Elopements are no longer just about running off quietly to say “I do.” They can be vibrant, playful, and totally true to you. Madi + Deshaun’s styled southern California elopement is a perfect example of how bold color, personal details, and a little creativity can turn an intimate celebration into something unforgettable.

This was a styled shoot designed to inspire couples who want their day to feel non-traditional and fun. If you’ve been dreaming about eloping and don’t want to follow the wedding day “rules,” this is your reminder: you can do it your own way.

Why We Love Elopements

The best part about elopements is the freedom. You’re not tied to traditions, timelines, or expectations that don’t feel like you. Instead, you get to focus on the two of you and create a day that feels completely authentic.

An elopement gives you the space to slow down and be present. To write your own vows, laugh, cry, or pop champagne without worrying about a room full of eyes on you. It can be as adventurous or laid-back as you want, whether that means hiking at sunrise, exploring your favorite city, or cozying up in an Airbnb with takeout and your favorite playlist.

Choosing to elope doesn’t mean giving up the chance to celebrate with your people. Many couples love the idea of having the best of both worlds: a private, intimate elopement experience just for them, and then a reception or celebration with family and friends afterward. That way, you can soak in the intimacy of your ceremony while still getting to party and celebrate with the people you love most.

Eloping is about taking the pressure off and making room for what really matters: your story, your connection, and an experience you’ll never forget.

Pops of Color and Disco Vibes in the Desert

For Madi + Deshaun’s styled southern California elopement, we leaned into bold, celebratory energy. Their florals brought in pops of pink and orange, accented by disco balls — the kind of details that instantly shift the mood from simple to unforgettable. Just because you decide not to have a big wedding doesn’t mean you can’t go all out on the details that make your elopement feel special. Splurging on flowers, décor, or little design moments you love (like a sweet elopement table set up with a view) is a beautiful way to bring personality and intention into your day.

Against the open landscape of Joshua Tree National Park (if you love the idea of eloping here, check out this blog!), those bright colors and playful details brought so much personality. It was fun, vibrant, and completely non-traditional. Proof that even the smallest elopement can have a major wow factor.

Making Your Elopement Feel Like You

The best part about an elopement is that there are no rules. Your day doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s — as long as it reflects the two of you and what you love, it will be perfect.

A few ideas to make it personal:

• Add pops of color through florals, outfits, or creative décor. Think bright bouquets, bold shoes, or a floral installation with disco balls (or any other fun detail) like this one.
  
• Bring in details you love — your favorite drink, a curated playlist, handwritten vows, or a prop that makes you smile.
  
• Choose an activity together —  it doesn’t have to be “wedding-y” to be meaningful. You could go all out with something adventurous like skydiving, kayaking, or a sunrise hot air balloon ride. Or keep things playful and simple with hiking, grabbing tacos, or popping champagne at sunset. Want something more intimate? Plan a private chef dinner, stargaze under the desert sky, or rent a vintage car for a joyride. Whatever feels fun and true to you is exactly what belongs in your elopement day.
  
• Think outside tradition — your elopement doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. You get to design a day that reflects your relationship, your style, and what feels most meaningful to you. Whether that means bold colors, unconventional locations, or rewriting the timeline completely, your elopement is your canvas.
  

When you design your day with your personalities in mind, the experience feels natural, intentional, and unforgettable.

The Experience Comes First

At the heart of it, eloping is about creating a space for the two of you to be present and celebrate your love in a way that feels authentic.

This styled shoot with Madi + Deshaun was designed to spark ideas and show couples that you don’t have to stick to neutral tones, cookie-cutter timelines, or stiff traditions. Your elopement can feel colorful, joyful, and adventurous! Whatever fits your love story.

Ready to Plan Your Own Non-Traditional Elopement?

Whether you’re dreaming of a Southern California elopement in the desert, at the beach, in the mountains, or even somewhere unexpected that feels special to you, your day can be anything you want it to be.

I’d love to help you plan and capture an elopement experience that feels real, fun, and 100% you. If you’re ready to dream up something non-traditional, let’s create a day that feels like your love story.

I’m based in Costa Mesa and travel throughout Southern California and beyond, so wherever your adventure takes you, I can be there to document it.

Inquire to start planning your elopement experience!

XO, Karissa

Vendors

Photographer: @karissa.ferrer

Host: @loversworkshop

Models: @madi.and.deshaun

Long Dress: @saltgowns

Cake: @bakedbyjulie_

Hair + Makeup: @alexisthestylist888

Florals: @the_madflorist