Whoever said planning a wedding on a budget meant that you had to skim on style was clearly misinformed! For Nicki and Michael’s elopement the pair spent about $2,000 max on their greenery-filled venue, unique rentals, and chic attire. The couple, who are originally from Mississippi, have a soft spot for Tulsa, Oklahoma and decided the city would be the perfect place to elope. “Michael and I fell in love with the city of Tulsa after a few trips there,” says Nicki. Adding, “it’s also where we got engaged, so immediately, I knew I wanted to get married at The Canopy, an urban greenhouse in the heart of the Tulsa Arts District.”
As for the inspiration behind the design for the day, Nicki says she always knew she wanted to have a private ceremony versus a larger affair. “I find something romantic and idyllic about just two people on their wedding day. Not having a big ceremony with family and friends allowed us to solely focus on each other and our vows to one another,” says Nicki. She kept her wedding-day attire chic and classy, too with the help of an affordable off-the-shoulder gown she found on ASOS. “I fell in love with the simplicity of it,” Nicki adds. She paired the budget-friendly dress with an Old-Hollywood-inspired hairstyle, pearls, and some fun heart-shaped glasses, making her final look one to remember.
The best part? The bride’s sister, Sara Williamson of Sara Gatlin Photo captured the elopement and says it was the most intimate and perfect day. “It was just them, their friend who officiated, and me,” says Sara. Adding that after the ceremony they all ordered pizza and went bowling together.
"Our best friend officiated the ceremony and my sister photographed it, so afterward we all changed into some casual clothes and went to The Dust Bowl, a retro-style bowling alley in downtown Tulsa."
Carousel
Carousel
Processional: Resolution by Matt Corby Recessional: Now That I've Found You by Paul Mcdonald & Nikki Reed First Dance:
"My advice would be to not forget that this is your day and to do it the way that makes you happiest. I know it can be really uncomfortable telling family and friends that you want this moment to be private, but in the end, it's so worth being able to look back on that day and know it's exactly how you imagined it, just the two of you."
Congrats to the newlyweds! If you want more wedding planning tips, check out our planning page here #onGWS!
photography: Sara Gatlin Photo // venue name: The Canopy, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA // florals: Ever Something // wedding dress: ASOS // hairpiece: Prim and Prairie // bride's shoes: ASOS // bride's ring: Heidi Gibson // hair stylist: Hannah Miller Artistry // makeup artist: Hannah Miller Artistry // cake: Antoinette Baking Co. // furniture rentals: Scavenged Vintage // officiant: Cameron Wood - "Woody" // spray tan: Slate Tulsa // jewelry: BHLDN
Beautiful wedding. Beautiful couple.