An orange grove in California provided a stunning backdrop for Nicole and Matthew’s $500 elopement.

Cost and distance made it difficult for the couple to imagine pulling off a large wedding with all their family and friends so they opted for a simple elopement in  San Juan Capistrano. After a sweet and tearful ceremony, the couple showed off their quirky side by donning Stars Wars masks for a few photo ops.

Special thanks to Kathleen Amelia Photography for sharing all the fun photos with us.

intimate-san-juan-wedding-002

Nicole, 26 & Matthew, 26

San Juan Capistrano, CA 

Wedding Date: August 28, 2013

Number of Guests: 0

Wedding Cost: $500

Wedding Ceremony Location: Northwest Open Space, San Juan Capistrano

Wedding Reception Location: same

wedding rings on oranges

bride and groom in orange grove

groom with arm tattoos

bride and groom in orange grove

gold rose bouquet

Why did you have an intimate wedding?

Cost was the main reason, and doing it in California prevented lots of family and friends from being able to attend so we kept it a secret and only told really close family about our plans.

orange tree in San Juan Capistrano

groom in blue shirt and black vest

bride in pink cardigan

groom in black tie

bride with pastel nails and gold rose bouquet

What are some the challenges that you faced planning an intimate wedding?

I think my problem was I was doing very little for it anyways and so I waited until the very last minute which is never good.

San Juan Capistrano elopement

black and white couple portrait

bride in pink cardigan with gold rose bouquet

bride and groom holding hands

bride with pink cardigan and groom with arm tattoos

Orange County elopement portrait

bride and groom walking in orange grove

wooden elopement ceremony backdrop

elopement ceremony in an orange grove

What were the highlights of the ceremony?

I cried hearing his vows to me again, but I’m a big cry baby. The highlight was being told we were husband and wife; soaking in that fact alone was amazing.

Orange County elopement ceremony

bride saying her vows

bride placing ring on groom's finger

California elopement ceremomy

bride and groom first kiss

Orange grove elopement ceremony

bride and groom in front of wooden ceremomy back drop

bride and groom kissing in front of ceremony backdrop

What was the best thing about having an intimate wedding?

Having way less stress made it so we could enjoy the moment and ourselves a lot more.

bride and groom walking away from ceremony site

bride and groom holding hands

tattooed groom hugging bride

bride and groom walking through orange grove

intimate bride and groom portrait

 

bride and groom in star wars masks

groom in Darth Vader mask

bride in Star Wars helmet

bride and groom in Star Wars masks

What advice do you have for couples who are considering an intimate wedding?

I say do what your heart desires and pay attention to everything you’d want to remember, not what you think others want to see.

bride and groom walking away

bride and groom walking through orange grove

Vendors:

Photographer: Kathleen Amelia Photography

Dress: David’s Bridal