Marissa and Cody’s Woodland Elopement at Rum Village was the perfect example of how love doesn’t need a big production to be meaningful. Their plan was simple, sweet, and only partially mapped out—just the two of them, an officiant, and me. Well… kind of an officiant.

Marissa had asked for recommendations beforehand, and I shared them, but somewhere along the way she thought I was taking care of the outreach. Oops! While a wedding is absolutely about the couple and their commitment to each other, Indiana still requires someone legally able to pronounce them married. Thankfully, Marissa handled the mix-up like a pro. She hopped on the phone, called Cody’s brother, and within twenty minutes he was not only on his way to Rum Village but also officially ordained online. Modern problems require modern solutions—and this couple handled it with humor and grace.

The day itself was one of those classic Indiana spring afternoons: gray, overcast, and a little chilly. But the lack of sunshine didn’t matter one bit. The glow between Marissa and Cody was more than enough to warm up the woods. Rum Village, with its tall trees and peaceful trails, created the perfect backdrop for their intimate moment and felt like a quiet sanctuary tucked away in the middle of South Bend.

Once their newly-minted officiant arrived—with his wife in tow—we picked a secluded, tree-covered clearing. Surrounded by birds, squirrels, and the soft sounds of spring, Marissa and Cody read their vows, exchanged rings, and made everything official. It was simple, heartfelt, and perfectly them.

While this was the most minimalist of ceremonies, it was filled with meaning and laughter—exactly what an elopement should be. And the best part? Marissa and Cody aren’t done celebrating. They’ll be gathering all their favorite people for a full celebration in September of 2026.

So stay tuned—because if their little woodland elopement was this sweet, their big celebration is going to be incredible.

Marissa and Cody’s Woodland Elopement at Rum Village was the perfect example of how love doesn’t need a big production to be meaningful. Their plan was simple, sweet, and only partially mapped out—just the two of them, an officiant, and me. Well… kind of an officiant.

Marissa had asked for recommendations beforehand, and I shared them, but somewhere along the way she thought I was taking care of the outreach. Oops! While a wedding is absolutely about the couple and their commitment to each other, Indiana still requires someone legally able to pronounce them married. Thankfully, Marissa handled the mix-up like a pro. She hopped on the phone, called Cody’s brother, and within twenty minutes he was not only on his way to Rum Village but also officially ordained online. Modern problems require modern solutions—and this couple handled it with humor and grace.

The day itself was one of those classic Indiana spring afternoons: gray, overcast, and a little chilly. But the lack of sunshine didn’t matter one bit. The glow between Marissa and Cody was more than enough to warm up the woods. Rum Village, with its tall trees and peaceful trails, created the perfect backdrop for their intimate moment and felt like a quiet sanctuary tucked away in the middle of South Bend.

Once their newly-minted officiant arrived—with his wife in tow—we picked a secluded, tree-covered clearing. Surrounded by birds, squirrels, and the soft sounds of spring, Marissa and Cody read their vows, exchanged rings, and made everything official. It was simple, heartfelt, and perfectly them.

While this was the most minimalist of ceremonies, it was filled with meaning and laughter—exactly what an elopement should be. And the best part? Marissa and Cody aren’t done celebrating. They’ll be gathering all their favorite people for a full celebration in September of 2026.

So stay tuned—because if their little woodland elopement was this sweet, their big celebration is going to be incredible.