Debra and Derek’s Plaza District elopement focused on their connection, as they celebrated with 15 of their favorite people in attendance. Although they met in Oklahoma City, they currently live in Chicago but decided to head back to the place they met for their wedding. This also allowed for their family to meet one another, and happily everyone got along so swimmingly.

Plaza District elopement

The elopement was a wonderful laid-back experience. Debra did her own hair and makeup, as well as arranged her own bouquet shortly before the ceremony. There’s at least a hundred reasons I can share on why elopements rock.

Two of my favorite reasons are: Eloping gives you more options for ceremony locations. If there’s a small amount of guests in attendance, realms of options open up for you. Get married at a national park, or in your backyard – you’re able to choose the most meaningful location with ease. And since all you have to do that day is elope, you pretty much have the freedom to choose to spend your entire wedding day however you want. Have a lazy day in bed together, or go for a hike to choose the perfect ceremony spot – you don’t get this type of flexibility with a bigger wedding.

After the ceremony, the group met for a dinner together. This gave time to get to know each other, celebrate the couple and enjoy food and drinks in such a great city.

An intimate ceremony with 15 guests

Debra and Derek chose to make their grand ceremony entrance together and it was perfection. Since every guest in attendance was such a close family member or friend, who at a larger wedding would make their own grand entrance at the ceremony, it only made sense to do things their own way. A close friend Charles officiated, and there was not a dry eye in the room.

Post ceremony toasts and speeches

Directly following the ceremony, many hugs were shared and laughter and cheer. Being an intimate wedding, there was no pressure to attend to timelines or strict structure. It resulted in a laid-back flow that was perfect for this couple. Champagne was pored, and the group raised their glasses with many kind words. The wedding license was signed and then the group headed out. They would meet again at Flint where they would have dinner later that evening together.

Plaza District elopement portraits

After more hugs and cheers, we headed outside for nearly an hour of portraits. Started at the Plaza Walls area, we made our way all around the Plaza District. It kept our time adventurous, fun and incredibly whimsical. We even stopped for a few portraits on the stoop of the first apartment they shared in the Plaza District.

The Plaza District is one of Oklahoma City’s most vibrant and eclectic neighborhoods, and it’s the perfect place to celebrate your love with an intimate elopement. From charming boutiques and restaurants to art galleries and even the occasional street performers, the Plaza District is such a cool district.

One of my personal favorite moments of the day happened about ten minutes before we finished portraits. On one of our cell phones, Can’t Help Falling In Love played while Debra and Derek danced in a parking lot. Fully immersed in the moment and each other, it was so incredible sweet to witness.

“Like a river flows
Surely to the sea
Darling, so it goes
Some things, you know, are meant to be

Take my hand
Take my whole life too
For I can’t help falling in love with you“

Above all this day focused on the love and connection at the heart of this sweet relationship. Choosing a smaller more intimate Plaza District elopement created an atmosphere that reflects this relationship.

Thank you, Debra and Derek for having us photograph your Plaza District elopement! Thank you for letting me into your lives for a moment in time, and being so comfortable in front of the camera. I seriously adore you both and I loved every minute hanging out with y’all.

sweet vendors:

venue: The Venue OKC & Plaza Walls

flowers: purchased from Whole Foods Market

gown: Badgley Mischka from Dillards

bride’s shoes: GoJane

rings: Derek’s band is from Adora Jewelers

suits: Egara from Men’s Wearhouse

photographer: Robyn, Gathering Sunshine

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Gathering Sunshine creates authentic wedding, elopement and portrait photography for genuine spirits, celebrating the power of connection. Based in Oklahoma, I am passionate about telling your story as it authentically unfolds. What excites me most about photography after nearly two decades are the endlessly creative, imaginative and remarkably kind people I’ve had the pleasure to meet and work with. As you’re in the process of looking for the Oklahoma wedding and portrait photographer who will capture your vision, I would love to connect and hear your story.