2.22.22 Elopement Giveaway | Brittany + Ernesto
Early in 2022, my friend Penny and I were brainstorming when we thought up the concept of a 2.22.22 elopement giveaway. Our first concern was whether we could actually pull it off in time, but we never should have doubted our generous neighbors. Chattanooga is FULL of people who love to bless others, and we had no problem lining up a dream team of vendors to make this little dream we had come to be a reality!
Within just a couple of weeks, we had pulled together everyone we needed to start taking nominations! And nominations came in from literally all over the country. We took our nominations and took off any identifying information and let our vendors choose the love story they most wanted to participate in. Out of all the submissions, Brittany + Ernesto were the ones chosen!
Brittany grew up in Chattanooga and currently resides in Las Vegas. After having to postpone her wedding several times, her mom nominated her for this elopement so that she could have her dream of getting married in her hometown.
One of the reasons they had put off their wedding was that they had suffered the loss of Brittany's father in the last few years. She couldn't imagine having a wedding without her father walking her down the aisle.
When Brittany found out that she and Ernesto were chosen, she felt as though not only her father but Ernesto's father also had a part in bringing this magic to life. Ya see... Ernesto also lost his father at a young age. The couple felt as though their fathers were somewhere together conspiring for their kids to have their dream wedding. So they said "YES!" and booked flights from Las Vegas to Chattanooga on last minute notice.
And even though their families weren't present, the magic sure was when Ernesto saw Brittany for their first time on their wedding day.
In the middle of Downtown Chattanooga, the couple said "I Do" at the trendy Waterhouse Pavilion venue. However, the courtyard was so beautiful, and the couple loved the city feel, so that's where we set up their ceremony.
The couple prepared their own vows that had been literal years in the making.
We all laughed when Ernesto tried to sneak in a kiss as Brittany finished her vows, and we all yelled, "No! Not yet!" together.
And even with the laughter, one of the sweetest love stories unfolded before us...
Couples who laugh throughout their entire ceremony are certainly my kind of couples.
We joked that they sealed their vows with rings...
and MULTIPLE kisses!
CHEERS to Mr. and Mrs. Santos!
Miller Plaza comes complete with a full stage, so of course we used it for dancing!
Did I mention that the groom is a DJ? Dancing is a natural part of life for these two, so it made sense to make that a part of their wedding photos.
And even though it was February, we were getting early spring vibes from Miller Park!
What a dream...
After the ceremony, we took in some beautiful waterfront sites along the Tennessee River, flowing through Downtown Chattanooga.
The couple enjoyed dinner at Puckett's Grocery after their ceremony, overnight accommodations by the Edwin Hotel, and breakfast at Whitebird Restaurant, located at the Edwin.
One of the great things about elopements in Chattanooga is that there are new works of art everywhere you turn. This walkway didn't even exist just a few years ago, neither did this modern construction. I love the swanky feel it gave to their couple portraits.
But the best focus of all is on these two.
Penny and I (co-hosts for the Giveaway) were so excited to be able to show off some of the best of Chattanooga to Brittany and Ernesto. Even though Brittany is a Chattanooga native, she kept saying how much things have changed since the last time she was here about a decade ago.
Making new memories in a familiar place was exactly what Brittany had dreamed of for her wedding day, and that's exactly what she got. :)
And... we were overwhelmed by the response that we received - not just from couples - but from local vendors who wanted to participate in the Giveaway if we did it again... So....
WE ARE DOING IT AGAIN!!!
Our 2.22 Elopement Giveaway is going into its SECOND year! We cannot wait to start reading through the love stories that are submitted for 2023!
THANK YOU to the Vendor Team who made the 2022 Elopement Giveaway possible!
PHOTOGRAPHER | Ivey Photo FLORALS | Fox and Fern STATIONERY | Catharine Coll Creative COORDINATION | Arrival Events BAR + COCKTAILS | Tipsy Tin OFFICIANT | Penny Chevalley HAIR | Alexis Holloway, The Big Tease Salon MAKEUP | Crimson Robinson JEWELRY | Gilted Thread DIAMONDS ON LOAN | The Finery House VENUE | The Waterhouse Pavilion at Miller Plaza, managed by River City Company FOOD | Puckett's Grocery CAKE | Noogarons HOTEL | The Edwin Hotel BREAKFAST | Whitebird Chattanooga, at The Edwin Hotel
If you are a vendor who is interested in participating in our 2023 Elopement Giveaway, scheduled for Wednesday, February 22, 2023, please CLICK HERE to fill out our Vendor Application Form.
Entry Applications for Couples will open on January 1, 2023.
Stay tuned to @iveyphoto.pie and @tipsytin on Instagram for Announcements!