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  RUN TO AN ELOPEMENT

 Windi's Wedding Wisdom

There's never a dull moment in the wedding biz! 
Here's some amusing tales, helpful tips and
lessons learned along the way.

Elopement and Micro Wedding Inspo and Tips...

5/6/2020

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PicturePhoto captured by Elizabeth Nihiser.
This Pandemic is crushing your wedding vision, you’ve spent countless hours and dollars planning the “perfect” wedding for you and your partner and then life “ass-handed” you. For those who don’t know this reference, it’s essentially the hardships of life being handed to you every day…no?  Anyway, elopements are our jam, our first love, the thing we do best--I mean, come on, it’s all in our name. But I digress - here’s our plan to ensure you are supported while considering an Elopement, Micro wedding, or a third “virtual guests” option; we will talk about this more a little later.  First, what’s the difference?
 
An Elopement is an intimate celebration that include you, your partner, your officiant, and maybe a photographer.
 
A Micro Wedding is also an intimate celebration, however, this one may include some guests – no more than 25.
 
Many wedding pros know your wedding day needs to be magical and unforgettable, even during Pandemics – it is still a celebration of your love, commitment and union as partners.  Plus, it’s a great time to be planning a wedding—quarantine livin’ allows for the space and time needed to meet your vendors virtually and do any “homework” that your vendors may require. Think out-of-the-box and also outside, as we all want to keep everyone’s health and safety in mind – meeting inside generally means closer quarters and may introduce some unnecessary boundary issues for those who have preexisting conditions. Our typical ceremony is 10-25 minutes in length and on the simple and sweet side if it is just the couple with no guests, though we do custom write each ceremony and so the length truly depends on your vision. We always offer some fun rituals that may support you on your wedding day, such as our meditative moment (which comes free with all of our services).  Ring blessings, which are a great way for your rings to be presented at the altar, are another really neat offering.  Other examples of additions can include smudging upon request or any of our many unique unity rituals. So, although you may not have a large guest count, the rite of marriage will still be beautifully presented and celebrated.

 
The Hocking Hills is one of our favorite places to meet with couples for this special day.  We perform about a third of our weddings each year in that region of Ohio, so that’s to say there is some wisdom that comes with that experience.  Here’s are a few tips to help you begin your planning process!
  1. If you are planning to utilize one of the many breathtaking locations with the Hocking Hills State Parks, we HIGHLY recommend applying for a permit – this ensures no one can be in “that magical location” while you are exchanging your vows. UPDATE: July 24th, 2020 Permits for elopements and wedding in the Hocking Hill State parks will not be issued until 2021.
  2. Want the luxury of having options and not want a public display of your love? Check out one of the many majestic locations to rent. There are SO many beautiful getaways in the hocking hills and many are small, family-owned businesses that need your support to make it through this crazy time we are all experiencing. They ALL have taking extra precautions to ensure the health and safety of their staff, their guests and the community.
  3. Relax, you are doing great!
 
We have a list of our favorite vendors in the area we are happy to share-- just email us.  Here are a few of our favorites because we have worked with them many times and know the integrity they carry in their practices.

PicturePhoto captured by Elizabeth Nihiser.
Sarah Shaffer, head creator and owner of Shaffer Creative Co.  has made this lovely guide to help you with your floral and décor needs—low guest count doesn’t mean you don’t deserve flair, beauty and romance. 



Cedar Grove Lodging & Events has the best sunsets, plenty of deer, super cozy, clean, spacious cabins for 2 and more check out their offerings.  The “Deer Run” is our favorite, it has a hot tub, gas grill, full kitchen with your basic necessities provided, a fire pit, an awesome back porch view of the woods for coffee drinking and bird watching in the mornings. It’s 10 minutes away from the parks and only 20 minutes from Downtown Logan AND they have plenty of beautiful little nooks and venues for an intimate celebration.  Plenty of room for social distancing.
Photo's capture by Windi
PicturePhoto captured by Elizabeth Nihiser
Pinkerton Cakes can provide you with a zero contact delivery of the wedding cake of your dreams, trust us! We have had the pleasure of sampling Megan’s tasty treats on several occasions.  Get the Macarons --trust me. Oh, wait and the cakes… oh goodness just look below and imagine how tasty they really are…


Can’t shake the need for your family to be present to witness your nuptials?  Loren Miller is making dreams come true with virtual weddings packages.  Loren’s offerings vary from simple ceremonies to a full-blown wedding experience that includes your friends and family, cake, toasts, dancing and more from the convenience of your guests’ homes.  This virtual wedding experience is a great way to keep your date while also keeping everyone safe and healthy! D.J. Loren is also a professional emcee and officiant – when this is all over we can throw a truly EPIC party, in the meantime, let’s get creative and make some magic happen while celebrating your love and commitment!

