Catharine and Vincent's Heartfelt Valentines Day Elopement by Apollo Fotografie

Happy Friday everyone! I hope you have all had a wonderful week so far and that you are looking forward to valentines day tomorrow? Have you got anything romantic planned? It has become a bit of a tradition in our household to celebrate a family Valentines, so Nik, Dexter and I are off for an afternoon of fun tomorrow. We are doing an escape room followed by a Sushi restaurant and then a film at home. What about you? To celebrate valentines day in style here on the blog, I have this fantastic Valentines day elopement for you. Catharine and Vincent were married on 14th February 2025 at San Francisco City Hall. They chose a super stylish day with Catherine in the most amazing red dress and red shoes, while Vincent wears a pale pink suit. They kept the day simple and fuss free, focusing on the emotion of the day and also honouring their late son’s memory. The whole day is heartfelt, touching and full of amazing fashion. Big thanks to Apollo Fotografie for the beautiful photos.

Our wedding was deeply personal and intentionally unconventional. The inspiration behind our day came from two things: honoring our late son and fully embracing Valentine’s Day in a way that felt true to us. Rather than following traditional wedding norms, we focused on what mattered most—our love, our memories, and the experience itself.

We didn’t have a strict theme, but our style was very much centered around the colors of Valentine’s Day. Catherine wore a striking red Teuta Matoshi dress, and I wore a blush pink suit, creating a bold and meaningful contrast. The colors weren’t just a nod to the holiday but also a way to bring joy and warmth into the day.

Since we eloped at San Francisco City Hall, we didn’t incorporate any formal cultural or religious traditions. Instead, we made the day our own, ensuring that every aspect of it felt intentional. The most meaningful personal touch was including small items that carried the memory of our son, allowing us to feel his presence with us throughout the day.

For our wedding decor, we embraced the beauty and grandeur of our chosen venues. San Francisco City Hall provided a breathtaking backdrop for our ceremony with its stunning Beaux-Arts architecture, intricate details, and timeless elegance. The space itself was so remarkable that it didn’t require additional decor—just our presence and the love we brought into it.

For our celebration afterward, we relied on the refined ambiance of the Beacon Grand to support our vision. The venue’s sophisticated charm and historic character perfectly complemented our intimate elopement, making it feel both special and effortless. Since we opted not to have a formal reception, we let the setting do the talking rather than incorporating elaborate decor.

Our personalization came from fully embracing the idea of breaking away from traditional wedding norms. Rather than following expectations, we focused on what felt right for us. The most meaningful personal touches were the ones that honored our son, whose memory was deeply woven into our day. It was our way of carrying him with us as we stepped into this new chapter.

Beyond that, one of our favorite parts of the wedding was our experience with our photographer. She didn’t just capture the day—she made it even more special. Her presence, energy, and ability to create a space where we felt truly ourselves added so much to the experience. Looking back, those interactions stand out as some of our most cherished moments.

The best advice we can give is to always remind yourself and your partner that the day is about the two of you. So many people—family, friends, even well-meaning strangers—will have opinions on what your wedding “should” be. Stay true to what feels right for you.
Also, consider having a “No Cellphone” policy during the ceremony. Speaking from experience as both a wedding photographer and videographer, trust me—Aunty Janet is not going to get a better shot of you walking down the aisle than your actual photographer. Let the pros do their job while your guests stay present in the moment.

Living in San Diego, we discovered SuzieCakes and absolutely fell in love with their cakes. So when we found a SuzieCakes location in San Francisco nearby, we knew we had to have them make our little personal wedding cake. It felt like the perfect choice—not just because we love their cakes, but because they hold a special place in our hearts.