Laura & Karissa’s Beach Sunset Ceremony at Tybee Island

Real Elopements,

5 min read Apr 19, 2024

Laura and Karissa knew they wanted to elope in their home state of Georgia, they just didn’t know where. When a friend mentioned they used Simply Eloped for their ceremony, Laura and Karissa knew that was the option for them. They scoped the venues Simply Eloped offered for eloping in Georgia and ultimately landed on Tybee Island outside of Savannah. This sunset beach ceremony was perfect – from the weather to the vow exchange, there was no blip on this perfect wedding day. Read more to find out how they met, fell in love and why they loved their elopement at Tybee Island.

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

Laura: Well we met when we both worked at the towns’ movie theater. I had just started my shift and Karissa was ending hers. I remember seeing this angel walking towards me, right then and there I knew that there was something special about her. Karissa & I talked for a good while and I was very interested in her.

Karissa: At the movie theater where we both worked at the time. I saw her first and thought to myself, “she is so beautiful, I have to talk to her.” So that’s what I did!

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

Laura: I knew right away that I loved Karissa, from the moment we met. She doesn’t believe me still but I swear to you it’s TRUE. She has and will always be my souly. As far as I know, it’s like a bell went off in my head letting me know she was the one I was supposed to be with. I felt this instant connection I have never felt before.

Karissa: I knew I loved Laura after we had started dating & when she looked at me the way she does and the way she sounded when she told me she loved me for the first time. The way she cares for me is precious.

How did you propose or accept the proposal?

Laura: So we were laying in bed one night talking about our relationship and how much we loved one another and I couldn’t help myself. I’d had the ring for quite some time knowing I was going to propose, although I was going to do it in a whole different way. I was in the moment so I got up, went to the closet, told her to close her eyes and that I had a surprise for her. I got down on one knee and started my speech. The whole time I was shaking, I was the most nervous I’ve ever felt but she said YES! Anddddd I did end up proposing twice, the fantasy way because I felt she deserved both. So I took her first to get her nails done, bought her a gorgeous, cute dress and took her to this beautiful little place in our town that is kind of hidden away. I had her blindfolded the whole time with her step sister waiting to take our pictures. There was a pier and at the end of it was a balloon that had a speech on it, different than before. After she read it and turned around I was on one knee and asked her to marry me yet again. And of course me still being nervous, the love of my life said YES!

Karissa: I was surprised and excited by Laura’s proposal. We celebrated with laughter, joy, and love. It had been a long time coming. I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way!

What do you love about your partner?

Laura: Honestly, I love everything. Most of all, I love her heart. Karissa’s love for everything melts my heart. I love how much she cares about people and animals. K

Karissa: What I love most is how kind Laura is. She would do anything for me or for our family. She has the most gentle, passionate love for me, it’s unreal.

What is the greatest strength of your relationship?

Laura: Loyalty, devotion & trust.

Why did you decide to elope?

Laura: It is a more personal, intimate setting and that was just what we are looking for. We are so pleased with our decision!

How did you find Simply Eloped?

Laura: One of Karissa’s coworkers had simply mentioned the company she was going to use for her elopement. It’s funny because I was not even looking into wedding stuff yet. Come to find out it was Simply Eloped!

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

Laura: Personally, we looked into the photography and thought it was amazing. We fell in love with the company. The packages were perfect for what we wanted to have included as well!

What attracted you to the venue you eloped at?

Laura: The fact that we live in Georgia, the beach, and again the photos!!

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

Laura: We went wedding dress shopping, we had a family wedding party a couple days before our elopement, we got our hair colored & nails done. We felt very nervous and excited leading up and especially the day of. We were both such a nervous wreck (in a good way) that we almost threw up.

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

Laura: They were very nice and sent a lot of emails leading up to our date. They were extremely professional but laid back enough to make us feel 100% comfortable. They kept us informed with a layout of the timed schedule and directions. Our hair, pictures, and flowers turned out perfect! Karen, Melissa, and Sarah are amazing!!!!

How did you celebrate after?

Laura: We went to Elizabeth on 37th for a late dinner and had champagne and great food to celebrate. Lots of sweet kisses!

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

Laura: An awesome decision, you can focus on just yourselves. No stress!

Officiation by: Melissa DeLynn
Photography by: Karen Norian
Hair & Makeup by: Pink Chique
Flowers by: Jessica Malpas
Planning by: Simply Eloped
Venue: Tybee Island, Savannah

Real Elopements

Written by Janessa White

Janessa White is the co-founder of Simply Eloped and has helped thousands of couples plan elopements. As an expert in the field, she has been featured on Brides.com, Vox, and HuffPost. Janessa thinks elopements are the ultimate way to tie the knot.