Did you know that we spend about 37 or more hours a week on preparing food?  This may or may not be surprising to you, but there is no denying that there is a lot to it - meal planning, shopping, prepping, cooking/assembly, and plating.  Then, there is the monetary cost - according to Rocketmoney.com, “an individual aged 19 – 50 will spend $306.90 to $371.70 per month on food.  A family of four, with two children aged 6 – 8, will pay about $1,299 monthly,” for food alone.  These figures don’t include the time spent cooking or cleaning. I don’t know about you, but I can tell you that my family of 3 far exceeds the $1300 a month and we definitely spend additional money eating out, as we live by the 80/20 rule.  Eighty percent of the meals we prepare at home, the other twenty percent is pizza and Indian carryout, but I digress.  With all of this in mind, I want to introduce my friend, hospitality expert, and personal Chef Tyler Toles.

 
 
I had the pleasure of experiencing his personal chef offerings when I was in the Hocking Hills for work.  He arrived promptly at the scheduled time, with a smile and everything he needed to sanitize the kitchen and definitely left the space cleaner that it was when he arrived (more about this in a little bit—I promise).  Tyler prepared not one but two amazing meals all in under an hour and a half.  As he cooked, we laughed, shared stories, and toasted kombucha because “we are Baddies.”  Let me tell you, I wish everyone could have this experience at least once in their lifetime.
I did a little Q and A with Chef Tyler during his meal-prepping and I wanted to share some of that conversation with you:
The first question I asked was at what age did he know that he wanted to be a chef and Tyler shared the following, “at 9 years old; I used to watch ‘Eddie’s Million Dollar Cook Off’ with my adoptive mom,” a show that inspired him to get into the kitchen.  Tyler loves to bring what he referred to as a bit of “Disney” magic to the kitchen and draws inspiration from the amazing meals that his mom used to prepare.
 
Like most chefs, what brings him the greatest joy is watching people’s reactions; the happy food dance.  In other situations, this might feel a bit creepy, but it always reaffirms that people are truly enjoying the experience, which is what matters most to him.  His focus is always in the seasoning– more season allows for more layers of flavor and we both agreed that the best golden rule is to, “cook with your ancestors, and season until they tell you to stop.”  Tyler loves to make some of his family’s recipes while also finding joy in creating new ones for future generations.
 
With over 19 years in hospitality, he’s held every position in the kitchen and “back of the house” management.  Tyler’s ideal client is someone who values the experience of healthy and amazing quality meals sprinkled with some of that hospitality entertainment.  He loves to provide his clients with a personalized dining experience and confidentiality is his priority—so he won’t be sharing his client list and trust me, I was so curious that I asked!  When I inquired about his average price point, I received some oh-so-true real-talk about food prep.  “It truly depends on the menu, travel, guest count; a good starting point is to ask yourself, ‘what would you pay for the meal out at a brick and mortar,’ then account for travel fees, wage fees (auto gratuity), plus about 20 bucks.”  You are paying for the experience, time savings, convenience, and truly quality ingredients.  Tyler can also accommodate a more luxurious experience, more like “balling on a budget,” with three course meals beginning at $199, though if additional staff is necessary, you can expect the price to rise.  
 
Personally, Chef Tyler prefers a vegan diet; Mediterranean food is his favorite and he prefers to cook what he referred to as haute cuisine.  If you are like me, I immediately ran to look up what this meant.  According Wiki, “Haute cuisine or grande cuisine is a style of cooking characterized by meticulous preparation, elaborate presentation, and the use of high-quality ingredients.  Typically prepared by highly skilled gourmet chefs, haute cuisine dishes are renowned for their high quality and are often offered at premium prices.… is fine food in any cuisine.”  This left me feeling all of the bougie feels.  When I asked him for three words to describe his vibe, without a bit of hesitation, he said, “Magic, luxurious, adventurous.”
 
During our exchanges as part of the booking process, he asked if I had any dietary considerations and sent several emails and confirmations.  The morning of, he arrived with everything needed—literally everything…the ingredients, spices, cooking utensils, and aforementioned cleaning supplies – it was amazing to watch.  It’s also important to note that his offering is not catering, but that he is a private chef, specializing in intimate celebrations.  His service area includes Central Ohio as well as parts of Florida and Tennessee, though he is always ready to travel for the ideal client.  The booking and confirmation were seamless – a contract was signed and deposit of 50% was due 30 days before my breakfast, with the balance paid in full prior to his arrival. I paid via Venmo, but he also accepts payments via Cash App, Apple Pay, Zelle, cash, and (with a 3.5% processing fee) credit cards.  Gratuity is included and additional gratuity is not expected but always appreciated.
 