That's it for now...

With love,
Windi


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Uncommon Unity rituals we love...

2/23/2020

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When I sat down to begin writing this blog, I had a grand vision of providing you with a lengthy and inclusive list. Five thousand words later, I decided it wasn’t a blog—it was a novella. So here we are with part one of a three-part series that will showcase some of my favorite, truly unique unity rituals as well as a few that are a bit more common.  

Unity rituals are a lovely addition to any meaningful ceremony.  While they are not a requirement of a great ceremony, they are a fabulous way to break up the intensity of standing in front of a group of your closest loved ones. In addition, a well-planned unity ritual will engage your guest—so it’s a win-win.  I always encourage my couples to think outside the box, get creative and make it your own. Due to the vastness of this topic, our three-part series will be broken down into the following categories: “our favorites,” “family centered and/or guest participation” and “just the couple.” 

Ready to get started?  Awesome—I have had the opportunity to serve some truly rad couples and we have created some “outta’ the box” unity rituals for their special day.  Some of my favorites include:
Building a fire- This is great for outdoor weddings that allow open fires.  Our couple begins the ritual by lighting the fire.  Then we call upon your guests to keep the fire burning throughout the celebration by stoking and adding their own log to the fire.  It’s a great way to include everyone and bonus points for have a raging fire all night!
 
Geode Smashing- Where are my rock-hounds at?! Geodes are like the "Blow Pop" of the geology world because underneath the hard exterior lies a surprise center! This boulder shaped mineral is hollow in the middle and filled with sparkling crystals. To prepare the geode requires a bit of handiness and tools, but the outcome is worth the “work”.
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Photo Credit: Hailey Lauren Photography
Blending of Rosemary and EVOO- It’s all in the title—you take a high-quality extra virgin olive oil and add 3-5 sprigs of fresh organically grown Rosemary and seal the bottle. The intention is to pick a wedding anniversary when you will open the oil and use it for a romantic dinner or pair it with a vintage bottle of your favorite Red and a beautifully crusted bread. Rich in Mediterranean tradition.
 
Mixing of the signature cocktail/mocktail- This is a great way to debut your signature cocktail, your favorite drink or honestly, just get the party started!  Consider something fun like a Butterfly Peaberry tea Moscow mule or keep it simple with a Jack and Coke.  Whatever you choose be sure it represents your personalities, theme or wedding vibe.
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Photo credit: Stephanie Kase Photography

Lego Building- Where are my Master Builders at?!  We’re not talking about building the Death Star—unless you want your guests to help throughout the evening.  We usually recommend a set that is 150-250 pieces.  Lego makes a super cute wedding set that is 132 pieces – check it out here.  I have had past couples use their Lego creation as a cake topper or décor on the cake table after the ceremony!
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Photo credit: Doug Melvin Photography
Ring Blessing- Love minerals and crystals?  Me too!  We offer an awesome service that designed and manifested especially for you.  We hand select minerals based on their properties and fill then with our love and intentions.  Your minerals will be beautifully and thoughtfully place upon the grid for you during your meditation.  Lastly, we place your wedding bands upon the center stone and deliver them to the altar in style.  For more information on adding this service to you ceremony head over to ring blessings. I look forward to sharing part deux of the unity ritual series with you real soon!
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Photo credit J Hannah Photography
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Featured in Wedding Day Magazine

2/5/2020

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We are so excited to announce that our Spring shoot 2019 was featured AGAIN!  You may read the whole article in Wedding Day Magazine here.

Of course none of this would have been possible without the help of some fierce Wedding Pros from the Hocking hills regions:

Photography
Elizabeth Nihiser Photography
Venue
Cedar Grove Lodging and Events
Coordination, Planning & Officiant
Run to an Elopement
Floral Design & Decor
Shaffer Creative Co, LLC
Skirt
Weddings, Etc
Hair & Makeup
The Ultimate Look Salon I, II and III
Groom's Attire
Hawk's Nest
Cake & Macarons
Pinkerton's Cakes
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We won Again!!!

