I Googled "places to elope" and found out that New Orleans is very permissive with out-of-state couples.

I've always wanted a dress from Anthropologie, so I ordered one online. (Well, I ordered four, but one fit. I returned the other three.)

I found simple wedding bands at James Avery and ordered them online. I had to order another one because my husband thought he was a size he wasn't. (It arrived the night before we flew out. Talk about cutting it close.)

I bought a pair of shoes on sale at DSW.

I found an awesome local photographer and scheduled a photo session the day before the ceremony.

I found a minister online. He wasn't available, but he directed me to someone who was.

Something old: I wore a bracelet that my father bought for my mother after I was born. It's three braided strands to symbolize us becoming a family. My mother gave it to me after my father passed away in November.

Something new: I wore the pearls that my grandmother and aunt gave me for my graduation in May.

Something borrowed: I borrowed a penny from my best friend and kept it in my pocket with the ring.

Something blue: I e-mailed a florist in New Orleans and ordered a bouquet of hydrangeas.

The ceremony took fewer than ten minutes. We got married in Audubon Park, which was free. Afterwards, we went to Cafe du Monde and had wedding beignets.