So, what was on the menu?  Chef Tyler adhered to my request for a high protein offering and my preference of no pork.  Breakfast included fresh Strawberry Lemon Poppyseed Scones that were so buttery and delicious that I wanted to eat them all.  The entrée was Eggs Benedict; perfectly poached local farm fresh eggs, with his signature Tabasco hollandaise sauce adorned with micro greens, served over everything bagel toast with turkey sausage links and a fresh fruit parfait.
 
My “to go” lunch was a Quinoa Grain Bowl featuring Lemon Herb Quinoa, “tabouleh,” feta, watermelon radish, various olives, Persian cucumbers, heirloom tomatoes, Medjool dates, peppers, brown sugar glazed chickpeas, and balsamic glazed Amish chicken, all dressed in a tahini dressing, served with a handcrafted Citron Raspberry Refresher as the beverage.

It was the most amazing experience and I can’t wait to book him for my next dinner party.  His enthusiastic personality is priceless and the food was outstanding.  Not to sound like T. I. but “you can have whatever you like.”

Be sure to follow Chef Tyler Toles on socials @cheftylertoles

Eloping can be all of the things you love about a traditional wedding without the guests. 
Our homie Elizabeth Nihiser has written a helpful guide to ease your planning concerns.  Check it out....

Elopements are and will always be our first love.  There are so many RAD locations in and throughout Ohio.  The Hocking Hills region hosting over 4.7 million visitors annually and has been noted as the “wedding” capital of Ohio.  One of my favorite photographers, Elizabeth Nihiser has thoughtfully written a blog featuring our of past clients! 

Check out this Unity ritual inspo…. Unforgettable!

I am both honored and humbled to announce that “Run to an Elopement" has again earned first place in the Officiant category of the Best of Columbus Weddings poll 2023.

Congratulations to all of the winners and runner-ups!  Here's a complete list.

I am so happy to announce that I have won the title of "Best Officiant of Columbus Weddings" for the third year in a row!  Thank you to everyone who voted for me. Here's the list of the 2022 winner and I am so honored to be part of this amazing group of Wedding pros.

Tell us about yourself as the face behind Run to an Elopement? 
Run to an Elopement is me, Windi Noble, an effervescent weirdo who loves big and enjoys the human experience. I am married to my favorite human with one adult kid and four cat overlords. Some of my favorite ways to “waste” time include hiking, yoga, daydreaming, pareidolia, reading, traveling and connecting deeply with friends and loved ones. I’m an avid collector of mineral specimens, concert tickets and experiences. 
What should readers know about your business? 
I have been performing wedding rituals throughout the U.S. for about eight years now. I prepare unique, nontraditional, nondenominational wedding rituals for couples who are seeking a fun and authentic experience. I understand the importance of a meaningful yet entertaining ceremony. Marriage equality is a priority for me so, yeah—there’s that. 
What sets you apart from other professional officiants? 
I don’t have competitors—I have a community of fellow officiants, and it is my belief that we each bring something special to the table. My services include some uncommon rituals such as ring blessings, meditation, aura cleansing and more. My personality and attentiveness are what set me apart. 
What can engaged couples expect with working with Run to an Elopement? 
Polite, prompt and professional exchanges pre-ceremony, and a loving, attentive, calming presence on your wedding day, dappled with a lot of laughs and tons of knowledge on how to have an amazing ceremony. 
What is something you wish more clients knew about wedding officiants? 
The importance of hiring a professional officiant, especially when it comes to the whole wedding experience. If you are using a friend who is not a wedding professional, it will affect the flow of the rest of your wedding team. Your other pros will have to compensate for your friend’s lack of experience and knowledge. 
When should we hire our officiant?  
This depends on how important this day is to you. I hate telling couples that I am not available, but I am booking couples a year or two before their actual date. Last-minute weddings can be accommodated, though I would suggest planning and booking your officiant much like you would a caterer or venue if that part of the experience is important to you. 
Where are you located?   
I am located in Columbus. However, I do travel all over the state and I am happy to travel to your ideal location. I do not have a venue for you to come to, though I do have a list of amazing locations throughout the state and I love helping couples find the perfect location—let’s go outside. 

https://www.columbusmonthly.com/story/special/special-ad-section/2022/04/13/columbus-wedding-officiant-rad-couples/7302559001/

I love waking up to find one of my couples published.  And I am SO guilty of loving a great hike on your wedding day.  It's true... let's get out into nature.
Follow the above link to read and see more of this RAD elopement from 2021!

I am so very humbled and excited to announce that we won Best of Columbus weddings 2021!  Thank you for your support and votes; without you I am nothing. Congratulations to all of my fellow RAD wedding pros -- such a honored and a privilege to share this title with these vendors!

