Luke & Gouri’s Elopement

When Covid forced Luke and Gouri’s large wedding celebration in India to be canceled, they made some lemonade. Like, serious lemonade.

One of the sweetest, brightest spots in the doom that’s been 2020 was spending the day with them in North Carolina, where neither of them live, with no family or friends present. They had each other, they had the mountains and streams, and they had a new plan known only by them.

They said goodbye to what could have been and hello to what was - a day with memories likely more profound than the original. When things were stripped away beyond their control, they grabbed hold of each other and moved forward into the unexpected with their love at the helm. The result was an adventure they’ll remember forever, one they’ll retell to their family and friends, future children too. Their ultimate lemons to lemonade - their spontaneous, epic elopement.

Luke and Gouri rented a cabin nestled in the beautiful North Carolina woods where they stayed for the weekend and got ready for their big (small) day. Gouri had a gorgeous red sari purchased for her original Indian wedding. Normally, it takes a team of women to efficiently get someone into such a gown. Watching Luke lovingly take on the task and help Gouri put on her dress one intricate step at a time might be the best thing we’ve seen a groom do in the getting ready phase. Luke’s traditional kurta was the perfect compliment. The lush mountainous backdrop sealed the deal - we were in for a monumental day. 

The ceremony took place at a North Carolina hidden gem, Secret Waters Highlands, a quaint, breathtaking venue for intimate events. After an outfit change into traditional American wedding attire, Luke and Gouri exchanged vows and became husband and wife beneath a waterfall in the woods. As steady as that water flowed is the steadiness of their love. It grounded them through one of life’s biggest curveballs. It kept them full of joy and calm even in chaos. 

Highlands, NC is known for waterfalls throughout its scenic landscape. We ended the day with an impromptu waterfall shoot discovered only after leaving the venue and saying goodbye. Luke and Gouri saw our car parked at the sight and pulled over for some final photos. They walked beneath the large fall, letting the waters splash them as they looked up and laughed and kissed. 

For all the weddings removed from our 2020 calendar year, this elopement has filled us with hope. Where there is love, there is joy, and we will all be okay.

Thank you, Gouri and Luke, for making the best lemonade and inviting us along for the ride.

Planner: Scarlet Plan & Design
Venue: Secret Waters Highlands
Cake: Hey Hey Cupcake
Hair/Makeup: AnaRie Brides
Gown: The Sentimentalist