Stephanie and Stephanie (yes you read that right;) have been on a whirlwind adventure since they met 8 years ago, so having an adventurous elopement in Sedona seemed to be the perfect fit for them!! We started the evening at their quaint airbnb right in the heart of Sedona. After a few final touches getting ready, we drove to Cornville for some wine tasting and yummy bruschetta at Page Cellars Vineyard. Then back to Sedona we went for a nice hike up a mountain. At the top, the ladies swapped out their first comfy outfits for more formal wedding gowns, utilizing nature as their own private dressing room. They exchanged vows overlooking the valley and shared a first dance and kiss at sunset before hiking back down in the dark.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE SEDONA FOR YOUR ELOPEMENT DESTINATION?
“We chose to get married in Sedona because it has always been our “happy place.” We visited Sedona quite often in the early years of our relationship, so going back resurfaces the exciting feelings of young love. It goes without saying, the panoramic red rock views are unlike anything else so we couldn’t have chosen a better backdrop on our special day.”
TELL US ABOUT HIKING ON YOUR WEDDING DAY…
“Our day was perfect. We have done this very same hike several times in the past, but never could have imagined that one day we would do it in wedding dresses! Being just the two of us, this was a day that we could truly focus 100% of our energy on our love for each other. But the encouragement that we got from perfect strangers throughout the day was such a welcome surprise that filled us with pride and gratitude. In fact, one of the most touching moments of the day was when we went down to take photos by the creek at the winery and were greeted by two groups of cheering supporters. Their energy was contagious, and they made us feel like queens on the most important day of our lives.”
ANY TIPS FOR FELLOW LGBTQ COUPLES PLANNING A WEDDING?
“The process of wedding planning as an LGBTQ couple (a relatively private couple at that!) was filled with moments that exposed our insecurities. My first question when I reached out to Trisha was “are you LGBTQ friendly?” I’ll never forget her response…“I’m sorry you even had to ask.” This made us feel safe and understood. We were in good hands. Wedding planning is very personal, and we needed to prepare ourselves for the vulnerability we would feel as we embarked on this journey. From getting the marriage license, to wedding dress shopping for two brides, to sharing an intimate moment on top of a mountain with onlookers passing by. This process challenged us, but it also opened our eyes. It opened our eyes to the good in this world and reminded us to assume the best in people. We were embraced, loved, and supported in every step along the way. Now wife and wife, we walk forward stronger, more confident, and so proud to represent the LGBTQ community.”
WEDDING VENDORS
All-Inclusive Elopement Team: ELOPE WEST | Photography + Video: XSPERIENCE PHOTOGRAPHY | Officiant: SAMANTHA RULE | Sedona Airbnb: LINK HERE | Wine Tasting Venue: PAGE SPRING CELLARS, CORNVILLE, AZ | Dresses: JJSHOUSE.COM | Vow Creations: TIGER LILY INVITATIONS | Florals: SEDONA MOUNTAIN HIGH FLOWERS