Snowy Winter Forest Elopement: Marine + Shawn

winter elopement

After being together for nine years, Marine + Shawn knew it was time to tie the knot, but they also knew that they didn’t want all the fuss + pressure that can sometimes come along with having a traditional wedding. So they opted for a quiet, personal ceremony, surrounded by pine trees + snow, in the middle of the Poconos. With the help of their talented photographer, Jessica Oh, the couple set up a charming ceremony space, tablescape, and hot chocolate bar, all designed with Marine’s love of “vintage woodland” in mind.

More about the design from Jessica, Vintage thermoses served as vases for berries, pine, dried lotuses + brush. We also skirted the line of a Christmas theme by adding vibrant reds + greens to the palette but breaking it up with deep yellows + navy blues. Each plate is thrifted from local shops and the table was built from salvaged wood + an old kitchen table stand.

winter elopement invitation

succulent bouquet

boots

bouquet

winter elopement

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

Marine: It's so hard to pick one moment! I think my favorite was saying our vows though. I had written mine weeks prior, and I was so convinced I wouldn't be able to get through them without crying. Well, I didn't end up crying, because I was laughing with so much joy! Shawn, being the last minute guy that he is, was going to wing his vows, but I ended up leaving him speechless. I've never left him speechless before, and it was a beautiful moment.

Shawn: The best part for me was seeing Marine so happy!

winter elopement

winter elopement

winter elopement

winter elopement

winter elopement

winter elopement


Inspired by their shared love for woodland creatures, Jessica + Marine styled the table using their favorite animal figurines as the centerpieces, and I’m not sure I could love it more! It’s so incredibly cozy + inviting…

winter themed tablescape

blue glass goblets

winter table critters

honeycomb

vintage plates

thermos decor

hot cocoa bar


And a hot chocolate bar is so perfect for the snowy setting! :)

chocolate sticks

winter elopement

winter elopement

winter elopement

winter elopement

Our Advice To Those Planning Now

Shawn and I both agree on this point: Don't let anyone talk you out of doing what feels right for you. We didn't really have to deal with that because no one even knew we were eloping, but knew that some people would be upset when they find out afterwards. Don't let that ruin the happiness of the day! The ceremony is ultimately about the sharing of love between two people, and we took that to heart by having an intimate ceremony. You can always have a party/reception at a later date to celebrate with everyone! We're also very happy we hired an amazing photographer to capture all the special moments that day - not only will we be able to remember everything in much greater detail, but it also allowed us to be able to share the day with family and friends afterwards. Also, don't feel like you need to go into debt to have a wonderful wedding day! We kept things very inexpensive and still had the day we dreamed of.

photography: Jessica Oh Photography // makeup artist: Makeup by Dana Marie // bouquet: Bohemian Bouquets // marine's dress: Modcloth // marine's sweater: Anthropologie // boots: Anthropologie // announcement: Andra Delores Design // location: The Poconos, Pennsylvania

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