Anti-Bridal Elopement at Winnipeg’s Rose Coffee and Wine

Weddings are often thought of as grand, elaborate events with hundreds of guests, an extravagant venue, and a beautiful white dress. This is gorgeous and I love photographing traditional weddings! However, not all couples want the traditional vibe, and that’s where the anti-bridal elopement comes in!

I had an absolute blast attending this styled shoot hosted by Felicity (@felicitysiemensphoto) + Hannah (@lionscavephoto)

Aelea + JP tied the knot 13 years ago in a Starbucks and still haven’t done wedding photos! I was so so happy they were our models for the anti-bridal shoot this past weekend at Rosé Coffee and Wine bar downtown Winnipeg.

An anti-bridal elopement is a small, intimate ceremony that focuses on the love and commitment between two people without all the fuss of a traditional wedding. It’s a chance for couples to escape the pressures of wedding planning and celebrate their love in a way that feels authentic to them. It might seem odd to elope in Winnipeg but there are so many gorgeous spots to celebrate and get married in!

There are a lot of reasons why couples might choose an anti-bridal elopement over a traditional wedding. Some couples may be looking to save money and avoid the high costs associated with weddings. Others may be looking to escape family drama or the stress of planning a large event. And some couples simply prefer a more low-key, intimate experience that allows them to focus on each other and the unique aspects of their relationship.

Whatever the reason, the anti-bridal elopement can be a beautiful and meaningful way to celebrate your love. Here are some ideas for planning your own anti-bridal elopement:

Choose a meaningful location

One of the benefits of an elopement is that you can choose any location you want. Consider choosing a location that is meaningful to you and your partner, such as a secluded beach, a family farm, or a park where you had your first date. You could even get married in your own backyard! You can also choose a place that truly brings out your personality and the things you love most.

Keep it small

The beauty of an anti-bridal elopement is that you can keep the guest list small. You can invite just a handful of close friends or family members, or you can choose to have no guests at all. The focus should be on you and your partner, and the love you share.

Choose meaningful details

Just because you’re not having a traditional wedding doesn’t mean you can’t include some special details in your elopement. Consider writing your own vows, wearing a special outfit, or incorporating a meaningful ritual into your ceremony. You could also hire a photographer or videographer to capture the moment. You can also choose to include elements of a traditional wedding that you DO still resonate with. Just because you’re going anti-bridal doesn’t meant you should miss out on the important stuff!

Celebrate after

After your elopement, you can celebrate in whatever way feels right for you. You could have a romantic dinner for two, throw a small party with close friends and family, or even plan a trip to a special destination. The important thing is to celebrate your love and commitment to each other in a way that feels authentic and meaningful to you.

An anti-bridal elopement isn’t for everyone, and this is only one couple’s vibe! Basically: anti-bridal is a unique way to celebrate your love by ditching tradition and bringing in everything that makes you YOU.