about us
Elopement gurus, adventure seekers, and your new best friends
the ottawa elopements team:
how we
began
None of who we are or what we do is traditional. In fact, even the way we created our Ottawa Elopements team is anything but ordinary. We started this business after knowing each other for half a cup of coffee – true story!
But after discovering we had so many shared values and a common love for elopements, it was the easiest decision we ever made. Our clients are our first priority. The outdoors, our playground. And crafting unique experiences for our couples is the best way we could ever imagine spending our time. So welcome to the family. We’re so happy to have you here!
Karen
she / her
queen of ceremonies
master of planning
competitive curler
Lauren
she / her
photography maverick
world traveller
professional bridesmaid
Being both a certified wedding planner and registered officiant, Karen believes there is no one right way to get married. In her own words, “you should have the option to do whatever feels right to you”. And she works hard to make that happen for all of her clients. Although she lives in the heart of downtown Ottawa, she escapes to the outdoors at every chance she gets. Along with her wife Kat and pup Phyn, they are weekend cottagers, backcountry campers, and nature lovers through and through.
A big advocate for living life your own way, Lauren spends her summers in Ottawa and winters in Colombia. Along with her fiancé Erik (from the Netherlands) and cat Xiao Gui (from Taiwan), they are an international motley crew who believe life is too short to live it later. Being a full-time photographer for the past 4 years, Lauren has grown to appreciate weddings in their tiniest form: elopements. As more of a friend than a vendor, Lauren will do whatever it takes to capture your best memories.
together, we are your ottawa elopements team.
and we are
proud
of our brand values:
integrity
It’s important to acknowledge that we live and work on the unceded territory of the Anishinabe Algonquin Nation. We are working to deepen our understanding of our own participation in colonialism, and the longstanding history that has brought us to reside here. We stand in solidarity with all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit persons who were here from time immemorial.
humanity
We believe that all human beings are equal. And should be treated equally – no matter who you are, whom you love, or how you identify yourself. This is a safe space for people of all genders, abilities, sexual orientations, skin pigmentations, belief systems, body shapes/sizes, and cultural backgrounds. Everyone is welcome here. Hateful comments, however, are not.
responsibility
Ottawa elopements cares deeply about the environment and protecting our planet. Within a high-waste industry like the wedding industry, we mission to do better. We craft elopements with sustainability as a priority. And although we’re not perfect, we strive to be carbon neutral, plastic-free, and eco-friendly. “Take only pictures, leave only footprints” is our mantra.
community
Our local community and wedding industry is important to us. We believe in supporting each other. We have spent years connecting with like-minded small business owners who we are proud to bring into our family and refer to our clients. Through a careful selection process, our Ottawa Elopements team only works with vendors whose values align with our own.
safety
Because we are living under a global pandemic, our clients safety is our priority. We always stay up to date on current Covid-19 restrictions and regulations. This is to ensure you have a risk-free elopement that meets all the government requirements. We believe that it’s possible to have an amazing wedding day despite the pandemic. Spread love, not germs!
honesty
An elopement experience that reflects who you are in the most honest way possible, starts with an honest relationship between all of us. It is our belief that the foundation of every relationship comes down to trust. And trust requires honesty. We endeavour to be transparent, always. We communicate openly at all times. And we have your back, no matter what.
