What do you serve at a hobbit picnic Redwoods elopement?

The Offbeat Couple: Anim (they/them) & Mariah (they/them)

Date & Location: 09/12/2024, Jedediah Smith Redwoods, California

When Anim and Mariah set out to plan their wedding, they had one goal: to celebrate their love without worrying about people-pleasing or judgment. As they explained, “We want an event where we can focus on each other, ourselves, the moment, and whatever we want/feel like, in a more fantasy, almost fairy-like setting, because… cheesy as this sounds… it really feels like a fantasy dream come true.”

And honestly? That is exactly what they created.

A first look with a twist

Typically, the partner wearing the gown approaches the other for a first look, but as a nonbinary couple, Anim and Mariah do things their own way. Mariah waited as Anim revealed their wedding look (which included floral details that Anim embroidered on their jacket!), and the reaction? Pure magic. Awestruck by each other, they soaked in the moment before setting off on an adventure deep into the towering redwoods of Northern California.

Their ceremony took place at Damnation Creek Trailhead (yes, the name is metal as hell). They exchanged vows in the midst of the ancient giants.

They held hands, took in the calm, and made a ritual of marking the exact moment they became newlyweds. No distractions… just the two of them, their love, and the trees standing witness. Their officiant, Sam Starns, guided them through a deeply personal ceremony.

A hobbit-worthy picnic in the woods

These two are self-proclaimed Tolkien nerds, fae dreamers, and fantasy lovers. Their elopement wouldn’t have been complete without a Middle Earth-inspired feast. After exploring the redwoods (and admiring some oversized slugs along the way), they made their way to Templeman Grove, where a perfectly curated woodland picnic awaited them.

As they approached, the soft sounds of the Shire soundtrack filled the air, setting the scene for their fairytale meal. Their setup, beautifully planned by Beyond the Sorrel, blended celestial and hobbit-core aesthetics, featuring hand-painted starry candles, vintage goblets, and (because it wouldn’t be an authentic hobbit spread without them) potatoes. (If you know, you know!)

They feasted on an assortment of goodies from CC’s Diner and Ice Cream, a 1950s-style diner in Crescent City. Instead of committing to a single entree, they embraced their “mood eater” status and opted for a little bit of everything. They finished with a hot fudge sundae instead of a traditional wedding cake.

Swords, stars, and coastal cliffs

If you thought this wedding couldn’t get more epic, just wait. There were swords. Anim and Mariah wielded their blades throughout the day, fully embodying the fantasy warrior aesthetic.

Anim’s suit, from Vardo, was the perfect balance of dramatic and elegant, with hand-embroidered floral details on their shoes by HanEmbroiders.

Meanwhile, Mariah’s ethereal dress from Desert Moon Bridal, was pretty much the ultimate expression of the day's enchanted forest vibes.

To complete the look, Mariah’s hair was adorned with a stunning piece by Avigail Adam, and her custom Converse from CustomConversDesigns brought just the right touch of whimsy. Their hair and makeup, skillfully done by Emma Randall Hair and Southern Oregon Makeup Artistry, tied everything together flawlessly.

After soaking in the redwoods, the pair ventured to the coastline for blue-hour portraits. Standing on the cliffs overlooking the Pacific, lanterns in hand, they held each other close as the sun dipped below the horizon. With the waves crashing below and the sky shifting into twilight, it was the perfect ending to a day that felt like stepping straight into a storybook.

A love story written in the stars

Anim and Mariah are more than partners. They see themselves as the same soul in two bodies. Their wedding was a reflection of everything they love: fantasy, adventure, the magic of nature, and most importantly, each other. Oh, and in case you’re wondering… yes, Anim changed their last name.

Wedding vendors:

• Mariah's Hairpiece: Avigail Adam | @avigail.adam
• Anim's Suit: Vardo | vardo_official_
• Mariah's Shoes: CustomConversDesigns | @customconversdesigns
• Ahim's Shoes: HanEmbroiders | @hanembroiders
• Mariah's Dress: Desert Moon Bridal | @desertmoonbridal
• Makeup: Southern Oregon Makeup Artistry | @southernoregonmakeup
• Hair: Emma Randall Hair | @emmarandallhair
• Officiant: Sam Starns | @samstarns
• Florals: Pine and Petal Weddings | @pineandpetalweddings
• Picnic Planner and Coordinator | Beyond the Sorrel | @beyondthesorrel

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