In the midday sun, with only their immediately family present, they exchanged vows and rings atop Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park. This Mt. Desert Island backdrop was an expansive view of the sea, other nearby islands and sailboats.

Afterward, for portraits we spent some time exploring the different overlooks and view points; and then made our way down to the coast to explore the otter cliffs. Lauren & Michael wore their hiking boots, and we scrambled across the rocks as the waves thundered loudly with each crash against the cliffside.

destination weddings, elopements, weddingseastlyn brightOctober 5, 2020Maine, National Park, New England, Outdoor, Coast, Mountain, Beach, Intimate Wedding, Summer, ElopementComment

10 Reasons to Plan an Elopement in Response to Covid-19

With so much remaining uncertainty, couples are not even given hope that their wedding can still happen next year. Like everything else pertaining to this virus, the surge of 2020 couples needing to re-book could not have been foreseen, and therefore, many venues and vendors are already completely booked with 2021 couples.

It’s a devastating mess.

Some couples will still want their dream, big weddings and are willing to wait to have them—that’s completely okay and we applaud your patience.

However, we also know there are many of you that may not want to wait another year or even longer to start your lives together. That’s okay too. We’re here to help. So, in this post, we’re giving you 10 reasons why we believe planning an elopement or intimate ceremony may be a beautiful option for you.

elopements, destination weddings, weddings, wedding inspirationeastlyn brightMay 7, 2020Wedding PlanningComment

13 Reception Table Ideas for Your Wedding

Looking for inspiration for your own unique celebration? We have you covered here—get ready for the dinner (or brunch) parties of your dreams.

We’ve gathered, from the weddings we’ve personally photographed, 14 reception table designs into one post! This lovely table settings collection ranges from simple elegance to wild greenhouse favorites to incredible one-of-a-kind vintage finds. Enjoy!

wedding inspiration, weddingseastlyn brightApril 16, 2020Wedding Planning, OutdoorComment

Beautiful at Home Wedding in Rural Indiana

The song of katydid greeted the morning, and fireflies lit up the humid June night like twinkling stars. From dawn to dusk nature surrounded the day. Open fields dotted in golden wisps, and winsome shade foliage, like giant hosta and fern, joined the narrative. At sunset, puffy clouds turned into a sky garden resembling pink peonies in fullest bloom.

Even the house, where everyone got ready, fit perfectly into the enchanting storybook like scene. It used to be a barn, but an artist remodeled it into a home plumb full of whimsy, adding creative elements, but leaving the rustic charm.

weddingseastlyn brightApril 1, 2020Outdoor, Indiana, Backyard, Tented, Sunset, Golden Hour, Summer, Farm, Farmhouse, Traditional Wedding, WeddingComment

20 Gorgeous Bouquet Ideas for Your Wedding

For your Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter wedding inspiration, we’ve gathered, from the events we’ve personally photographed, 20 drop-dead gorgeous bouquets into one place! These floral masterpieces are not too tame or conventional, but rather have a raw, organic and wild feel about them. From the boho flower child bride to the vintage bride to the bride who loves simplicity, we’ve have you covered here—get ready for the dreamiest floral designs we’ve seen.

weddings, wedding inspirationeastlyn brightMarch 9, 2020Wedding PlanningComment

Hocking Hills Ohio Sunrise Elopement

Every love story is unique—and Nate and Ashley are no exception to the realness of this sweet cliché. Their affection for the outdoors inspired them to commit themselves to each other in a place, although hundreds of miles from their home, that was meaningful to their story and passion for nature. They welcomed the mud and dirt and chilly morning air, all as part of their wedding party, and the waterfall filled the outcropping with celebrant applause.

Spiritual Wedding at the Hidden Hive in Derbyshire England

We knew that there was something special about Kezia and Jordan just from their first inquiry. Then, from all the way across the Atlantic Ocean, on a video call, we met their glowing faces and heard their story; but we also saw their hearts—overflowing with love, even for us, strangers they had just met, honoring us with sincerest kindness. Their faith stood high above their ideas for a “dream wedding”—trusting that they didn’t need to wait another year to plan something “perfect,” but that “the time is now” to start their journey together.

weddings, destination weddingseastlyn brightApril 23, 2019Tented, Outdoor, Golden Hour, Sunset, Summer, Autumn, Europe, Traditional WeddingComment

Intimate Wedding at the Cliffs of Etretat in Normandy

On our way to Étretat through the countryside, we followed Marcus and Beth and watched as Beth hung her head out the window, allowing the wind to whip it as it willed. She closed her eyes and smiled, feeling the moment deeply as she painted the air with her hand. She is a true free spirit, and both she and Marcus are compassionate toward all life, loving and dreamy.

weddings, destination weddings, elopementseastlyn brightFebruary 27, 2019France, Coast, Ocean, Beach, Europe, Summer, Sunset, ElopementComment