Sometimes I meet people and immediately think, “how have we not been friends before this?” That’s EXACTLY how I felt after photographing Emily + Mike during their minimony in Welles Park.

Their decision to elope in Welles Park came together quite quickly. Although they’re already in the midst of planning their wedding in Mexico, Emily + Mike decided that they couldn’t wait any longer to get legally married. After remembering that Mike’s good friend Lawrence was ordained, the couple arranged to put together a small ceremony. With enough time to get their parents to come from out of town (and to get me, of course!), Emily + Mike pulled off a super sweet evening.

Their Story

“It was a tale as old as Tinder,” Emily told me. “Like so many modern love stories, I met Mike on Bumble in late 2017. The date started as a ping pong match, but quickly evolved into a multi hour restaurant and bar tour where we bonded over our shared passion for being amateur stand up comedians back in the day. Several months later, I overheard Mike quietly whisper ‘I love you’ to my cat, Beans. Given the rough start between the two, I knew that those words were also meant for me as well! On March 24th of 2021, Mike popped the big question on the beach while we were on vacation. And the rest is history!”

Ceremony + Portraits

After scoping out the Welles Park gazebo, we *very politely* asked some local sk8er kids to give us the space so we could perform the ceremony. A quick walk down the aisle followed by some kind words vows finally led to them saying “I do!” It was definitely an emotional affair, with tissues and teary eyes all around. While everyone was hugging, Emily’s mom Pat snuck her hand into Lawrence’s beard before he left. Don’t worry y’all, she asked for permission first!

The couple and I then wandered around Welles Park to take some portraits. The area has some GORGEOUS fenced in spots to preserve the plants and the wildlife. Emily made it a point for me to capture all of her special details, including her earrings (something old), her hair piece (something new), the watch (something borrowed) and the beautiful bracelet she wore (something blue). Of course, since their cute kitty Beans couldn’t be in attendance, I had to photograph Emily + Mike holding up a tote with his picture on it!

This minimony in Welles Park was OUTRAGEOUSLY fun. Emily + Mike are one of the coolest couples I’ve ever photographed. I knew it from the moment they asked me to take a picture of them doing the “blue steel” face. Congrats you two!

Dress: Nordstrom

Florals: Fleur