Sunny South Carolina elopement surrounded by greenery

Carly + Zikeiya

Wedding Location: Columbia, South Carolina

Carly and Zikeiya’s sunny and romantic elopement took place on the state house grounds in Columbia, South Carolina.

Zikeiya wore a chic white suit and gold rimmed glasses, and Carly wore a short white dress with a deep open back, along with a beautiful crown. In place of a bouquet, Carly made a powerful statement with a beige purse that said “End Systemic Racism” in gold lettering.

The couple’s families also joined them for the emotional ceremony. Afterward, they celebrated with an intimate dinner in a room at the historic 1208 Washington Place. The room was decorated with candles, pampas grass, and golden silverware, as well as a neon sign celebrating the couple’s newly shared last name.

“I knew I was in love with her when my mindset changed on relationships and life views,” Zikeiya said of Carly. “She made me want to strive to better myself and believed in me along the way.”

Carly added, “She has such an open mind and is curious. She has such a thirst for life and never lets the struggles and hurdles of everyday life keep her down. She is accepting and loving.”

The couple is excited to teach their future children what love is all about.

“To us marriage isn’t 50/50,” they said. “Some days all you may have to offer is 30 and your partner may have to carry the 70. We want our future kids to know that that is okay and that is what you should be looking for in a loved one.”