Imagine sprinting through the streets of New York with your best friend in hand, kitted out in your finest attire, on your way to the City Hall to sign a document which guarantees you’ll spend the rest of your life together. For James and Emily, this was reality on the 28th of September 2017. Their smiles were plentiful and their stress was nowhere to be seen. What a way to begin a life of love together!
After warning their family six months in advance to rule out disappointment, James and Emily planned an elopement that can only be described as perfectly unique. It was a total reflection of how they had spent the past 8 years together, and how they intend to spend their next chapter too.
“Marrying the love of my life in my favourite city in the world, with pizza. Couldn’t ask for anything else.”
The couple married at the New York City Hall, using the town hall florist, Alexis Fergusson from Goldlight Photography, a Town Hall marriage celebrant they can’t remember the name of (having too much fun to notice!), all whilst surrounded by a few of their closest friends. Emily had her makeup done through the Glamsquad app which gets a beauty artist to your door with no fuss, and her dress was out of this world. Emily’s sister, a maker at Stonelabel, custom made her dress. To ensure Emily could continue to enjoy the gorgeous outfit, it was made from several pieces which can be worn separately- the total opposite to a one-day-wear dress!
No need for cakes, decorations, entertainment, or gifts, James and Emily rocked up to a pizza joint afterwards and sipped on lemonade. Though their wedding was simple and understated, their obvious connection, strength, and love is not. James marvels at Emily’s dimples when she smiles, and Emily gushes at James’ bunches of surprise flowers. Their relationship is founded in patience, grace, generosity, and thoughtfulness, always putting each other first, and never sweeping things under the rug.
“I think it is very easy to drift through life without being mindful of what you are living for or who you are becoming as a person. I don’t think a purpose needs to be world changing, just something that brings you into focus.” Living mindfully for James and Emily doesn’t necessarily mean ‘changing the world’ or doing something drastic. Mindfulness is the conscious decision to wake up. To realise your purpose as an individual and how you are impacting others.
Starting off with a friendship that began 15 years ago, James and Emily have built their relationship out of quality time and the pure joy of love and connection. Their inexpensive elopement meant they ran off together soon after, visiting the Netherlands, Scotland, England, Slovenia, Italy, and Switzerland. An intrepid adventure through Europe was the way they wanted to begin their union, replacing ‘stuff’ with experiences and adventures.
With many more adventures to come, and a partner in crime to fulfil them all, James and Emily are set for a lifetime of happiness. We are so privileged to have had a sneak peek into part of their story. Safe travels!
