If the thought of scrapping the big party has ever crossed your mind, the following elopement at The Prairie in Round Top, Texas may cause you to pull the trigger. This sunny venue epitomizes Shabby Chic, maybe because it’s owned by the brand’s founder, Rachel Ashwell. What’s better than a stunning bride in a ruffle laden Vera Wang gown jumping on a bed before saying her I-do’s? Perhaps the groom joining her for a second post-nup sesh, and maybe the fact that the only witnesses other than the preacher and the photographer were of the furry four legged variety. Many say everything is bigger in Texas, but you’ll be thinking small is the new big after after you take a peek at the rest of these Amanda Marie Portraits photos here!

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From Amanda Marie Portraits… Anna Todd and Gary Dean were planning a wedding of their own for April 17, 2012, and while getting their finances in order to pay for the wedding, it was becoming more of a burden and stress rather than a joyous time like they knew it should be. So they decided to ditch their wedding plans and elope to have the wedding of their dreams. The planned the elopement in three days, and were married on the beautiful Prairie in Round Top, Texas on March 23, 2012. The Prairie is owned by Rachel Ashwell of the Shabby Chic line and it could not have been a more perfect environment for their day. The only people on their wedding day were me (the photographer), the preacher, and the two of them. There was more romance at their elopement than I usually see at most weddings. It was extremely beautiful, and at the end of the day, it came down to what a wedding is all about. True love.

When I arrived, Anna was getting ready by herself  in a sweet little white country cabin, putting on her makeup with music playing in the background. Gary was parked back further away from the venue, fishing at a local pond, because Anna had texted him telling him to kill time so she and I could take photos. It was really that laid-back, simple, and so incredibly beautiful. After their vows, we went back to the room on The Prairie where they were staying that night and shot photos of the two of them jumping on the bed. The evening seemed like it was straight out of a movie — the day was absolutely perfect!

Wedding Photography: Amanda Marie Portraits / Wedding Venue: The Prairie by Rachel Ashwell in Round Top, Texas / Wedding Dress: Vera Wang / Bride’s Shoes: Nina