More weekday courthouse, take a walk in a local park, let's bring our dog type of elopements please!

We absolutely adore working with couples who have been together for the long haul. When Kali and Tom mentioned that they have been dating for 17 years, among a few other commonalities like yoga, gardening, hiking and fishing, I knew that documenting their elopement day was going to be super special!

Kali and Tom shared that they met at a party they were both at in 2005, started hanging out and just never stopped. Similar to Jp and I hanging out on a Wednesday night back in 2011, and somehow have spent just about every day together since then. Aside from a few yoga retreats, cross country trips and a work training they too have never spent a night apart.

Whether it’s to grab coffee and take a walk around the neighborhood, attending a concert or comedy show, or a short weekend trip into the woods with their pup, as long as Kali+Tom are together they are happy!

And so choosing to have a small elopement, where they got to spend the day together, just made sense to them. They do really love their friends though and plan to have a bigger celebration reception next summer! To keep it meaningful and avoid falling into the traditional wedding trap, they plan to include a few of their talented friends to help with food, music and more!

For their elopement, Kali had her heart set on August 12th, because it was a full moon in Aquarius, which is where it was when they first met. It was also a semi half-way anniversary date. I loved that she chose a date that held so much meaning!

The afternoon elopement started with a first look taking place at the Allegheny Courthouse, before their ceremony on the grand staircase. They invited about 15 family members to witness their union performed by a local judge. Afterwards they spent some time taking photos around the beautiful, sundrenched courthouse. Then they were off to Frick Park, where they brought along their dog Arlo. We took an easy walk through the lush woods, stopping at a few spots for pictures and allowing them to just enjoy a relaxed afternoon. Later in the evening they reunited with family members to end their day at The Back Porch. A quaint restaurant located in a 1806 home.

It was a totally low-key, but high style intentional afternoon, making for the perfect way to get married before celebrating with a big party next year!

Congrats Kali+Tom, we can't wait to celebrate with you again in summer '23!

Vendor Love

Venue | Allegheny County Courthouse
Hair+Make-up | @kel_wes_hair
Dress | House of Wu