How Lillian and Jonathan Celebrated Their First Anniversary After Their Elopement
Photos by Kurt Boomer | Planning and Production by Summer Newman Events | Coordination by Sincerely Us Events
Lillian and Jonathan had eloped the year before, keeping their wedding day small and intimate. While their elopement was a special moment just for them, they knew they wanted to celebrate with all their friends and family. Fast forward one year, and the couple was ready to throw a party to remember! They envisioned a casual yet elevated celebration for 100 guests, and with the help of expert planner and designer, Summer Newman, they made that dream come true. Here’s how they crafted the perfect post-elopement anniversary celebration in our Outdoor Veranda.
A Party One Year in the Making
Lillian and Jonathan's decision to elope felt right at the time, but they missed sharing that joy with their loved ones. Instead of a traditional wedding reception, they opted to throw an anniversary party that would blend elegance with casual fun. Their focus was on creating a relaxed atmosphere where their friends and family could celebrate and enjoy good food, music, and company.
Summer Newman’s Expert Touch
To bring their vision to life, Lillian hired Summer Newman, a well-known event designer and planner in Los Angeles. Summer’s expertise helped create the perfect blend of a laid-back vibe with elevated touches. The venue was decorated to reflect the couple’s style: chic yet approachable, making every guest feel like part of the celebration.
The ceremony itself was short and sweet, just the way Lillian and Jonathan wanted it. After all, this was a celebration, not a redo of their wedding day!
Food, Fun, and an Unforgettable Celebration
When it came to the reception, the couple went all out in creating a unique dining experience. Instead of a traditional catered meal, Lillian and Jonathan brought in some of their favorite local food vendors, adding to the casual and fun atmosphere:
Heavy Handed: Known for their mouthwatering burgers and fries, the food truck was a hit with guests, offering comfort food with gourmet flair.
Taco Guy: What party is complete without tacos? Guests enjoyed a build-your-own taco bar, with freshly made tortillas and a variety of toppings to suit every palate.
Ice Cream Truck: To top off the night, an ice cream truck rolled in, offering sweet treats for dessert. Guests could cool down with a scoop of their favorite flavor while mingling and dancing the night away.
Tips for Planning Your Own Post-Elopement Celebration
If you're inspired by Lillian and Jonathan’s anniversary party, here are a few tips for planning your own post-elopement event:
Hire a Planner: Like Lillian, hiring a planner can take the stress off your shoulders. An experienced planner can turn your vision into reality and handle all the logistics.
Choose Fun and Unique Food Options: Ditch the traditional sit-down dinner for food trucks or stations that offer guests a variety of options. It’s a great way to keep the atmosphere relaxed and interactive.
Keep the Ceremony Simple: If you’re hosting a post-elopement party, a short, sweet ceremony can be a great way to kick things off without making the event feel like a second wedding.
A Night to Remember
Lillian and Jonathan’s anniversary party was everything they dreamed of. Surrounded by their closest friends and family, they celebrated their love in a way that felt true to them—fun, laid-back, and full of good food and laughter. It was the perfect way to mark one year of marriage and share the joy of their elopement with the people who matter most.
Lillian and Jonathan's post-elopement celebration shows that love can be celebrated in so many unique ways. By blending the casual fun of food trucks with the elegance of an intimate party, they created an event that was as memorable as their wedding day. If you’re planning your own post-elopement celebration, take inspiration from their story and plan a day that reflects your personality and relationship.