11/20/2019

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The Knot Best of Weddings - 2020 PickRun to an Elopement, LLC.
Run to an Elopement, LLC.
NAMED WINNER OF THE KNOT BEST OF WEDDINGS 2020

 
Fourteenth Annual Best of Weddings Awards Honor the Top Wedding Vendors Across America
 Columbus, Ohio, JNovember 20, 2019—Run to an Elopement is pleased to announce that they have been selected as a 2020 ­­winner of The Knot Best of Weddings, an accolade representing the highest- and most-rated wedding professionals as reviewed by real couples, their families and wedding guests on The Knot, a leading wedding planning brand and app. This is the second year in a row that we have been named a winner of The Knot Best of Weddings awards.
 
In 2020, only five percent of hundreds of thousands of local wedding professionals listed on The Knot received this distinguished award. In its fourteenth annual year, The Knot continues its longstanding tradition of supporting local wedding vendors with The Knot Best of Weddings 2020, an annual by-couples, for-couples guide to the top wedding professionals across the country. To determine the winners, The Knot analyzed its millions of user reviews across various vendor categories, including venues, musicians, florists, photographers, caterers and more, to find the highest rated vendors of the year. These winners represent the best of the best wedding professionals that engaged couples should consider booking for their own unique wedding.
 
“We are so very excited and grateful to win again this year,”
Windi Noble, Owner and Officiant, Run to an Elopement.
 
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Featured in Columbus Monthly

11/15/2019

1 Comment

 
Honestly? They had us at “floral mohawk.”
We see a lot of styled photo shoots, but every once in a while, we come across one that really stands out. Such is the case for today’s feature—a woodsy, bohemian elopement with an edgy twist.
This shoot began when Windi Noble of Run to an Elopement decided to showcase some of her favorite vendors in the Hocking Hills region in a destination-inspired styled wedding.
“Destination weddings are becoming more common, and we are very lucky to have such a beautiful and lush location only 40 minutes south of Downtown Columbus,” Noble says. “We want our future couples to see the possibilities available for their destination elopements or weddings.”
The models for this shoot had eloped in their backyard, Noble explains, adding, that it was “such an honor to give them the wedding experience that they never had.” The photogenic couple certainly wasn’t camera-shy, though we have to admit that the bride’s service dog, Petey, certainly stole the scene a time or two!
Vendors used
Photographer: Elizabeth Nihiser Photography
Coordination/officiant: Run to an Elopement
Flowers/décor: Shaffer Creative Co.
Venue: Cedar Grove Lodging and Events
Cake: Pinkerton’s Cakes
Bride: top from T.J.Maxx, skirt from Wedding, Etc., hair and makeup by The Ultimate Look
Groom: Hawk’s Nest
Models: Meg and Philip Russell (and Petey)

https://www.columbusmonthly.com/lifestyle/20191115/styled-shoot-edgy-boho-destination-elopement

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Congratulations on your engagement!   Here are our tips on how to acquire your marriage license.

9/13/2018

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When should we acquire our marriage license?
We suggest 2-3 weeks before your wedding date. No appointment is necessary.
 
What do we need to bring to the Probate Court to obtain our marriage license?
Driver’s License or State ID
Passport
Birth Certificate
Social Security card or know your Social Security number
Certified copy of the most recent divorce/annulment/dissolution decree, if applicable
 
Marriage licenses are only valid for 60 days from the date of issuance.
There is no waiting period in Ohio
You are not required to have a blood test
There is no premarital counseling required
Both applicants must be present
 
Where do we go to get our marriage license?
It depends on the county in which you reside--for Franklin county residents, you simply go to the marriage license department located 373 South High Street, 23rd Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215. Their hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; closed on holidays. For couples in surrounding counties, you will need to acquire your marriage license from your local probate court. Out-of-state residents, you will need to obtain your marriage license from the county in which your ceremony will be performed. We are happy to help guide you through this process, simply email r[email protected] . To obtain the address and/or phone number for your county please visit http://probate.franklincountyohio.gov/about/related-links.cfm
 
What is the fee for a marriage license?
It varies from county to county. Franklin county is only $65.
 
Who may perform a marriage ceremony?
Of course we would be honored to serve you-- however we understand that we couldn’t possibly serve every couple in Ohio. Any licensed and ordained minister/officiant registered with the Secretary of the State of Ohio, Judge, or Mayor is legally able to perform your ceremony.
Unsure if your officiant/minister is licensed by our state?
Check out https://www.sos.state.oh.us/records/minister-licenses/ to verify their license.
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Featured in EquallyWed

8/3/2017

1 Comment

 
We are super excited to share this with you!  Thanks to our friends over at Mak Rabbitt Photography we have been featured in EquallyWed.  Check out the article here. 

