Getting asked this question is the sure fire way to get under my skin. Every time I hear it I think to myself, I'm no dictionary.com, but doesn't elope mean to secretly run off and get married. You know, like engaged and underage style.
"No, we just went to Vegas. It was actually planned." I respond, always with a lingering hint of attitude and annoyance in my tone.
Something so simple shouldn't be the source of so much frustration but it definitely is. I think there's a gross misconception that if you go to Vegas it equals quickie, shot gun style wedding... or brings up the image of a bun already in the oven or the result of a wild night with too much liquor.
The truth of the matter is when my husband and I decided to go to Vegas it was the easiest place to get married. They have a bazillion (yes that's a word) places that will welcome you into wedded bliss 24/7, it's affordable and well, Vegas is a pretty fun city!
As we waited in line to get our marriage license it was nothing like I imagined. No crazy, drunk, random folks... just googly eyed couples excited to sign their single lives away and make the leap into forever. I would actually recommend people go to Vegas and get married. It was an amazing experience.
On a side note, I wanted to make sure I wasn't losing my mind so I looked up the definition of "elope" - - a friendly way to educate the blog world on the real meaning (because it doesn't mean "vegas" lol):
e·lope
[ih-lohp]
–verb (used without object), e·loped, e·lop·ing.
1. to run off secretly to be married, without the consent or knowledge of one's parents.
1. to run off secretly to be married, without the consent or knowledge of one's parents.
2. to run away with a lover.
3. to leave without permission or notification; escape.