Ecuador Cloud Forest Elopement

Michaela & Edward

Edward and Michaela had the most intimate and meaningful wedding celebration in the most spectacular location. We truly have not seen more breathtaking photographs!

The couple chose to celebrate their marriage in the Ecuadorian Cloud Forest and follow it with a honeymoon on the Galapagos Islands. Their wedding was a true celebration of their love for one another, it was intimate, romantic and full of special personalised touches. The fun loving couple also included a spot of adventure into their celebrations with a pre-wedding adventure tour!

Edward and Michaela’s wedding was expertly planned by Jamila & Juliette who completely understood the couple and combined all their wishes into the most amazing Ecuador Cloud Forest elopement.

A little word from us…can you spot the couple in the photograph above? We think this is truly incredible!

Why a Wedding Abroad…

For Edward and Michaela, sharing this important moment together as one felt absolutely right. Leading busy lives in the US, both working and studying, they wanted to enjoy some time by themselves and experience something completely unique and different for their wedding day. As some family members would be unable to attend their wedding, this cemented their views and lead the way for the most breathtaking celebration…an Ecuador Cloud Forest elopement.

Why an Ecuador Cloud Forest Elopement…

They searched for several places, among them, Ecuador and the Caribbean islands. They discovered Ecuador allowed them to get married in the Cloud Forest and then honeymoon on the Galapagos Islands….a place they had both always wanted to visit.

Wedding Vision…

Edward and Michaela wanted something natural; use of the greeneries and local flowers but also romantic. The groom wanted the bride to have everything, she had a personal assistant, make-up artist, and hairstylist and everyone was there for her. They wanted to feel free and have nothing to worry about, just appreciate the beauty of the forest. They had talented musicians for the ceremony and a private dinner on the top of the hills.

Wedding Ceremony and Reception…

The ceremony and the reception were held at a small resort in the Cloud Forest.

Edward and Michaela chose a humanist ceremony performed by an Ecuadorian Humanist officiant. The ceremony was completely personalised and included poems and special readings.

A very emotional moment was when the officiant asked the couple to remember the family members who were not there, talking about the groom’s mom who recently passed away.

On the Day…

After having breakfast together, the bride had a personal assistant and make-up artist help her to get  ready in her suite. The groom went to another room to get prepared. Both the videographers and photographers were there to capture these moments.

At 11:00 am the Officiant, Fausto was preparing the ceremony and was waiting for the groom. Once ready, Edward went under the chuppah and waited for Michaela.

At 11:30am Pablo Guitarra, played the entrance song a “thousand years” by Christina Perri.

The ceremony lasted 25 minutes. Following this the couple had a first dance and left for an additional wedding photo session near the venue.

When they come back they had a 5 course menu, cooked in front of them in the Cloud Forest, by Chef Andres Carrera accompanied by champagne and wine.

While eating, the musicians, a violoncellist and violinist played beautiful songs, most of them modern.

Edward and Michaela were leaving early the following day for their honeymoon on the Galapagos Islands.

Details…

Jamila & Juliette included a lot of handmade details for the couple: small linen cushions with sewed initials, handcrafted personal menus, handmade linen napkins, small hummingbirds made by Ecuadorian crafters and beautiful forest plates made by the Colombian company Corona amongst other things!

Wedding Attire…

The beautiful bride wore a Chardonnay strapless WATTERS dress.

The dress exposed boning in the corset bodice shapes, it had a structured strapless sweetheart silhouette and the embroidered ribbon with pearls nipped the waist. Details at the hip ensured an hourglass and the soft, flowing gown was perfect for Michaela.

The handsome groom had a traditional black wool tuxedo by Ralph Lauren.

Advice for Planning a Wedding Abroad…

When planning your wedding abroad, there are lot of things you must take into account; the seasons, the distances from the airport or from the capital, if the venue provides stay for the entire wedding party. I recommend hiring a professional, it can help you save money, and it will help you save an enormous amount of time and provide you with the best vendors. I would also recommend getting married in a place that means something to you, whether you are both nature lovers, hikers, or you always wanted to know the country where you want to tie the knot, there should be a reason behind choosing your destination.

The Perfect Partners

Wedding Planner: Jamila & Juliette // Wedding Photographer: Ernesto Jun Santos // Wedding Videographer: CC video (no website) // Ceremony and Reception Venue: El Encanto Resort   // Bridal Dress: Brides by WATTERS //  Grooms Attire: Ralph Lauren // Hair & Make-Up: Carolina Valdiviezo // Ceremony Musicians: Monterverdi services: Santiago and Pablo Guitarra // Flowers: Jamila & Juliette // Personal Chef: Andres Carrera  // Stationery: Jamila & Juliette design and printing of the menus, and the other printed details