Special thanks to Billy and Tony for trusting that we would provide them with the most magical ceremony ever. Of course we are gushing with gratitude towards Tony and Sarah of Mak Rabbitt-- these two are simply the best.

That's all for now, but we'll be in touch again soon!

Love,
Windi
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Legally changing your name

2/9/2017

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How do I change my name?

There are no federal or state legal requirements that force a newlywed to assume their spouse's name after your marriage.  However, many couples choose to assume their partner's name or to combine their last names after exchanging vows.  In order to change your last name, you will need a certified copy of your marriage certificate, sometimes called a “marriage abstract”, from the probate court in the county in which you were married.
 
We are going to combine our last names or create a new last name—help!?

This process is a bit trickier and requires you to pay fees to the probate court.  If you were simply assuming your spouse’s name there are less paperwork and it if free to do.  To receive a court order to legally change your last names, you must file a formal request, called an Application for Change of Name of Adult.  Each county in Ohio use their own versions of this form and are available at the county's probate court or through the probate court's website.  Be sure to ask the clerk if you have all of the forms required to file.

Preparing to Change Your Name

Most organizations and governmental agencies will require the above-mentioned certified copy of your marriage certificate; it is best to obtain four or more official copies for your records.  As stated over and over, each county in Ohio is different – some of the smaller county’s will mail you a copy of your license; while other counties require you contact them personally to request copies and pay for those copies.
 
Please trust us when we say wait until after your honeymoon to legally change your name.  Many travel documents, including your passport, and any plane tickets purchased prior to your wedding, will be in your maiden name.  Changing your legal name on your passport usually takes up to six weeks after you send the appropriate documentation into the passport agency, including a certified copy of your marriage certificate.

Whom to Contact – Government Agencies

The first agency to file a change of name application is the United States Social Security Administration.  We recommend that you file this form promptly after your honeymoon, so that your records reflect your married name and/or status for the current tax year.  Rest assured that your Social Security number will not change, only the name on your card.  Even if you do not take your spouse's name, it is advisable to file with the Social Security Administration anyway in order to indicate a change in marital status.  A visit to your local Social Security office may be all that is necessary.  Please be aware that the representative may keep your copy of the certificate for the agency's records.  The U.S. Department of Immigration and Naturalization is another governmental agency that requires you to file an updated name form rather quickly after the wedding.

Other important agencies to contact – Banks, Insurance Companies—etc.

After receiving your new social security card you may now update your new legal name on your driver's license and on any insurance policies, including auto, health, medical, life and accidental death insurance policies, this step is very important.  Most, if not all, of these agencies will require a certified copy of your marriage certificate and a copy of your new social security card in order to update your policies.

It is also very important to quickly update your name on your bank accounts and any debit or credit cards attached to them.  Most banks will require you to furnish a copy of your updated driver's license and your certified copy of your marriage certificate when you are changing your name.

If you are taking your spouse's name after the wedding, or if you are combining your name with your spouse's last name, you will want to send a number of other organizations and agencies your new information.  In addition to Social Security, Bureau of Motor Vehicles, insurance, utilities and your banks, you will also want to change your name on vehicle titles and registrations, forms at your doctor's office and so on.  It is not necessary to change your name on club rosters, health club memberships and other recreational and professional organizations, but you may find it to be beneficial to do so over time.

Final Checklist

Remember to change your name with your local post office, your mortgage company and your voter registration.  You may also want to update your name on any real estate holdings you may have as well as leases, real estate loans, investment accounts and living wills.  Of course, don't forget to tell your employer to change your name for payroll purposes.


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Vow writing

1/29/2017

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How to write your own vows?

