rachel Riley and Pasha Kovalev are the latest high profile couple to ditch the big white wedding in favour of a low-key Las Vegas elopement (which requires a hell of a lot less planning, and looks like bloody good fun, too, in this writer’s opinion).

Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas famously tied the knot last minute in Las Vegas after this year’s Billboard Music Awards, where an Elvis impersonator officiated the ceremony and DJ Diplo filmed the bash – straying from the couple’s original plan for a pretty air-tight private affair. 

So far, though, it seems that Riley and Kovalev have managed to keep their actual nuptials just for themselves, releasing information that they’re now officially wed on their own terms and posting a lovely photo of themselves on Instagram. 

Riley shared an image of her and her new husband in a beautiful, sunshine-filled garden, posing in front of a merry-go-round entirely made out of flowers. While Kovalev donned a pair of cream trousers, white shirt and smart navy blazer, Riley passed on the big, white dress for a gorgeous red, floral mini-dress and nude heels, looking stylish, sophisticated and summery.

We also love that Riley gave her announcement a feminist twist. Playing on the ‘she said yes’ trope, the Countdown presenter opted for a more equal version of the phrase, writing: “introducing the new Mr and Mrs Kovalev. We both said yes!”

As for the venue, Riley hinted to the American location by including a USA flag emoji in her comment, while The Telegraph reports that marriage records from Clark County (the home of Las Vegas), show that this is where the pair were wed. 

Some of their celebrity friends have already wished them both congratulations with Sophie Ellis-Bexter writing: “CONGRATULATIONS! That’s so lovely” and Sarah Millican commenting: “Congrats to you both. Xxx”

This lovely news comes after another exciting announcement, with Riley announcing her pregnancy earlier this year. On 24 May she took to Instagram to post a beautiful picture of herself holding her bump, leaning on a Countdown board spelling out ‘R Tiny Mate’ with a caption reading: “Pash and I have a conundrum for you…you have till December to work it out! We’re over the moon excited.”

Although we love poring over wedding stationery trends, unusual flower arrangements and some of the glitziest celebrity wedding dresses there ever was, we’re feeling pretty seduced by the low-key vibe of elopement weddings and especially Riley’s relaxed attitude. 

Just think, with a ceremony this small you can dodge all of those bridesmaid dramas and horrific wedding myths…

Images: Getty