Sam and Seamus’s Bohemian Chic Elopement at San Francisco Botanical Garden

When you think of bohemian chic elopement, you’re likely going to land something close to what Sam and Seamus’s ceremony looked like. After a romantic engagement in the elevator of the MET Museum, these two eloped tucked deep in the San Francisco Botanical Garden just the two of them. Read more on their story about how the fell in love, when they ‘knew’ and why they chose to elope in San Francisco.

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

Sam: We met on Tinder and our first date was at a local bar. He’s very charismatic and easy to talk to so it was a great first date. He’s a musician and I love LIVE music so took up the bulk of our conversation. I liked him very much I just never thought it would lead to something like marriage because I was very against the idea and come to find out he felt the same.

Seamus: We had an exceptional first date I was really impressed with Sam when we met because we had so many common interests. I had no idea this would turn into anything long term but I’m clearly happy that it did.

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

Sam: It was around the four month mark of us knowing each other and the second month of us officially dating. I didn’t tell him that I loved him because it was SO early into our relationship and I thought it was crazy. I knew I loved him because I felt very safe and we communicated well. We just clicked, there’s no other way to describe it.

Seamus: It was very early on and I’ve never had a serious relationship before Sam so this was all very new to me so I was a bit freaked out. Something that I love about Sam is her ability to not take shit from anyone and one of my buddies was giving her a hard time and she does not like to be teased so she verbally accosted him. It was all in good fun but the way she had expressed that independence and fierceness is what made me attracted to her even more and I knew she was special. I’ve dated quite extensively in my life and I just knew I would never find someone like this again.

How did you propose or accept the proposal?

Sam: I have a degree in history so museums are very special to me. We decided to visit Manhattan for a day of Sunday brunch and a trip to the Metropolitan museum. Seamus knows that I don’t like added attention so he proposed to me in one of the elevators in the Metropolitan Museum while we were alone. I was presented with my grandmothers vintage platinum engagement ring from the 1950’s. I don’t remember saying yes I just remember saying we have to get out of the elevator; people are trying to get in.

What do you love about your partner?

Sam: I love his appetite for happiness and ability to always see the good in people.

Seamus: I love her determination and independence.

What is the greatest strength of your relationship?

Sam: The desire to build an exceptional life together.

Seamus: Our desire to make each other happy.

Why did you decide to elope?

Sam: I hate traditional weddings. I find them tacky and boring. I also don’t like being the center of attention. Eloping seemed to be a better fit.

Seamus: We both love traveling so taking sometime to getaway and have a intimate ceremony was more our style. We wanted to keep our vows private as well, we thought it would be more authenticate if we could exchange them privately.

How did you find Simply Eloped?

Sam: Honestly just a Google search!

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

Sam: The staff was so accommodating and very knowledgeable. I felt that we were in great hands from the moment I requested a quote all the way to the ceremony.

What attracted you to a San Francisco elopement?

Sam: Being married in nature was important to us and when we saw the Moon Viewing Garden at the SFBG (San Francisco Botanical Garden) we knew it was so unique and we just had to have our ceremony at that exact spot.

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

Sam: We are east coasters who have never been to San Francisco so we spent the days leading up to the wedding exploring the city. Museums, food, local art exhibits. There wasn’t much for us to prepare for because Simply Eloped had it covered! We both didn’t feel nervous we we’re excited and we knew the day would be perfect.

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

Sam: It was seamless from start to finish. We never felt out of the loop the staff always kept in contact with us on any updates. Our photographer and officiant went above and beyond it was a five star treatment. We felt like the entire experience was custom tailored to fit us.

How did you celebrate after?

Sam: We retreated back to our AirBnB to relax. Which meant binging Netflix and eating tacos in bed. Later that evening we had a proper dinner at the Foreign Cinema in San Francisco.

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

Sam: DO IT. It’s the best decision you’ll ever make.

Coordinated by: Simply Eloped
Officiated by: Ben Miyaji
Photography by: Melati Citrawireja

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.