COVID Elopement Style Micro-Wedding | Greene’s Pour House | Neenah, WI Wedding Photographer
At the end of a year of unexpected challenges, one thing was to be expected from Kelly and Derek: their beautiful elopement was going to be perfect! So in love and sweet with each other, Kelly and Derek knew that COVID wouldn’t stop them from having a beautiful micro-wedding; saying “I do” in front of their parents and a virtual support system of friends and family.
How it went down:
Kelly realized her simple courthouse wedding wasn’t going to be as simple—or as elegant —due to COVID restrictions. Six months after initially reaching out to Sara June Photography, Kelly came back to us for help going about a non-traditional wedding. Clicking immediately with each other, we set to work picking a new venue and organizing a vendor team that was the best of the best for Kelly and Derek’s micro-wedding.
We decided live florals from Radiant Floral Arrangements would provide color, life, and be the perfect accent to Kelly’s amazing David’s Bridal gown—complete with a gorgeous floor-length veil. Initially, Kelly wasn’t planning on wearing a wedding dress. If Kelly wanted to wear a dress or jeans, it was her day to decide! We’re pleased she picked a dress for the ceremony and jeans for afterwards, because Kelly looked stunning in her gown! Jillian Dawson did Kelly’s makeup and Beth Olsen styled Kelly’s hair into a masterpiece of loose curls. Having worked with her before, we suggested Officiant Carley Windorff for the small ceremony to round off the vendor team with humor and love.
Kelly and Derek knew they wanted to take pictures somewhere pretty and decided on a guest list of less than five. Greene’s Pour House in Neenah was the perfect place. Their second floor is open concept with exposed brick walls, lots of natural light, and a clean slate. Knowing the area well (my studio is on the same block), we had no trouble finding the perfect spots for pictures afterwards.
Their story:
Kelly and Derek met in high school, when their friend groups intertwined. Hanging out together after school and on the weekends, Kelly fell head over heels for Derek. Through long-distance and college, Kelly and Derek’s relationship grew stronger every day. Once they bought a house in Kimberly, they rescued Banjo, their furry family member.
Every night after work, Kelly and Derek suited up for their nightly routine: walking Banjo. It was a dark and blustery December night, but Banjo was happy and the city was lit with twinkling lights. Walking slowly around the park pond, Derek stopped, knelt, and asked Kelly to marry him. He placed the beautiful ring from Kessler’s on Kelly’s finger, happy to no longer hide the ring night after night waiting for the exact moment to propose. It was the perfect engagement; simply Kelly and Derek!
Their Wedding Day
Their wedding was just the same: a beautiful, love-filled day that was filled with happiness and elegance. It was a warm December day, and the most perfect elopement! Greene’s Pour House was a great space to work with for their small wedding party. Lots of family and friends virtually watched the wedding in real-time, which was incredibly special.
Although Kelly and Derek mentioned ahead of time they thought they would need lots of direction in front of my camera, they were so comfortable and easy-going as we took pictures. First, we took a few portraits in the ceremony space and then headed outside to explore downtown Neenah. Cars honked their horns in celebration—everyone could see how happy Kelly and Derek were! Kelly elegantly walked in her gorgeous dress, smiling the entire time. It was a positive and lovely day with the happiness and warmth.
They were happy to follow me all over downtown Neenah – we even took a picture under the Sara June Photography sign! Next, we traveled to Kelly and Derek’s home in Kimberly to take wedding photos with Banjo, before changing into casual clothes for more photos at Sunset Park. Kelly and Derek soaked it all in, happy to be together and never complaining about the cold! The sunlight was exactly right for magical sun-flare photos which was the icing on top of an already wonderful day.
It was a perfect elopement! Kelly and Derek are looking forward to an exotic, adventurous honeymoon celebration after COVID. For now they are enjoying a staycation at home playing games, watching movies, and spending time with each other—sounds like a perfect honeymoon to us! They’re hoping to have a reception with friends and family at a later date to celebrate in person and take family photos. You can see how happy and in love Kelly and Derek are in these stunning photos—it was the perfect wedding to end 2020!
Our Vendor Team
Venue: Greene’s Pour House
Florist: Olivia – Radiant Floral Arrangements
Hair: Beth Olsen at Salon Enbrosia
Makeup: Jillian Dawson
Wedding Dress: David’s Bridal
Bride’s Shoes: DSW
Day of Jewelry: Kohls
Wedding Ring/Bands: Kesslers
Groom’s Suit/Shoes: Suit: JCPenney; Kohls
Invitations/Programs: Shutterfly
Officiant: Carley Windorff
Appleton, Elopement, Neenah, Weddings Blog