The WINNERS:
The Pros

OFFICIANT - Run to an Elopement (23%)  
PLANNER and DESIGNER - Aisle & Co. (15.4%, 16.2%)  
TRAVEL ADVISER - Wanderlust Travel & Tours (22.4%)  
Runner-up: Bliss Honeymoons, 18.9%  
DJ - Josh Staley Productions (18.4%)  
Runner-up: Buckeye Entertainment, 15.4%  
BAND - The Conspiracy Band (19.8%) and MojoFlo (19.5%)  
Runners-up: Jazz Arts Group, 9%; Honey and Blue, 8.7%; The Wet Bandits, 8.7%; The Floorwalkers, 8.3%  
FLORIST - The Flowerman (11.4%)  
Runners-up: Petals & Leaves, 7.6%; Prema Designs, 7.1%   
BAKER: CAKES - Capital City Cakes (16.6%)  
Runners-up: Short North Piece of Cake, 12.7%; Lavender & Honey Wedding Cakes, 11.9%   
BAKER: OTHER DESSERTS - Pistacia Vera (19.6%)  
Runners-up: Duck Donuts, 12.6%; Sadie Baby Sweets, 11.8%   
BAKER: SPECIAL DIETS - Pattycake Bakery (32.3%)  
Runner-up: Bake Me Happy, 27.2%  
PHOTOGRAPHER: GENERAL - Starling Studio (9.5%) and Kismet Visuals (9%)  
Runners-up: Photo 243, 6.5%; 614 Wedding Photography, 5.7%; Comfort Photography, 5.5%   
PHOTOGRAPHER: BOUDOIR - 614 Boudoir Photography (21.6%)  
Runner-up: Kismet Visuals, 20.1%   
VIDEOGRAPHER - Nathan Peppers Films (14.6%) and Jonah Epps Films (13.8%)  
Runners-up: Columbus Wedding Videos, 11.2%; ALC Productions, 11.1%  
PHOTO BOOTH - The Selfie Spot 614 (16.7%)  
Runners-up: Josh Staley Productions, 15.4%; Buckeye Entertainment, 14.7%  
ALTERNATIVE ENTERTAINMENT - Studio Von (24.8%)  
Runners-up: Kurt Dreier Caricatures and Illustration, 16.6%; FunFaces by Steve Campbell, 16.4%  
STATIONER - JesMarried (23.7%)  
Runner-up: Ink & Ivory, 12.5%  
CALLIGRAPHER - Ink & Ivory (21.7%)  
Runner-up: Lovely Arrows Designs, 18.1%   
SALON: HAIR and SALON: SPA - PENZONE Salons + Spas (13.6%, 20.6%)  SALON: MAKEUP - PENZONE Salons + Spas (14.6%) and 614 Beauty (14.4%)  
Runner-up: Kenneth’s Hair Salons & Day Spas, 9.3%   
SALON: NAILS - The W Nail Bar (21.1%)  
Runner-up: Lacquer Gallery, 16.4%  

The Venues

CEREMONY: RELIGIOUS - St. Joseph Cathedral (19.7%)  
Runner-up: Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 14%  
CEREMONY: INDOOR, CEREMONY: OUTDOOR and RECEPTION: GARDEN/GREENHOUSE  - Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens (25%, 24.6%, 41%)  
RECEPTION: HOTEL/EVENT CENTER - Le Méridien Columbus, The Joseph (11.8%), Westin Great Southern Columbus (11.2%) and Granville Inn (10.9%)  
Runner-up: Hilton Columbus Downtown, 9.8%  
RECEPTION: HISTORIC - Ohio Statehouse (14.7%)
Runner-up: Granville Inn, 11.8%  
RECEPTION: INDUSTRIAL/URBAN - Strongwater (18.9%)  
Runner-up: High Line Car House, 14.8%  
RECEPTION: RUSTIC/BARN - Jorgensen Farms Historic Barn (31.8%)  
Runner-up: Magnolia Hill Farm, 16%  
RECEPTION: MUSEUM/GALLERY and RECEPTION: CONTEMPORARY/MODERN - Columbus Museum of Art (54.1%, 18.3%)  
RECEPTION: GOLF/COUNTRY CLUB - Scioto Reserve Country Club (22.3%)  
Runner-up: Country Club at Muirfield, 12.2%  
MICRO VENUE - Hotel LeVeque (22.6%)  
Runners-up: The Fig Room, 16.4%; Flat 51, 15.6%  
OHIO DESTINATION WEDDINGS - Hocking Hills Wedding Chapel (19.2%)  
Runner-up: Gervasi Vineyard, 13.6%  
REHEARSAL DINNER - Lindey’s (14.8%)  
Runners-up: Wolf’s Ridge Brewing, 8.7%; Marcella’s, 8%  
BRUNCH - Lindey’s (15.1%) and Cap City Fine Diner (14.2%)  
Runner-up: The Pearl, 11.5%  

