Anna and Jordan are from Up North. And yes, I mean Canada, but I do mean even FURTHER up north: the Yukon! Even for Canadians like me that’s “Up North.”
Escaping from the deepest, darkest parts of winter, they landed in Las Vegas for their intimate wedding at Eldorado Canyon. Their elopement was very rustic, surrounded by desert landscaping and the vintage charm of the ghost town there. Touches of soft gray and purple pulled it all together along with some lovely light captured by Gaby J Photography. Pretty far removed from the snowy tundra, eh?
I cannot believe Anna and Jordan pulled off this wedding without visiting the Las Vegas before. I do hope they are able to return and celebrate their anniversary with their daughter in the future!
Why Anna + Jordan Chose Las Vegas
We are actually from Whitehorse, Yukon, so it was an easy decision to elope somewhere warmer. When we flew home from our honeymoon, it was 93 degrees F and when we arrived home in Whitehorse it was -30 degrees F, yes minus 30! (all in the same day = a bit of a system shock.)
We also have a two-year-old daughter, so we wanted to elope somewhere that would allow for a quick and cost efficient ceremony, while allowing us to get back home to our daughter without having spent a lot of money but not missing out on our dream wedding day.
Why Eldorado Canyon?
I came across Eldorado Canyon while doing online research and we loved the variety of the location mixed with the shabby chic theme. I then continued the theme throughout the rest of our day. I used my step-mothers wedding dress that she married my dad just months before and incorporated a birdcage veil and burlap headpiece to bring a more vintage feel to my attire.
The Ceremony
We wanted a simple ceremony to capture our commitment, and that was more than met with Angie Kelly of Peachy Keen Unions. Angie created the most beautiful ceremony for us, we could not have asked for anyone better.
Upon arrival at Eldorado Canyon, we were asked where we wanted to perform the ceremony, of course not having been there we didn’t know what to expect, but Angie suggested the attic of the old barn on the property and there was no hesitation from us. Our photographer, Gaby, was our witness, so it was just the few of us in the attic of the barn and it felt as if time stood still while we committed ourselves to each other.
(Their reception was an intimate dinner for two in a restaurant overlooking the Bellagio fountains)
Memorable Moments
Just days before our wedding it occurred to me that I would not have anyone with me to help tie the back of my corset-style wedding dress. I emailed Gaby in tears, not knowing what to do. Gaby simply asked for me to send a photo of the back of the dress so she could learn how to tie it for me and would do so on my wedding day. I felt so so relieved as we already had cancelled and delayed flights and hotels days prior so this moment was my breaking point. She made me feel so much better knowing that I had that support.
Anna + Jordan’s #1 Tip for Other Couples Eloping to VegasÂ
One tip would be that I wish that had not been my first time in Las Vegas. I wanted to enjoy our time the few days leading up to our wedding, but we spent most of our time trying to find my husband’s attire and last minute things and not knowing Las Vegas we managed to waste too much time trying to find our way around. We will have to come back when there is nothing to be planned so we can enjoy the city and relax.
I also think it is important to create a bond with the people that will be involved in your wedding day, even if it is an elopement. I had a certain feeling when I talked to Gaby and I knew that we just clicked. Same as Angie right down to the ladies that did my hair and make-up. It is important to be on the same page and feel that they can accept the ideas that you have for your day and want to bring it to life with you.
Vendor and Venue Details:Â
Photographer: Gaby J Photography / Ceremony Venue: Nelson’s Landing at Eldorado Canyon / Wedding Dress: Heirloom / Hair + Makeup: Amelia C & Co. / Floral: Naakiti Floral Design / Celebrant: Angie Kelly of Peachy Keen Unions