A Romantic, Surprise Elopement- 1 Year Later !

Of the countless loving, meaningful and touching weddings I've planned and designed in my career... From the most lavish to the sweetly intimate; THIS was my very favorite of all!

One year ago today, we packed up my two beautiful girls, had "wonder-photographers" Nathan and Jensey Root meet us at the airport, flew to NYC and scurried off to Strawberry Fields, Central Park and got married.

From "best buddies" to this date, March 20th, 2011, {the first day of Spring!} this was the "official" start to our beautifully sweet and simple life together as a family. My gratitude journal is bursting!

Here was our surprise announcement to well, the world! xoxo




*Images courtesy of Root Photography*

*Video courtesy of Jeffrey Stoner*

Our NYC Elopement- When and Why?

March 20, 2011. The loveliest day of the year ...

This detail was truly great fun to plan, but also one of great fortune. Once we had determined we would get married in Strawberry Fields, we continued to diligently find meaningful details, inclusive of the date, to permanently commemorate our wedding day.

Of most importance to us was the fact that March 20th {1969, and the year I was born} happens to be John Lennon and Yoko Ono's wedding anniversary. The great fortune I referenced came to us by way of the fullest moon we had seen in 18 years, the start of Spring and a rare day off during our busy {professional} wedding season.

While Jeffrey and I agree that these pointed details were of considerable importance, we agreed then, as we still do now, that ..."All you need is love."

*Image Courtesy of Root Photography*

Our NYC Elopement- Why Strawberry Fields?

When the mere idea of getting married became a reality, the newest question became: "Where?"

Apart from NYC, Strawberry Fields became the most clear and easy decision.

Jeffrey and I are honored to have been married right on the revered mosaic, tying us forever to something so meaningful for so many people.

"Let me take you down, 'cause I'm going to Strawberry Fields ..."

*Image Courtesy of Root Photography*

Details & Secrets To Our NYC Elopement- Why NYC?

When we made the decision to get married, {a very natural and easy decision I might add!} Jeffrey and I mulled over various ideas for consideration. Inexplicably almost, we both immediately and innately knew we would elope. We had a few spots of great importance to us, and I even toyed around the idea of Paris, France for the sheer romance of it all! In the end, the where, when and why could not have been a more perfect solution for us. As I always advise my very own clients, the details of your wedding need to make sense. Does this {detail} tell your story individually and as a couple? Does it make sense?

It is, after all, your story and your "happily ever after…"

*Image Courtesy of Root Photography*

Details & Secrets To Our NYC Elopement- Spreading the News

I am very excited to share with you, in partnership of course, with Jeffrey a new blog series with some of the secrets and details of our recent NYC elopement!

We feel so fortunate and blessed to have been received by family, friends and even strangers with such warm and loving wishes.

Though we virtually "reside" in this glorious industry of everlasting love and weddings we, like most couples, wanted to do what felt best and suited us the most.

Admittedly, we were a tad anxious as to how the news of us "running away" and getting married would be received! I think you'll see here that it went quite well thank you very much ...

Video shot by Nathan Root and edited by {my husband!} Jeffrey Stoner:

Lisa & Jeffrey's NYC Elopement ! from Jeffrey Stoner Video on Vimeo.

NYC - Central Park Elopement Video !

THESE wedding pros eloped! Jeffrey and I, that is!}

Though a secret, I "carried" my friends with me the whole time ... I commissioned the wildly creative and talented Amanda Heer with Fantasy Floral Designs to design my brooch bouquet. I secretly asked for brooches from my mother and Jeffrey's mother telling them that I was doing a speaking engagement on the use of family heirlooms in weddings. {sneaky!} I also asked my very best girlfriends for some treasures as well to incorporate into the bouquet along with many sentimental pieces I had in there from my beautiful daughters and mementos of our fun love story. I simply adore it, and plan on passing these items down to Sara and Carolina as they reach milestones in their lives.

The locale, Strawberry Fields in Central Park, along with our amazing officiant / celebrant, Sarah Ritchie {and the 100+ onlookers that shared our ceremony with us!} made for a most unforgettable, memorable and loving experience. We could not have asked for more on that sunny, brisk day in NYC ...a dream come true for me personally.

"Strawberry Fields Forever!" As for Nathan Root & Jensey Root--they will always have an indelible place in our lives !

Lisa & Jeffrey's NYC Elopement ! from Jeffrey Stoner Video on Vimeo.

JUST {ELOPED!} MARRIED!

Well, guess who just eloped this past Sunday?

Your fearless planner didn't "skip" planning by eloping by any means...Every detail went off without a hitch, and we all couldn't be happier!

More details to follow, but I have to owe all the beautiful imagery and documentation to the tireless, devoted, {and very secret-worthy!} Nathan and Jensey Root of Root Photography for joining and capturing our loving adventure.

Same stylish planner...just with a *fabulous* new name! xoxox