Hillary & Ivy endured the challenges and embraced the joyous moments that followed for the first two years of their relationship, building a solid foundation for their relationship.
Tell us about the proposal.
Ivy matched into a medical residency program in Florida, which put us at a crossroads in our relationship. We weren’t sure how the relationship could continue from different states. Then, one morning, I awoke to heart-shaped pancakes, balloons, candles, rose petals, and my love proposing to spend the rest of our lives together. We agreed to relocate our lives to pursue her career and my master’s program in Florida as a married couple.
I proposed back to Ivy a couple of weeks later during a hike. One of our first dates was a hike during the winter, where we saw a frozen waterfall. So going back to that trail and seeing how far we have grown in our love was the perfect place to propose.
Talk us through the decision to elope.
While relocating our lives to Florida in 2020, the pandemic was at its highest. Types of moments like this made us realize that we valued each other and that tomorrow wasn’t promised. Like was too short for the “what ifs”. We both love the beach and had never seen the Keys before. So, taking a leap of faith, we extended our travels past St. Petersburg, FL and drove to Key West and got married in a courthouse. We then stayed at a resort on a secluded beach for the rest of the week celebrating our marriage, it felt like time stood still, and all that mattered was each other.
Tell us about telling your loved ones that you’re now married.
We made FaceTime calls to Ivy’s family and my friends, who were excited for us. It was so heartwarming to see my childhood friends cry tears of joy at the surprise of our elopement.
We waited a couple of weeks after the initial elopement date to tell my family about our marriage. They are very religious and struggle with the idea. Telling them was difficult at the time, but that never changed the love that we share. My family has come a long way and has welcomed Ivy into their home and treat her as a part of our family.
Talk us through the actual elopement.
We both love the beach and had never seen the Keys before. So, taking a leap of faith, we extended our travels past St. Petersburg, FL and drove to Key West and got married in a courthouse. We then stayed at a resort on a secluded beach for the rest of the week celebrating our marriage, it felt like time stood still, and all that mattered was each other.
Photography by Wells Lane Photography
Dress Boutique David’s Bridal
Dress Designer GALINA SIGNATURE
Engagement & Wedding Rings Diamond Nexus, Enso Rings
Hair Chrystal Queen of Diamonds Salon, U.B.U Color Salon
Shoes Nordstrom
Suit Designer ASOS
