Alexandra + Justin's Wedding - Tara Lauren Real Love Tara Lauren

Alexandra + Justin’s wedding was a bright and intimate elopement amongst the hot air balloons in Cappadocia.

Of her WREN gown by Tara Lauren, Alexandra said: “I wanted a dramatic, but simple dress, and when I tried on WREN, I knew she was for me. I felt like I could move so freely and no matter how I stood it looked good. Also… that train!!!”

Names: Alexandra + Justin

Wedding Date: 09.09.2021

Guest Numbers: 2 (We eloped, but we brought along our best friends)

Wedding Location: Cappadocia, Turkey

Photographer: Murat Guven

Tell Us Your Love Story

How did you meet?

We were actually friends for a while before we became a couple. He asked me on a date and I hadn’t dated in a while, so to be honest, I thought it would be a nice way to dip my toes into the dating pool with someone I was comfortable with. About 15 minutes into the date I remember thinking ‘uh oh – I really like him’.

How did he put a ring on it?

His sister asked me to take photos of her family on our niece, Harper’s, 2nd birthday. Little did I know they were all in on the plan. We went to a park nearby and as I was taking photos, Harper brought me a ‘present’ to say thank you. She quickly unwrapped the present herself (what 2 year old doesn’t want to open a present) and before I knew it, she was holding a ring in her hand and Justin was down on one knee…. So, technically, his niece put a ring on it!

Where did you draw inspiration from?

We knew we wanted to elope… especially with the uncertainty around events that the pandemic has caused. Going to Cappadocia has been on top of my bucket list for a while. Hundreds of hot air balloons go up every morning, and when I spotted a photo on Instagram one day of a bride and groom in front of this epic scene, I knew that was exactly what I wanted to do.

What made the wedding personal to you?

Eloping made the wedding pretty personal. We signed our papers before we went, so technically we were already legally married. So, for our ceremony in Cappadocia, we had Peter, our best friend, officiate for us. He made the ceremony so personal, and all four of us were crying! It was honestly such a great day of doing whatever we wanted. We even had a nap in the middle of the day (the balloons go up around 6 a.m., so we got married that early!)

What were you most nervous or excited about?

Eloping comes with its own stresses. I’m very organized, so planning a wedding (even though there were only 4 of us) from thousands of miles away came with its own pain points. I really had to let a lot go and just hope it all worked out, and honestly it did… even the things that weren’t exactly the way I wanted didn’t matter on the day of. When it came down to it, I was in an incredible place with two of my best friends and my husband celebrating us… all of the imperfections made it perfect!

Now, the most important part – the Dress!

Tell us about your dress?

I was obsessed with WREN. I wanted a dramatic, but simple dress, and when I tried on WREN, I knew she was for me! Having the taupe bodice made it unique and different, not your typical all white wedding dress, and I can’t tell you how comfortable it was. The dress held me in so perfectly, I felt like I could move so freely, and no matter how I stood it looked good – which was a big selling point. Also… that train!!!

What stockist did you get it from?

Sash + Bustle, ON. I was the last appointment at Sash and Bustle before Ontario went into an insanely long lockdown due to COVID. I really felt like the dress was meant to be mine for that very reason… I lucked out so much!

What was your most memorable moment from your day?

Honestly, it was all incredibly memorable. We went around with our photographer to shoot at a few different locations and at each spot we would meet locals, have drinks and celebrate with them – it was such a fun experience!