy living space.
The couple playfully engages in a pillow fight while kneeling on a bed, dressed in casual matching t-shirts and shorts, with patterned wallpaper and plants in the background.
A black and white image of the couple sitting together on the floor near a chair, both wearing "Wife" t-shirts, with one resting their head on the other’s lap, looking content.
A close-up portrait showing one partner’s hand gently resting on their cheek, highlighting their engagement ring and pearl-accented sheer glove.

Photography by Kallie Anne Photography

Cake Maker 1889 Wedding Films
Ceremony Venue Dallas Arboretum
Dress Boutique Classy & Co.
Engagement Rings Avaspace
Florist Bebb’s Flowers
Hair Stylist Shylanta Studio
Pants Abercrombie
Stationery XOXO Sugarplum
Wedding Rings Nacols

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