Kristi & Dom’s Swoon-worthy Redwood Elopement at Carmel Redwood Cabins

It’s clear that Kristi and Dom have a lot of fun as a couple. From the moment they starting engaging with Simply Eloped, their messages were full of optimism and exclamation points. Kristi and Dom chose to have their private elopement – with just the two of them – tucked away in the backyard of Carmel Redwoods Cabins in California. Surrounded by 800-year old Redwood Trees, these two exchanged their vows, popped some champagne and headed down to the beach for portraits. Read more about how these two fell in love, why they chose to elope and why their Redwood elopement wedding was so magical.

How did you meet? What was your first impression of each other?

Kristi – I was throwing a birthday party for a friend! My friend asked if her boyfriend could bring a friend along, I said, “if he’s cute!” She said, “he is!” and he WAS!!!!

Dom – Well, actually, we met two months prior to this party, I was just too shy and star struck in the presence of her majesty!

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

Kristi – I said it first over text message, and he said, he wanted to wait to make sure. Then I took it back! hahah! But I knew the first time we hung out!!! And before he talks, I know he did too LOL!

Dominic – I knew the moment I saw her! But I knew to wait to say it because I wanted to be sure! But I’d say like a week in!

How did you propose or accept the proposal?

Kristi – I knew it was coming! In fact, I have a video of me winking at the camera on our drive up to the snow!! Dom is a total home-body so when he asked to go to the snow, I knew something was up!

Dominic – I knew it needed to be spontaneous because she knows me too well! I was very nervous! I took her up to a snowy lake and she felt it in my pocket!

 

What do you love about your partner?

Kristi – He keeps me grounded and teaches me to enjoy the little things. Just when I think nobody has any advice that could help me, he always surprises me with great insight and always offers me unconditional love and cozy hugs. He has a stellar sense of humor, too!

Dom – She’s my biggest supporter and number one fan! She gives the best lovin’s and is the yang to my yin!

What is the greatest strength of your relationship?

Kristi – Our ability to see each other’s perspectives, totally!!

Dominic – I would say our mutual respect. And our love.

Why did you decide to elope?

Kristi – Covid-19. No regrets at all, though! Would 10/10 recommend!

Dominic – I wanted to elope from the beginning.

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

Kristi – The simple planning process, prices and EXCEPTIONAL communication with our wedding coordinator, Keely!

Dominic – It had the best deals!

What attracted you to a Big Sur elopement?

Kristi – I wanted to be sure we could have both worlds, the beach and the tree’s! Collette was just awesome to work with and we loved getting married in the redwoods! We drove about 20 min down the road for extra pics by the beach! Carmel was the perfect place for us !!!

Dominic – I love the Redwood Forest! The Redwood tree’s really put things into perspective because they’re so big! So serene and quiet!

What activities did you do before the wedding? How did you prepare? How did you feel leading up to the moments of your elopement?

Kristi – We bought Dom’s suit off of amazon a week before! I ran around to 7 stores two days before to find the perfect shoes! I made my bouquet with things from around the house and a little eucalyptus! Luckily for us, our venue took care of the marriage license and certificate! Before the ceremony I was so excited and a lil’ tipsy! I put my veil on backwards! I just couldn’t wait to marry him!

Dominic – I was very calm before the elopement! No cold feet at all! However, the night before the wedding, Kristi thought she lost her shoes, yikes! I was like, “do I wanna do this?” Just kidding! Of course I did!

Tell us about your experience with Simply Eloped leading up to and on your big day!

Kristi/Dominic – We had a great experience! Keely was very communicative and resourceful! We were able to connect to our officiant Denise throughout the planning process and she even called to get to know us! Our photographer Josh was so easy to work with and provided us with beautiful pictures!! Everyone was wonderful! We are so grateful.

How did you celebrate after?

Kristi/Dominic – We celebrated with In-N-Out and [an episode of] The Office! We also had a zoom reception with some family!

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

Kristi – DO IT!!!! Eloping offers you and your partner so much quality time during one of the most important times of your life!! It’s about you two!! Soak it up and focus on each other! I am so happy I got that time with my husband<3!

Dominic – Do it! Your family will get over it;)! I think with traditional wedding ceremonies, it’s east to get caught up in trying to appease other people! It’s all about YOU!!!

Coordinated by: Simply Eloped
Officiation by: Denise Adkins
Photography by: Joshua Rose