A midcentury modern theater. Funky orange florals. A brown velvet suit. Chunky platform heels. I almost never challenge the scripture Millennial Royal Highness Hillary Duff, but THIS is what (elopement) dreams are made of.

That’s right, let’s dive into this funky theater elopement.

Yes, every detail of the day was cool and eclectic, but there’s one surprise detail you might not guess from the pictures—Lena and Zach were already married. In fact, this wasn’t even a fun after-the-fact celebration. This funky theater elopement is the brainchild of myself and some of my photographer besties, who all share a similar sentiment of, “Isn’t it cool when couples just do something different?”

In fact, this attitude is really what drew me to wedding photography. When I got married everyone was doing the same thing – there was a lot of chevron and burlap. Or at least, that’s what I could tell from Pinterest — and planning a wedding where everything was done “the way it was supposed to” (ps ‘the way is was supposed to be’ was NOT a good look in 2014) was a bummer to say the least. At it’s best it was uninspiring, at it’s worst it was stressful and stifling. I really wish I could have seen past what my Pinterest algorithm was feeding me and done something unique and personal.

My hope for current and future engaged couples is that they don’t feel like they have to plan their wedding within any arbitrary set of rules or boundaries. And my promise to them is they will not miss the thing they didn’t do that they thought they were supposed to.

I recently read a quote that said overthinking is underfeeling, so if something feels like it would be fun or it would represent you on your wedding, just go for it!

Ok, that’s my Do Whatever the F*ck you want manifesto; with that, I hope you find joy or inspiration from Zach and Lena’s theater elopement. Oh, and whenever you want to make cool stuff together, you can always find me here.

Vendors:

Photographer: Jen Patterson Photo

Florals: Rose Imaginative

Accessories: Les Sol

Venue: Riverview Theater

Her Dress: ASOS

His Suit: H&M

PS: Here are a few theaters I think would be perfect for a chic, funky Seattle elopement:

The Beacon Cinema

SIFF Cinema Egyptian

Central Cinema

Majestic Bay Theater