Many of my celebrants choose to write their own vows. I actually encourage it! It is a lovely way to demonstrate the love and commitment you share. The vows do not need to be lengthy; keep them short, sweet and speak from the heart. I am often asked, “How do we start?” 
Well, I’ve put together a quick guide that’s guaranteed to make your vow writing easy!
  • Don’t over think it!
Speak from the heart. You love the way he looks at you when he says I love you, mention it. She has a special way of easing your mind in crisis situations, mention it. You enjoy goofing around and being relaxed on the weekends, mention it. These vows are meant to be a reflection your relationship and what you love so much about your partner. That’s it. Please keep in mind the word vow means solemn promise so maybe consider using the words, “I promise to…”
  • Simple and sweet
I recommend 200 words or less. Like many of us, when we talk about the person we love, we could go on and on; this isn’t a bad thing. But for simplicity and time sake I recommend keeping your vows under 200 words. This will force you to highlight the best parts and the reason you decided to get married in the first place. Write them down. No one expects you to remember them. If a word limit isn’t your style put a time limit on it, I suggest 1-2 minutes max.
  • Don’t overshare
I’m sure that “one time” while on vacation stories are funny and insightful but do you really need to rehash it on your wedding day, in front of your family, standing at the altar? Probably not. It’s important to remember those funny little moments during the writing process, but your Aunt Sue doesn’t need to know about “that one time at band camp.” Feel free to share a quote or a song lyric that speaks from the heart or has meaning to you both.
  • Practice makes perfect
Anytime you are doing public speaking it is important to read aloud the content you are sharing at least three times. This will help you to keep the sincere sound you desire and also keep you from stumbling over your words. Sometimes when we read words aloud we bring awareness to potential need for edits that make the content flow more fluently. Remember to pause, look up and breathe. In the moment you will be nervous but if you have practiced in the mirror a few times it will help you to focus on the words and your spouse.
 
In closing, theknot.com has provided an excellent list of questions to consider when you are starting this process. I have listed them here for your convenience:
  1. Why did you decide to get married?
  2. What hard times have you gone through together?
  3. What have you supported each other through?
  4. What challenges do you envision in your future?
  5. What do you want to accomplish together?
  6. What makes your relationship tick?
  7. What did you think when you first saw your fiancé?
  8. When did you realize you were in love?
  9. What do you most respect about your partner?
  10. How has your life gotten better since meeting your mate?
  11. What about them inspires you?
  12. What do you miss most about them when you're apart?
  13. What qualities do you most admire in one another?
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Couple's Choice 

1/18/2017

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Run to an Elopement Honored For Excellence With 2017 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award®



Columbus, Ohio – January 18, 2017 – WeddingWire, the leading global online marketplace for the wedding and event industry, announced Run to an Elopement as a winner of the esteemed 2017 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards® for  Wedding Officiants in Columbus!
                       
The Couples’ Choice Awards recognize the top five percent of wedding professionals on WeddingWire who demonstrate excellence in quality, service, responsiveness, and professionalism. The prestigious awards are given to the top local wedding professionals across more than 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers, based on their professional achievements from the previous year.
                       
The WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards winners are determined solely based on reviews from real newlyweds and their experiences working with Run to an Elopement.  Award-winning vendors are distinguished for the quality, quantity, consistency and timeliness of the reviews they have received from their past clients.
                       
“The Couples’ Choice Awards’ ninth year features one of the most impressive groups of dedicated and acclaimed wedding professionals yet,” said Timothy Chi, CEO, WeddingWire. “It is our honor to work with high-caliber merchants, such as Run to an Elopement who not only make a couple's big day possible, but also contribute to the more than 2.5 million U.S. reviews represented on WeddingWire.  We congratulate all of this year's winners on their achievements.”
                       
 As a Couples’ Choice Awards® winner, Run to an Elopement is highlighted on WeddingWire, which is comprised of more than 200,000 wedding professionals in the U.S.
                        
 Run to an Elopement is thrilled to be one of the top Wedding Officiants in Columbus on WeddingWire. We would like to thank our past clients for taking the time to review our business on WeddingWire. We truly value all of our clients and appreciate the positive feedback that helped us earn a 2017 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award.
                       
For more information about Run to an Elopement please visit our website today at www.runtoanelopement.com
                       
To learn more about the WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards®, please visit www.weddingwire.com/couples-choice-awards.
                       
About WeddingWire, Inc.
 WeddingWire, Inc. is the leading global online marketplace connecting consumers with event and creative professionals. Operating within a $200 billion industry, WeddingWire, Inc. hosts 10 million monthly unique users across its mobile and web platforms. Consumers around the world are able to read over 3 million vendor reviews and search, compare and book from a database of over 400,000 businesses globally. It provides these businesses the technology they need to serve their clients through advertising, marketing and business management tools such as websites, payment processing, invoicing and contracts. Founded in 2007, the WeddingWire portfolio of sites serves couples and businesses across 15 countries in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia, making it the worldwide leader in weddings with brands including Bodas.net, Casamentos.com.br, Matrimonio.com and more. The company employs more than 800 and maintains global headquarters in Washington, DC and international headquarters in Barcelona, Spain. 

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  • Windi's Wedding Wisdom
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