Elopement Archives | The Bride's Tree

Meagan + Tom | Intimate Brisbane City Elopement

Sally Townsend — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 02:33:17 +0000

When Meagan and Tom decided to elope in Brisbane City, they knew they wanted to keep it simple, heartfelt, and truly them. Their only guests? Their two young children, Zara and Louie, and Meagan’s close friend, Courtney. The result was a Brisbane elopement that was joyful, relaxed, and deeply personal, captured in stunning detail by their talented photographer and second witness, Carissa from Elk & Fir.

The night before the big day, Meagan and Zara checked into the ever-chic Calile Hotel in Fortitude Valley for a boujie girls’ night to remember. Dressed in robes and sipping (respectively age-appropriate) bubbles from champagne glasses, they tucked into chips and cheeseburgers from room service while watching movies in bed. It was the perfect pre-wedding bonding experience, filled with fun, laughter, and just the right amount of indulgence. With the whole morning to themselves, they spent it poolside, enjoying a peaceful lunch in town, and even hand-picking some blooms for Megan’s bridal bouquet – a lovely, relaxed touch that suited the day’s vibe perfectly. Meagan, a professional hair and makeup artist, styled herself on the day—radiating effortless beauty and calm as she made her way to meet her groom with her little ones in tow.

Meanwhile, Tom and Louie were in excellent hands with Courtney, who chauffeured them to the registry office. A cheeky stop for a quick shot en route provided a dash of dutch courage before the official “I do.”

Although this intimate ceremony marked their legal union, Meagan and Tom are planning a larger celebration with family and friends in Tasmania down the track. But there’s no denying the magic of their Brisbane elopement, which was vividly documented by Elk & Fir’s Carissa. Her images capture not only the emotion and spontaneity of the day but also the unique urban energy of their post-ceremony adventure. From twilight city shots with a champagne spray, to candid moments in a record shop, pizza parlour, cocktail bar, and even Central Station, every frame tells a part of their story in motion – artful, vibrant, and entirely real.

This Brisbane City elopement was proof that an intimate celebration can be just as moving, memorable, and photogenic as any grand affair. With the right team, the heart of the city became the backdrop to a love story beautifully told.

Who did you invite to be part of your day?

Just my friend Courtney, our children Zara (5) and son, Louie (3) – photographer Carissa as our other witness and our content creator.

What was something important to you that you simply had to include?

Nice hotel for getting ready for photos and chill morning with my girl 🙂 My daughter and I stayed at the Calile the night before, so we could wake up all excited and have a whole day to get ready! We had photos with Carissa the eve prior so we have lots of super cute getting ready/hotel stay vibe photos.

Share an extra special moment from the day.

Zara our daughter was so excited. Watching her lap up every moment was so special.

Did you have a honeymoon?

Not exactly – we flew to Tassie and had two weeks there with family and friends while we did our second marriage/party.

Did you do any DIY for your Brisbane elopement?

Designed my own wedding dress, got my own flowers from down the road. Did my own hair and makeup (although it’s my job 😉 hehe).

Brisbane Elopement Vendors

Photographer | ELK AND FIR

Venue | THE CALILE HOTEL + BRISBANE REGISTRY

Celebrant | BRISBANE REGISTRY

Content Creator | HONEY I GOT YOU

Makeup + Hair | MEAGAN ELISE HAIR & MAKEUP

Flowers | JAMES STREET FLOWER SHOP

Gown | ZALU COUTURE

Suit | THEODORE

Jeweller | BRISBANE BAYSIDE JEWELLERS

Frequently Asked Questions about Eloping to Brisbane

Can you legally elope at the Brisbane Registry Office?

Yes, absolutely. The Brisbane Registry Office offers legally recognised ceremonies for couples wanting to elope or keep things simple. You’ll need to submit a Notice of Intended Marriage form at least one month before your wedding date.

How much does it cost to elope in Brisbane?

A Brisbane registry elopement typically costs between $350 and $600, depending on the type of ceremony and day of the week. If you add extras like a photographer, bouquet or celebration meal, your total spend might range from $1,000 to $3,000 — still far below a traditional wedding budget.

What should I wear to a city elopement?