The Shops

GOWNS: NEW - La Jeune Mariee (23.1%)  
Runner-up: Wendy’s Bridal, 20.1%  
GOWNS: CONSIGNMENT - Luxe Redux Bridal (47.6%)  
Runner-up: Off White, 36.5%  
GOWNS: CLEANING/PRESERVATION - Dublin Cleaners (35.1%)  
Runner-up: Columbus Lace Dry Cleaning, 16.2%  
BRIDESMAIDS - Gilded Social (19.7%)  
Runner-up: Wendy’s Bridal, 18.7%  
MENSWEAR - Pursuit (23.3%)  
Runner-up: Romanoff’s Classic Tuxedo, 16.4%  
JEWELER: RINGS, JEWELER: ACCESSORIES and JEWELER: CUSTOM - Diamond Cellar (28%, 27.8%, 29.1%) 
Runner-up: Worthington Jewelers, 17.8%, 17.3%, 21.3%  
JEWELRY BOUTIQUE - Red Giraffe Designs (36.2%)  
Runner-up: Honey Rose & K, 17.4%  
LOCAL GIFTS/FAVORS - The Candle Lab/Penn and Beech Candle Co. (20.2%)  
Runner-up: Cheryl’s Cookies, 17.5% 

The Details

CATERER: DINNER - Cameron Mitchell Premier Events (20.5%)  
Runner-up: The Berwick, 11.1%  
CATERER: LATE-NIGHT - Buckeye Donuts (22.3%)  
Runner-up: Mikey’s Late Night Slice, 20.3%  
RENTALS - Aiden & Grace Specialty Rentals (21.9%)  
Runner-up: Lasting Impressions Event Rental, 12.6%  
TRANSPORTATION - Short North Trolley/Columbus Trolley/Coach Quarters (17.5%)  
Runners-up: Fun Bus, 14.4%; Xtreme Limo, 14%  
HOTEL: NEWLYWEDS - Hotel LeVeque (21.6%) 
Runner-up: Le Méridien Columbus, The Joseph, 20.3% 
HOTEL: GUESTS - Hilton Columbus Downtown (15.7%)  
Runners-up: Hotel LeVeque, 12.8%; Le Méridien Columbus, The Joseph, 12.6%  
LOCAL BACHELOR PARTIES - Topgolf (21.4%)  
Runner-up: Pins Mechanical Co., 19%  
LOCAL BACHELORETTE PARTIES - The Big Bang Dueling Piano Bar (17.7%)  
Runner-up: Lincoln Social, 16% 

We are so proud to announce that we tied with Wows and Vows for BEST OFFICIANT in Columbus, Ohio.  Wows and Vows (25.9%) and Run to an Elopement (25.6%)

There are no words to describe how overwhelmed, proud and truly grateful for the support of our community!  Without you we are nothing and we strive to meet and exceed our couples expectations. So, thank you for voting for us.

Looking for a list of amazing vendors that we love to work with and HIGHLY recommend?  Head over to Columbus Monthly for the full story here!!

Held at CEDAR GROVE LODGE in Hocking Hills, Ohio and Southern Ohio, Heather & Cody's wedding was full to the brim of sentimental details. Initially dating in high school, the couple were reunited after a decade apart and rekindled their connection. With so much of their relationship spent there once they were reunited, it was a special spot to celebrate at. MANDY FORD captured their day.
After a proposal in Jamaica - which very nearly got derailed after a run-in with a giant crab - they were inspired to infuse these memories into the day. Lush, tropical tones paired beautifully against the colourful fall leaves. Their florist - SHAFFER CREATIVE - was so thoughtful to add a few stems of the flower, Heather, into the bouquet! Tropical stems were paired with pampas grass to pull in fall tones. Amber glasses were the perfect golden accent against dusty blue linens, making this wedding a one-of-a-kind event for their guests to enjoy!
Heather and Cody began dating weeks after Heather got into high school. Cody, an upperclassman, was along when some older boys drove the freshman girls to a football game. Heather and Cody felt a spark right away, and soon after, Cody asked Heather to homecoming. After that, they began a relationship. Like many high school relationships, Heather and Cody broke it off after a few years to do life on their own.
Their paths crossed on and off through their twenties, but they were both on different trajectories. After nearly a decade apart, Cody sent Heather a random text message that rekindled their friendship. It didn't take long for old feelings to flood back in. Even after all that time and change, they couldn't fight the same feelings they shared all those years before. At their wedding, Cody and Heather danced to "Greatest Love Story" by Lanco. This song parallels their love story perfectly. Photographer Mandy tells us, "I'm so happy that Cody and Heather found their way back to each other. Their story goes to show, even if you find the right person, it has to be the right time."

https://www.magnoliarouge.com/inspiration/after-a-decade-apart-this-couple-celebrated-with-a-sentimental-wedding/