Earlier this month Gary & Vanda scraped their European wedding plans for a Ringling Museum Elopement. After several years together, Gary proposed last fall and they planned to get married in Europe, where Vanda is from. But soon they realized they really just wanted their children to surround them. And the idea to get married on the incredible Ca’d Zan grounds (just steps from their home!) started to come to life!
Julius, Vanda’s son, is one of my groom’s (I had the privilege of shooting his proposal to Caroline this summer!). He and Caroline sweetly gifted their engagement session for this elopement! How amazing, right?! I arrived just moments before their ceremony began. The water, calm before another hurricane, made for the most peaceful backdrop. They wrote their own vows, all of us cried, and we spent the rest of the afternoon exploring the property before making our way back to a rental home where they celebrated as a family for the rest of the evening!
Vanda was an absolute vision as a bride, Gary’s love for her was overflowing, and to see all of their adult children surround them as their only witnesses was truly a beautiful experience. I am so grateful to get to see this family again soon when Julius & Caroline get married!
You’ll never believe it, but, Gary found this untouched wedding dress at a…. GOODWILL. For less than $150. Incredible.
Oh my heart. Can you feel the emotions of this union? Such an incredible day!
All my love to you, Gary and Vanda!!
xo,
Laura