Tradition is seeped into my bones. 

I grew up with family reminding me of the importance of our culture. I see it everywhere now, in nature, and in the things left behind. That’s tradition- the way we were raised, and how we see the world through the way the past once saw it. 

I can’t tell you the amount of times I’ve heard folks say, “I’m part Irish,” with a wide and proud smile, usually as their downing or crushing a can of Guinness. But, what does that actually mean? And, how can you honor your heritage in your elopement ceremony?

You want to show how you grew up? Cause you’re proud of who you are. You want to honor your legacy and take part in traditions that are focused on love, connection, and often spiritual ties. But, you also want these traditions to reflect who you are, reflect where you currently stand, and the modern ideologies we follow. A balance between who you are, and where you came from. 

A traditional Irish wedding heavily focuses on the color green. An “outdoor wedding” is Irish tradition, and you can reflect this in your adventure elopement. Ireland is a sprawling, natural landscape of rolling hillsides, vast moores, and stunning cliffsides all brushed with lush, green flora. You see it is a prevalent color in my work. It’s rich and warm, inviting and safe. Green is the color of life, the first sign of spring, the notion of rebirth. It’s a representation of the past, the future, new beginnings, and is so excellent a backdrop for an elopement entering into your new life with your partner or family.

Times change too. We all know that a lot of traditions can feel outdated and sometimes uncomfortable. I mean, having to have your daughter come with a dowry before you marry is definitely not something that’s needed anymore. 

But, there are some aspects of traditions that should be reprised, modernized, and passed on. Handfasting is an Irish tradition that birthed the saying, “tying the knot.” You hold your partner’s hand as a rope or ribbon or silk or cloth bind you together for the rest of your life. This would be done way before your elopement, as a promise you aren’t going anywhere- declaring your love before the actual event, but nowadays that’s typically represented with an engagement gift, typically a ring of some kind. Why not havesomething so beautiful and poignant declaration of  love be included during your vows? 

As a way of modernizing the tradition to better suit who you are? I’ve always found it beautiful when this tradition is used in elopements before the vows are spoken. You’re showing your love, your devotion, then speaking out the feeling you hold deep inside for the person you love most.

Wanna tie the knot during your elopement? Holler at me!

I’m KB, a traveling photographer based in Tennessee for musicians, cowboys, and true love. I’m all for wild adventures, or moody, dreamy, quiet elopements on the Irish hillsides.