A Valentine’s Day Elopement at Arizona’s Grand Canyon

Most couples have had Covid to blame for wedding woes, but Jennifer & Sean were thrown together at work due to the pandemic. They discovered they wanted to spend all of their time together…forever! After an epic proposal (it involved pipe cleaners and a rented jewelry store!), these two knew they wanted something equally epic for their wedding day. What is more amazing than a sunrise ceremony on Valentine’s Day at the Grand Canyon? The light was perfect as Jennifer & Sean stood together to promise each other their lives. Jennifer wore a lace gown topped with a blush jacket, and Sean was splendid in a grey suit topped by a rose boutonniere.  A bridal bouquet of burgundy, blush, and cream flowers beautifully brought the wedding style together. Read on to find out about their quirky proposal, elopement road trip, fine Vegas cuisine, and why Simply Eloped made all of this a seamless experience. 

How did you meet? What was your first impression of one another?

Jennifer: We met at work. We actually didn’t talk much at all when we first met. It’s funny thinking about that now, understanding how well we get along and how well our personalities click. We really were not on each other’s radar until much later.

When did you first fall in love? How did you know? 

Jennifer: It was quick and intense. We have two personalities that are drawn together like gravity. We don’t know that we can point to a specific date, but, thanks to Covid, we spent all day working next to each other and were giddy at the idea of spending more time together after work. Every. Day. 

How did you propose or accept the proposal?

Sean: Two words. Pipe Cleaner. Every woman wants a story for ‘how did he propose?’. Well, this chap spent a lot of time planning, thinking of the unique, fun, and exciting ways this could be done. Covid had other ideas, and our hero in this story was getting tired of delays and waiting. So one random Tuesday night in October, during a conversation in the kitchen, our hero popped the question. One problem. There was no ring in sight. Our quick-thinking hero fastened a blue, 12 carats pipe cleaner from a 6-year-old’s arts and craft set! The real ring was promptly purchased the following night after our hero rented out the jewelry store for a private shopping session. 

What do you love about your partner?

Jennifer: How much time do you have? I love how attentive he is to the little things and details. I love how loving and affectionate he is. I love his sense of humor and how often he can make me laugh until it hurts. The feeling of being with him feeds my soul. I love that he is my best friend and a person I desire to be with – in the good times and the bad. My ride or die.

Sean: I love the warmth every fiber of my being has when I am around her. I love getting lost in her eyes because of how inviting they are. I love the nurturing and supportive side she has. I love that she drops just about anything to feed my childish desires and have a middle-of-day Nerf Gun war. I love that she takes an interest in my passions, supports who I truly am, and loves me at my most raw self.

 

What is the greatest strength of your relationship?

Jennifer: The depth of love we have for each other and our emotional connection.

Why did you decide to elope?

Jennifer: We always wanted to elope. We wanted an intimate elopement that was about us. We felt that many weddings were geared more towards the ceremony than the commitments that two people are giving to each other for the rest of their lives. Additionally, we wanted to get married outdoors in an epic setting and truly make our day something we would not forget.

How did you find Simply Eloped?

Jennifer: Online!

How did you know Simply Eloped was the right fit for you?

Jennifer: Photos, reviews, and the simplicity of choosing a location. Additionally, the professional and knowledgeable staff made it a no-brainer.

What attracted you to the venue where you held your wedding?

Jennifer: It’s the Grand Canyon! How much more epic can you get? We were able to have an amazing elopement and honeymoon. We flew right into Las Vegas and drove to the Grand Canyon National Park. 

What did you do before the wedding? How did you get ready? How did you feel in the moments leading up to your elopement?

Jennifer: We flew into Las Vegas, had a dream meal at Gordon Ramsay’s steak restaurant, hiked the red rocks outside Vegas, made a beautiful road trip, stopped at the Hoover Dam, and ended by arriving at the snow-covered Grand Canyon. We were beyond excited leading up to the wedding, although nervous. We both knew we were about to say ‘I do’ to the person we loved more than anything in the world. Oh…and on Valentine’s Day.

Tell us about your experience with Simply Eloped leady up to and on your wedding day.

Jennifer: It was incredible. We actually had to change locations because of the weather and Covid. Simply Eloped made this transition seamless and stress-free.

How did you celebrate after your elopement?

Jennifer: Heh!…. we had some fine Italian cuisine.

What words of encouragement do you have for those considering eloping?

Jennifer: Just do it. Your bank account will thank you, your stress levels will thank you, and you will have a far more intimate moment with you and your partner. You will have less stress leading up to your big day. Additionally, you will have far more flexibility on where you can go, and it’s just plain fun! 

Officiation by: Robin Zucker
Photography by:  Danielle Holman
Flowers by: Sedona Mountain High Flowers
Planning by: Simply Eloped
Venue: Ceremony Venue:Grand Canyon National Park, Sedona, Arizona