Introducing Stefany + Ruby, the loving duo that was handpicked by a group of vendors to put together the ultimate elopement! If you find yourself asking, “Wait, what?” Don’t worry — the photographer, Ryan, of With Love and Embers is here to explain: We’ve been so incredibly fortunate to work and live a life that truly gives back to us in so many different ways that when wedding dress designer, Priscilla Costa, approached us about doing a shoot we decided to do things a little different. We wanted to do a shoot that would not only show off Priscilla’s beautiful work but also give back to a couple whose wedding vision maybe wasn’t coming together for many different reasons. We wanted to create something that was real and benefitting more than just the vendors involved, but to have the ability to change a couple’s life.
Stefany and Ruby stood out to all of the amazing vendors involved who were donating their time, talents, and resources to making their elopement extra special and it was unanimous that they were our couple. Their story was what we were looking for and they felt like a couple who truly could benefit from something so positive and something that just truly celebrated the love that they shared. From there we picked a state the spoke to us all, we knew we wanted to do something down south with some of that enchanting Spanish Moss. Edisto Island really stood out to us as the perfect location with the most beautiful little nook to hold this special elopement in. We gave everyone involved the space to dream big, and create from the heart.
Ready to see the DREAM elopement + learn a little more about the S+R’s story? Here we go!!
To set the mood for the Southern feel + autumn hues, Momental Designs crafted this sweet invitation. How gorgeous is that envelope liner?!
Stefany + Ruby share We were lucky to have our closest friends and family present on that day and It was wonderful to have Alisa, our celebrant, narrate our love story it gave us an opportunity to share with those among us our love and deep commitment towards one another.
THOSE GOWNS!! Priscilla Costa Bridal provided the lacy numbers, while Lashes and Lace for ONLO Beauty kept the two ladies looking glam all day.
Stephany shares a little about their touching story (and the reason they were picked for this elopement giveaway):
Ruby and I met back in 2005 in an online forum for our shared common interest in a soap opera called Rebelde… We quickly became best friends, even with the distance (Ruby was living in Florida, I was in New Jersey). I was only 14 at the time, and Ruby was 16, we had not come to terms with our sexuality and it was not something that was ever discussed in our homes due to cultural and religious beliefs. After years of talking + keeping our love a secret, we did everything we could to see each other — but our families did not support our relationship.
It took years, but I was able to make amends with my mother, she finally understands how much love we have for one another and that we plan to spend our lives together. For the first time in my life I feel like I’m finally living my life instead of hiding behind a lie. After nearly ten years, I want to be able to give Ruby the world. Life has given us many difficulties to overcome; we spent several years hiding how we felt, and who we loved, living a double life in order for others to accept us. Now that we are finally free from judgement, I want the day that I marry my soulmate be as magical as the love that has allowed us to overcome all of these obstacles. Currently we are both working part time and going to school, affording our dream wedding at this moment is simply impossible.
I think we were both hesitant for the portraits... We were expecting to struggle and feel overwhelmed with the attention that was going to be placed on us, but it was amazing! The best part of the day was definitely the shoot after the ceremony where it truly became about us. The nerves and jitters from the ceremony had finally stopped and we got the opportunity to bask in our love. All of our pictures from the shoot seem to be accompanied with a story or an inside joke, it is very exciting to look at them and think of the wonderful memories we will be able to share with our children in the future.
That king protea + all the rich hues in that bouquet by Slints & Daisies! So moody…
The best thing we did was arrive a few days early to our destination to make sure all of our affairs were in order. Once that was taken care off we really took the time to explore the area and spend some quality time together. The months leading up to it had been so chaotic, that we really needed that time to re-connect.
The ceremony space was quickly flipped into an intimate sweetheart’s table for this sweet reception in the woods.
Doesn’t this spread look INCREDIBLE? Plus those dusty rose tones and botanical accents!
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What a decadent display of desserts from Couture Cakery + Rice and Noodles Vietnamese Eatery!!
Nothing short of magic, RIGHT?! We couldn’t imagine a dreamier outcome + we are so thrilled for the two of you! Be sure to check out their video by Salt Water Studios below!
Best wishes from the team at GWS! :)
photography: With Love & Embers // florals: Slints & Daisies // wedding dress: Priscilla Costa Bridal // hair stylist: Lashes and Lace for ONLO Beauty // makeup artist: Lashes and Lace for ONLO Beauty // videography: Salt Water Studios // paper goods: Momental Designs // calligraphy: Flourish Grace Calligraphy // cake: Couture Cakery // desserts: Rice and Noodles Vietnamese Eatery // furniture rentals: Ooh, Events // officiant: Alisa Tongg Celebrant
I want a wedding do-over! Everything about this wedding is magical! Amazing work and every detail is perfect. Congratulations to the the lucky, beautiful couple!
Loving all those details !
♥
This is stunning!!!
Every now and then I come to see this article and our wedding pictures. As we approach our 7th anniversary I think of how special this day was and still is.