Real Bride

#EnzoaniRealBride: Taelor & Daniel

A Gorgeous Costa Rican Beach Elopement

Impossibly beautiful, sweepingly romantic. Taelor and Daniel's spontaneous, gorgeous beach elopement on the white sands of Playa Flamingo in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica was an intimate, contemporary affair that honored one thing above all else: their incredible love. Choosing to romantically elope before celebrating with a post-elopement reception in their hometown of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Taelor and Daniel created unique and lovely memories to last a lifetime. Read on to glimpse into their stunning nuptials -- and see why Taelor chose her 2016 Blue by Enzoani Islesboro gown.

THE DRESS

"Prior to falling in love with my dream Blue by Enzoani Islesboro dress, I tried on several pretty yet underwhelming dresses. Once my husband Daniel and I somewhat spontaneously decided to elope in Costa Rica, I had merely a few months to find a wedding dress. My best friend Laura recommended that we schedule an appointment at Janine Adamyk Bridal Couture. Janine is an immensely talented bridal designer who also carries Enzoani gowns."

"I browsed the Enzoani collection online and took note of the Islesboro as one that I was interested in trying on. I could not have imagined, however, how exquisite the dress was in person and how incredibly beautiful it made me feel. Although it was only the second dress I tried on, I knew immediately that it was 'the one.' The intricacy of the beadwork, the stunning lace and tulle, and the gorgeous illusion back lined with pearl buttons made it so special."

"Upon seeing myself in the mirror, I had a visceral emotional response. Despite trying on additional dresses, both my best friend and I knew that Islesboro was my dress. I felt like a bride and did not want to remove the dress (that is a significant sign)."

THE LOVE STORY

"Daniel and I attended the same high school in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada yet never spoke a single word to each other! I recall seeing him in the halls and thinking that he was handsome and enigmatic, though I did not even know his name."

"Our social circles were disparate; moreover, I am one year younger than Daniel so we were not in the same grade. Daniel frequently recounts how I was far too intimidating in high school, therefore he was too afraid to approach me (he perceived me as a pretentious, arrogant mean girl.) Both of us remained in Ottawa throughout our undergraduate degrees but attended different universities. When I was in my second year of university and Daniel in his third, we crossed paths on a night out through mutual friends."

"I could not take my eyes off of him -- the attraction was palpable. We became Facebook friends the following day (we like to claim that it was the other who sent the friend request) and after a couple months of flirtation and constant communication, Daniel officially asked me on a date just as the summer was beginning."

"We spent each and every single day together, making it the most memorable summer of my life. It was not long before we conceded that we truly loved each other, ultimately moving in together after less than six months of dating. Becoming roommates only strengthened the depth of my love for Daniel."

"He is the only human on Earth who I never grow sick of spending time with. Three years since our first date, we are now married and the proud parents of two fur babies - Bruno and Calvin. Daniel has been the most supportive partner throughout my master's degree and every other aspect of life."

"I cannot articulate through words how grateful I am to have Daniel as a husband and best friend. The love we share for one another is boundless and I am perpetually smiling with him by my side. At 23, I look forward to a lifetime of joy, memories to cherish, and happiness as Daniel's wife."

THE WEDDING DAY

"Every moment of our wedding day was surreal! If compelled to choose a particularly special memory, it would be when Daniel first saw me in my wedding dress."

"It was the first time I had ever seen him shed a tear. It was an overwhelmingly happy, vulnerable, and beautiful moment for both of us."

MY ADVICE...

"Be selfish! It is your marriage and your wedding. Do not allow others to dictate what your special day should be like. Family members can be overbearing and pressure you to fulfill their notion of a 'proper' wedding, but you should never lose sight of your happiness."