Camille and Douglas’ Brooklyn Bridge Vow Renewal Elopement
Photography: Wandermore Photography • Officiant: Once Upon A Vow • Location: Brooklyn Bridge
Camille and Douglas traveled all the way from Virginia to have their destination vow renewal on NYC’s iconic Brooklyn Bridge for their five year wedding anniversary on July 28th, 2023! Since they were planning a wedding out of state, they wanted to make the planning process a lot easier and chose our Candid Love wedding experience that includes photography and officiant services.
Soon after the first time they got married in Douglas’ hometown of Norfolk, they faced a health crisis that led them to celebrate their honeymoon at their local hospital while Camille recovered from surgery. This time around, they wanted to celebrate their love and journey in Camille’s hometown of Brooklyn on the iconic Brooklyn Bridge that holds much significance for her and have a honeymoon redo.
As a breast cancer survivor, Camille, and her husband, Douglas, are no strangers to the hard times and know how to savor the present, live in gratitude, and enjoy every single day. This is an excerpt of the welcome portion of their wedding ceremony:
“When the odds were stacked against you - that in sickness and in health LOVE, for better and worse LOVE, by your side through it all LOVE helped you beat the odds.
As you stand here on the Brooklyn Bridge in Camille’s hometown with the hustle and bustle of the city all around us - take a deep breath, listen to that NYC soundtrack, and feel with every fiber of your being just how lucky you are to celebrate the undeniable beauty of your journey.
It’s fitting that you’re renewing your vows on this beloved bridge that you have framed in your den and that Camille fondly ran across back in the day, because in bridging your worlds and uniting forces, you’ve continued to strengthen your connection through all the obstacles you’ve faced.
Together, you’ve built a monument of love - beautiful in its fortitude and inspirational for all those privileged enough to bear witness. A magical love you wish everyone could experience. As the sun shines bright across this city, bask in the light of your union knowing that you are exactly where you belong.”
Camille and Douglas chose to write their own vows and before they shared them to one another; here’s an excerpt of their wedding ceremony to set the stage:
“It’s clear that your marriage is where you want to be - that it’s comfortable but not complacent, a safe place to land when life feels hard.
All those years ago, Doug, you asked God for a woman with a good heart who loves you and Camille’s caring, giving spirit, thoughtful nature, positive attitude, grit, and beauty came into your life to show you that prayers do get answered and life does get better and better.
For you, Camille, Douglas made you believe in love - the kind of knight in shining armor, fight for what he believes in, can find you in a crowd of thousands love. Un amor que te hace bien. The kind of love that does you good.
Douglas, you knew you’d marry Camille since your 3rd date and here you are, marrying her twice! The promise you both made 5 years ago today is good, true, and everlasting. Since you’re renewing your vows to one another, it’s time to reinforce the bond you made to each other. This time, with Brooklyn as your honeymoon playground.”
Our favorite part of NYC elopements is that strangers become impromptu wedding guests who cheer you on with gusto! This day was no different. It’s one of those unexpected experiences that many couples keep as a fun core memory for years to come. Congratulations, Camille and Douglas! Happy 6 year anniversary and wishing you many, many more!