About

Valerie & Happily Ever Elopements

Thank you for stopping by! Let's get to know each other...

Meet the Business

Happily Ever Elopements began as a passion project nearly a decade ago and now is an integral part of my livelihood. My love for accommodating, hosting, and curating memorable guest experiences has become second nature through my career in hospitality. Planning and coordinating wedding ceremonies and receptions allows me to channel the skills I love most—balancing the big picture with small details, perfecting plans, and being your biggest support and advocate, just to name a few.

After becoming a mother on the brink of the pandemic, I listened to my calling and, with the support of my husband, opened the door to raise our children at home and support wonderful people like you on one of the best days of your life.

Meet Valerie

We eloped, too! Gerhard and I have an elopement story that is uniquely ours, and we’re happy to share it with you. We put down roots in ILM in 2018 and have fallen in love with this community and the connections we’ve built. We have three beautiful, beach-loving children—Elliott, Joshua, and Scarlett—and we spend all of our free time together as a family.

Some of my favorite places to host ceremonies are the same places I enjoy with my kids, too. I love spreading sunshine and singing to my plants when they get watered, being unplugged with a romance novel with floral-scented candles lit, and I love enjoying a Tropical Lighting or chilled tequila around town with my BFF, Alexis. You can usually find me in my second office, Port City Java, latte in hand, planning alongside you for your big day.