Ladies! Today is your day to propose!

Not engaged just yet?  Want to be the one who does the proposing?  Well today, Leap Day – February 29,  is historically the day we are “allowed” to do it.  Though if you want to do it any other day, you just go ahead and do it.  Want to know a little more about how this whole idea came about, do ya?

In Scotland, an unmarried Queen Margaret allegedly enacted a law in 1288 allowing women to propose on leap-year day. But there was a catch: The proposer had to wear a red petticoat (a skirt under her skirt) to warn her intended that she planned to pop the question.
Perhaps the most well-known of the leap-year marriage superstitions belongs to Ireland, where, again, women are advised to propose only on Feb. 29 for good luck. (Anyone remember the 2010 film, “Leap Year”?)
Legend has it that St. Brigid of Kildare, a fifth-century Irish nun, asked St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, to grant permission for women to propose marriage after hearing complaints from single women whose suitors were too shy to propose. Initially, he granted women permission to propose only once every seven years, but at Brigid’s insistence, he acquiesced and allowed proposals every leap day. The folk tale suggests that Brigid then dropped to a knee and proposed to Patrick that instant, but he refused, kissing her on the cheek and offering a silk gown to soften the blow. The Irish tradition therefore dictates that any man refusing a woman’s leap-day proposal must give her a silk gown.

You can read more about the history and some other anecdotes on Huffington Post.  So what do you think, girls?  Time to throw your cares to the wind and take the leap today?

Elopement Style for Her - 2/27/12

For some of us, what we wear will be the 2nd most important thing of our wedding day – actually getting married being the first, natch.  If you aren’t planning on wearing a traditional wedding gown, I present you with 4 very different looks for inspiration.

Source: etsy.com via Let's Elope! on Pinterest

Source: bhldn.com via Let's Elope! on Pinterest

Source: anthropologie.com via Let's Elope! on Pinterest

Source: shop.nordstrom.com via Let's Elope! on Pinterest

Destination: Cabo San Lucas

What’s to love: Perfect weather, scenic views, beautiful beaches, and fabulous resorts.
What you’ll need and what you need to know: 

• Civil ceremonies aren’t done on Saturdays, Sundays or Mexican Holidays (including Easter week).
• Both of your birth certificates (original and Apostilled copies) translated into Spanish by an authorized translator
• Valid passports – originals and copies.
• Names, addresses, nationalities, occupations and ages of both parents of the couple
• Health certificate and blood tests done in Mexico (must be done 3-4 days before wedding and is valid for 15 days)
• Tourist visa cards are required for the groom, bride and witnesses.
• Bride, groom and witnesses must be over the age of 18.
• Speaking of witnesses, you’ll need four: two for the bride and two for the groom.
• For your civil ceremony, the vows are done in Spanish and the ceremony lasts approximately 10-20 minutes. A civil ceremony in Cabo San Lucas is similar to a ceremony by the Justice of the Peace in the United States or Canada.
• You can hire a translator for around $100 or you can use a friend or wedding planner.

In case I missed anything, please go here or check with the hotel you book your accommodations with.
Helpful links:
Wedding Planners: http://www.allaboutcabo.com/events/weddings/vendors/planners-and-coordinators
Locations: http://www.cabosanlucasweddings.com/wedding_locations.html

Engaging Style - 2/18/12

All of these beauties can be found on Etsy.

Source: etsy.com via Let's Elope! on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Let's Elope! on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Let's Elope! on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Let's Elope! on Pinterest

Hello world!

Let’s Elope! Ah, the words I long to hear.  One day, maybe.  But enough about me, let’s talk about YOU.  You’re here because you are thinking of eloping or are eloping.  Stay tuned because we’re gonna talk destinations, fashion (for her AND for him), and even decorations for those who want to jazz their ceremony site up a little.  I’ll even be featuring some couples who have already taken the leap and had a photographer there to document it all.  I can’t wait to go on this ride with you!