From Elopement Queen to Bride to Be

I’m getting married! Yep, Jenny Mac, the Elopement Queen herself, is tying the knot. And let me just say — this whole planning-a-wedding thing? Way more complicated than it looks, even when it’s literally your job.

Being on this side of things has given me a whole new appreciation for what my couples go through. So, let’s talk about it — all the dilemmas, dreams, and decisions that come with planning an elopement. Spoiler: there’s a lot.

Dreaming Big: Where Should We Elope?

Every couple has those special places that come to mind when they start dreaming about their wedding day. For me and Michael, it’s Morocco and Oaxaca, Mexico. Both places are meaningful to us and  — bonus! They make for insanely gorgeous backdrops.

As a photographer, I have to consider the photos. I want to get married somewhere where I can really have fun playing with the environment. The colors, the textures, the light — I need a location that inspires me, and both Morocco and Mexico tick all the boxes.

But this decision isn’t just about pretty pictures. It’s about what feels right. And honestly? Right now, I’m still figuring that out.

To Invite or Not to Invite? That Is the Question

Eloping can mean so many different things. For some, it’s a private moment with just the two of you. For others, it’s an intimate celebration with a tight-knit group. Michael is leaning toward the “just us” vibe, but I’m torn.

I want my close friends and chosen family there to celebrate with us, but my actual family? Complicated doesn’t even begin to describe it. Divorces, siblings who don’t talk, and wildly different energies between my “friend family” and biological family — it’s a lot.

Mixing those groups feels… unnecessary. Instead, I’m thinking about splitting it up  — a family dinner here, a friend party there. That way, I can have both without the awkward dynamics.

NYC Micro-Wedding or Destination Wedding?

Do I stay local and keep it classic with an NYC micro-wedding? Or do I pack my bags and head to Mexico for a dreamy destination vibe? Decisions, decisions.

Here’s the deal: if I went with NYC, I’d probably spend my entire budget on flowers. I’m talking Kim Kardashian marrying Kanye-level floral installations because I love flowers, and I want to be surrounded by them.

But then there’s Mexico. Renting a villa on the beach, inviting my closest friends, and keeping it simple with a laid-back ceremony? That sounds like heaven. A few years ago, I rented a villa in Oaxaca for a week, invited a ton of friends, and it was one of the best experiences of my life. Recreating that for my wedding sounds pretty amazing.

Of course, there are a few hesitations…

The Photographer Dilemma

This one is SO important. The photographer isn’t just someone snapping photos — they’re capturing the feel of the day. The emotions, the energy, the little in-between moments that make it yours.

For me, it’s crucial to find a local photographer who knows all the hidden spots and can guide me to the perfect places. Someone who really gets me, makes me feel comfortable, and lets me have some creative freedom.

But hiring a photographer from thousands of miles away? Terrifying. What if they don’t understand my vibe? What if we don’t click? The photos need to capture the magic, and finding someone who gets that is a non-negotiable.

Will Wedding Planning Take Over My Life?

This is my ultimate fear. I’ve seen friends get sucked into the black hole of wedding planning, even for small micro-weddings. They come out the other side exhausted, stressed, and questioning all their life choices.

My life is already full. I’m running a business, raising two kids, hanging with friends, and squeezing in a little downtime when I can. The idea of sacrificing all of that to plan a wedding? No thanks.

That’s why finding the right planner is non-negotiable. Someone who gets my vision, handles the details, and lets me focus on what matters — being excited about marrying Michael.

Finding a planner for a Micro-Wedding

Dreaming about villas in Mexico and riads in Morocco is fun… until you remember the budget.

Destination weddings can be pricey, and finding vendors who specialize in micro-weddings isn’t always easy. Planners, especially, tend to cater to larger weddings, so finding someone who’s willing to work for a smaller event is tricky. But if anyone can figure this out, it’s me. 😉

The Beauty of Balance: What I Know for Sure

Right now, I’m not stressing. We’re not in a rush, and I know the answers will come with time. That’s the beauty of this whole process — it’s a chance to slow down, dream big, and savor the excitement of what’s ahead.

But here’s the thing about balance: Michael and I are on opposite ends of the spectrum, and that’s what makes us work. I’m the patient one, the “let’s take our time and enjoy the process” person. Michael? Not so much. He’s ready to throw his hands in the air and say, “Let’s just do it!” and elope tomorrow.

And honestly? I love that about him. It’s one of the best parts of this journey — figuring out how to meet in the middle. So yeah, I’m totally open to him convincing me to drop everything and elope on a whim if it feels like the right moment. Who knows? Maybe we’ll wake up one morning and think, “Today’s the day!”

Here’s what I know for sure: wherever we end up — whether it’s NYC, Morocco, or a beach in Mexico — it’s going to be perfect because it’ll be ours.

So, wherever you are in your planning process, I hope you give yourself this same gift. Let yourself dream, explore, and enjoy the ride. Being engaged is such a magical time — don’t let the stress of planning take that away. Cherish it. Have fun with it. And trust that your day will be amazing because it’ll be yours.

Ready to Dream Up Your Perfect Elopement?

If you’re on the fence about eloping or just don’t know where to start, I’m here for you. At Eloping Is Fun, we make the process exciting, stress-free, and (most importantly) fun! Feel free to Contact Us with any questions you may have. And don’t forget to give yourself permission to dream big, take your time, and have fun. You’ve got this. 💌