Gabriel and Avery: Shimmering With Love

Gabriel and Avery's elopement shimmers (literally) with love. This intimate celebration of love was dreamed up by Gabriel long before Avery had even proposed, and not even the smallest of details were overlooked. Gabriel and Avery's wedding proves that bigger is not necessarily better, but the heart and soul that goes into your wedding is what counts.

Photographer Emily Klarer | Location Moab, Utah, USA

“Marriage to us is knowing your person and committing to a lifetime of adding as much knowledge to your journey with them. To us, it means that nothing can separate us, we are friends first…”

So, tell us how you met…

Avery and I met through social media, In Towson, Maryland. Within the first conversation, we discovered that we were both from Virginia and lived in different cities only 15 minutes apart before we later met in Maryland. We both have creative outlets and were able to create a bond from that instantly. 

What does marriage mean to you?

Marriage to us is knowing your person and committing to a lifetime of adding as much knowledge to your journey with them. To us, it means that nothing can separate us, we are friends first, and that makes the relationship not just a title; we are classmates teaching one another, respecting one another, building our own family and graciously standing with each other in love and defence. 

…and the proposal, tell us about that…

Avery proposed on the water at sunset cove here In Baltimore County last year, on June 30, 2020, the last day of gay pride. 

When was your wedding?

Our wedding was on August 18, 2021.

Gabriel and Avery’s story continues below ↓

What was the main influence behind your wedding day? 

The location in Moab is beautiful, and when our friend relocated there last year, it gave us a reason to go there and visit and that opened the door to deciding to do something intimate there.

Where did you find the bulk of your inspiration?

I knew years ago when Avery kept telling me he was going to marry me, that when that day came, I was going to do something out of the box creatively. I was definitely inspired by the glitz and glam of Beyoncé’s met gala look a couple of years ago and coming to America. Pinterest and Instagram were definitely helpful, and just doing my research on certain fabrics and materials that would pop with the background of our location. 

How did you choose your suppliers?

We found all of my help through Instagram, YouTube and Etsy, and had several emails and FaceTimes to talk about what I wanted to do creatively. 

Did you include any traditional elements?

Of course! Instead of Avery wearing traditional bridal white, I decided to spin it and have him wear white and gold like a royal king. Instead of me wearing traditional black as a groom, Avery chose gold and black for me to wear. In the second part, where we had family and friends, that’s where I chose the more traditional approach, with our suits but in a super glamorous way.

What was the most challenging thing about planning your wedding?

I would definitely say Covid. It affected the materials for our garments, what was in stock and what was available. Also, mailing items to our friend’s house in advance and hoping it would get there in time for us to fly out was a bit challenging. As well as doing it with no wedding planner aside from myself.

Any advice for other couples planning their day and finding it difficult to navigate the journey?

Remember this is your day, don’t limit yourself, do it however you want. This Is your celebration of love unique only to you and your partner. Your wedding, your happiness and your relationship is homemade.

Gabriel and Avery’s Team

Photographer Emily Klarer

Videographer Jade Hall

Location The Location was Ida Gulch 

Fashion Evita Loca, Steve Madden, Nike

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