Today we have THE MOST epic desert elopement in Namibia — featuring not one but three ceremonies! After quitting their jobs in the ad industry in 2015, Chanel + Stevo have been traveling the world together and documenting adventures at How Far From Home. Here’s the story of how the elopement plans came to be from Chanel:
When hubby finally popped the question, we visualised a wedding adventure that celebrated love and the great outdoors. A magical expedition which symbolised our own ten-year journey and celebrated our love for each other, for travel, and for our beautiful planet. The result was our 10-day adventure desert elopement road trip in Namibia. It was pure and utter magic – beyond anything words could ever describe, and easily the best trip we have ever taken together. We spent some nights camping, some glamping, and some in pure luxury. It was emotional and exhilarating, and so much fun that we didn’t want it to end.
Chanel + Stevo packed up a “traveling arch,” a photo mood board, and two friends to help capture their itinerary full of unique stops across one of Africa’s greatest national parks. Are you ready for this? Let’s go!
First Ceremony: Dunes in the Namib Desert
Besides the different locations, C + S decided on a theme for each ceremony. The first, in front of Dune 45 in the world’s oldest desert (a ripe age of 5 million years), focused on the “why” of it all. They each answered the question: “Why did you choose to marry the other?”
Oh, and another thing Chanel packed? Her wedding dress! She wore a two-piece design by Chosen By One Day.
Unreal!!
C + S chose to camp inside the Namib-Naukluft National Park so they could explore both before sunrise and after sunset. They spent hot days in the pool and relaxing around camp, and early mornings and later afternoons exploring.
Nature’s perfect backdrop, right?
Second Ceremony: Cliffside Oasis over the Desert
After the dusty camp days inside the park, C + S spent a night at a unique oasis perched over the desert called the Desert Whisper.
For the second ceremony, the duo each shared readings they’d found or written for each other.
And back on the road!
Next stop, north-east to Etosha National Park for food and safari game drives at Etosha Safari Lodge.
LOVE this little number!
Carousel
Carousel
On the way, they stopped at the “Car Wrecks of Solitaire” for some lunch and photos!
Third Ceremony: A Tree-Top Safari Camp
Inside the park, the pair stayed at a luxury accommodation known as Onguma. They booked one of four Tree Top Camps and enjoyed a night of open-air wonder overlooking the private waterhole. It was here, where they spotted cheetah and zebra, where they held the third and final ceremony.
They read each other their own vows and shared all the promises they’d keep in marriage.
Looking for more unique ceremony ideas? Check out this progressive ceremony moving through the Canadian Rockies!
Or…was it the final ceremony?! Following the 10-day “adventure,” Chanel + Steve returned to South Africa where they wed in front of friends and family. Ah, SO fun!
Don’t miss the video that captured the whole adventure:
Chanel + Stevo had so much fun planning + documenting their adventure elopement that they’re now expanding to offer adventure elopements (planning + photography + videography) for couples around the world once COVID-19 travel bans ease up! Interested? For more info, hit up C + S here!
photography: How Far From Home // venue name: Gondwana Desert Whisper (2nd ceremony venue), Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namib Desert, Namibia // event design: How Far From Home // planning: How Far From Home // florals: Freshtake Events & Decor Hire // wedding dress: Chosen By One Day 'Bonded Bandeau' + 'Murphy Skirt' // hairpiece: PACraftsfromtheHeart // bride's shoes: Matsidiso // bride's ring: Melanie Casey // groom's ring: Bering // videography: Sage Stephens // specialty rentals: Freshtake Events & Decor Hire // photography: Sage Stephens // photography: Megan Hassa // venue for ceremony 1: Sesriem Camping // venue for ceremony 3: Gondwana Etosha Safari Camp // venue for ceremony 3: Onguma Tented Camp // videography editing + titles: How Far From Home // bride: Chanel Dirnberger // groom: Stevo Dirnberger // bride's hat: Lack Of Color // car rental: Namibia 4x4 Rentals
Really loved your use of lighting for this wedding! A really beautiful concept that was executed perfectly!!
So nice!! I love the color o this shoot
Beautiful