Eva and Kelly got married in Vancouver’s Queen Elizabeth Park, right next to the Bloedel Conservatory. The park’s greenery and city landscapes were the perfect photo backdrop, and their small, elopement wedding was perfectly simple and intimate. Sneak a peek inside their day and get inspired by the stunning wedding photos we captured throughout Queen Elizabeth Park.

Real Is Always Better Than Perfect

I interviewed Eva and Kelly and got the inside scoop on their love. They spilled the details on how they met, the surprisingly perfect engagement that neither of them fully expected, and the things they loved most about their wedding day. Here’s how it went down:

Me: Tell me how you met?

Them: Online. We both swiped right :)

Me: Tell me about the proposal!!

Eva: Kelly took me on many trips and adventures in a row and never proposed, so I was starting to wonder what was wrong. 

Kelly: I planned trips to Bowen Island and Sunshine Coast, but things just didn't seem right. I ended up taking Eva on a hike to Quarry Rock in Deep Cove. The weather was beautiful. I decided the perfect spot doesn't exist, found a private spot to pop the question, got down on one knee and showed Eva the ring. I think I may have actually forgotten to ask her to marry me at first. Nerves got to me. But when I did ask, she said YES!!

Me: What was your most memorable moment of your wedding?

Eva: How hot Kelly looked.

Kelly: Eva looked like a princess!

Me: In 30 years, what would you like to remember about being newlyweds?

Eva:  That we are so in love.

Kelly: Refer to Eva's answer times 2.

I’m officially obsessed with this couple!

A Small, Intimate Wedding in Queen Elizabeth Park

Because of COVID, Kelly and Eva had to re-think their original May 2020 wedding day plans. And as tough as it was to let those plans go, they ended up with a wedding day they truly loved. 

They settled on getting married in Queen Elizabeth Park, right next to the Bloedel Conservatory, which worked out perfectly. The park’s convenient city location made planning easier, and its green scenery and cityscapes provided a picture-perfect backdrop. Plus, they knew that if it rained, Queen Elizabeth Park would give them tons of indoor and covered options. (#PNWprobs)

Brought To You By Zoom

Thanks to a friend who took on tech duties, the existence of Zoom, and the slightly relaxed outdoor restrictions we had at the time, they were able to have Eva’s parents there with them and Kelly’s family join via video chat and it worked out pretty perfectly.

Even though none of us grew up imagining video chat being a part of our weddings, it’s pretty freaking amazing that we have this option now. I know Kelly and Eva felt so happy to have their family in attendance—the vehicle didn’t matter. In fact, Kelly told me that his favourite part of the wedding was looking around during the ceremony and seeing their families watching, whether they were in person or Zoom.

Tips For Alleviating Elopement Day Stress

So, I’m going to be honest. Elopements are SUPER low-stress and laid back—but stuff still comes up! Even the smallest weddings can involve enough moving pieces to bring on day-of stress.

For Kelly and Eva, there was, you know, COVID, so they were rushing to make sure the family was online, connected, and that they could hear everything properly before the ceremony! And then there were just all the little things that add up on a wedding day like picking up clothes and flowers and timing everything just right. It’s all normal stuff—nothing major or catastrophic. (As long as you have the marriage license, everything is figure-out-able!) But still, it’s enough to temporarily take you out of the moment.

One big tip I learned from Kelly and Eva for dealing with undue elopement day stress: appoint a tech person! It doesn’t need to be anything expensive or official—a close friend who knows their way around a mac is great. Just make sure someone is designated to deal with tech.

Silver Linings & Positive Outlooks

For myself and a lot of my clients, COVID has provided some much-needed perspective around what really matters in our lives. Have you felt this too? It’s like the things that used to feel SO huge are now no biggie. And things we used to take for granted, like visits with family, are way MORE valuable than ever.

Case in point: I asked Eva and Kelly if they had any concerns leading up to their wedding day. Things like family stress, day-of nerves, or planning overwhelm. But they told me that they really didn’t. “We were deep into the state of COVID-19 so my perspective had definitely changed a bit. Little things I would have stressed about beforehand really didn't seem like a big deal anymore,” she said.

And, when I asked if they had any must-haves for the big day, both of their lists were short and sweet: Eva needed Kelly to show up, Kelly needed Eva to show up, and they both wanted their families to be present in some way.

I have to say, one of the things I’m loving most about elopements is how simple, low-key, and value-based they are. You guys, your love, your ride-of-dies, a beautiful spot, and maybe a libation or two. What more could we ever need?

Eva & Kelly’s Wedding Advice

I asked Eva and Kelly what advice they have for other newlyweds-to-be. “Take the time to find the right person you want to be married to,” is what they said. 

Eva and Kelly are proof that when you’re with the right person, nothing is impossible. A pandemic interrupting your wedding plans? No big deal. A few surprises during your elopement? No sweat. It’s all worth it and it’s all good when you’re with the right one.

Okay, Your Turn!

We talked ALL about Eva, Kelly, and their Queen Elizabeth Park wedding day. Now, let’s talk about YOU, your plans, and your dream location. If you’re planning to elope or have a small, intimate wedding, I’d love to help you plan it out.

Click the button below and book a complimentary consultation call. Then, we’ll find a time to talk about ALL the things. I can’t wait!!