That’s entirely up to you! Some couples go full glam with a wedding gown and suit, while others keep it low-key in cocktail attire or chic streetwear. The beauty of a city elopement is that there are no rules — just dress in a way that feels true to your vibe.

Where are the best photo shoot spots in Brisbane for an elopement?

Some of the most popular elopement photo locations in Brisbane include the City Botanic Gardens, Kangaroo Point Cliffs, the steps of Parliament House, the heritage-listed Treasury Building, and along the Brisbane River at sunset. For a touch of urban elegance, laneways around the CBD and the Calile Hotel in Fortitude Valley offer a chic, modern backdrop.

The post Meagan + Tom | Intimate Brisbane City Elopement appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Micro Weddings with Private Dining | Q&A with Wed and Fed

Sally Townsend — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 10:52:26 +0000

Husband and wife team up to get you married and fed in style. I got to chat with Alan and Sarah Dawes to learn all about elevated micro weddings and elopements with Private Dining weddings on the Sunshine Coast.

Hey guys, tell me how you came up with “Wed & Fed” – the concept and the name?

We seem to have our best ideas when sharing a bottle of wine on a Tuesday night. It was a spur-of-the-moment idea that we should create a package together – Alan had already seen a massive increase in the amount of couples wanting him to cater for more intimate weddings. Then when Sarah came out with the name Wed and Fed – we just knew we were onto something.

What exactly does Wed and Fed offer?

Right now we are focusing on what we do best, creating beautifully bespoke ceremonies and incredible fine dining experiences. With our celebrant and chef packages, couples have the option to make their day as private or luxurious as they wish. But, we’re planning on adding full service packages in the near future to make things as simple and stress free for couples – watch this space!

What constitutes a “micro” wedding and how does it differ from an elopement?

We like to think of a micro wedding as having all the luxuries and extravagance of a big scale wedding, in a much more intimate setting. A true elopement might see just the couple, the celebrant and a two witnesses – total privacy. But since Covid, I think the lines of micro wedding and elopement are blurring and couples are wanting the relaxed stress free vibes of an elopement, but to still have the experience and feeling that comes with a big celebration.

How much lead in time do you need to plan and execute a micro wedding?

One month! Haha. Technically, to get married in Australia, you need to have one month’s notice to lodge the required paperwork. The beauty in Wed and Fed is you can get married at home if you like with an incredible restaurant quality menu. No having to fight for special dates at venues years in advance.

Are there a lot of venue options to host a micro wedding or elopement with private dining on the Sunshine Coast?

We find that most of our couples are opting to get married at home or at a beautiful Airbnb, and because they are more intimate, the venue options become endless. As long as there is a oven, stove and running water you can have a beautiful fine dining wedding experience.

Do couples usually hold their ceremony and reception in one place for a micro wedding?

Mostly yes. Unless the couple have their heart set on having the ceremony on the beach or somewhere very specific. But that’s the beauty of getting married in a more intimate setting is the flexibility to make it what you want.

What’s the vibe at a micro wedding ceremony?

Relaxed for sure! Often couples have thrown tradition out the window, they might have spent the morning together and are embracing things that are totally them and maybe a little different. But the stress of entertaining and appeasing 100 guests is gone and the whole day is much more relaxed.

What’s something that’s trending in your area of weddings at the moment? Or is there something a lot of couples are currently asking for?

FUN! Life has been stressful enough for a lot of people in the last few years and couples really just want to enjoy their wedding day and have fun doing it.

Is Private Dining a popular option for wedding receptions?

Absolutely. We find the couples who find us really care about having an incredible fine dining experience and its definitely growing in popularity as couples are focusing more of their wedding budget on what is really important to them.

Menu-wise – what’s something you always suggest to couples to take their private dining experience to the next level?

We try to guide our couples to the menu that is going to suit them. For larger micro weddings (20 people plus) having less courses is going to give them more time to socialise. Whereas our more intimate weddings (where dancing isn’t as important!) we recommend going all out and indulging in our premium 10 course experience with matched wines.

What’s the fanciest private dining event you’ve ever catered?

This one definitely goes to Alan. After over 700 events, it’s hard to just pick one. Fine dining on a yacht for five days was pretty special, or an engagement party set amongst the trees, or a stunning wedding at Domic. But catering for a regular client at Boonburrh House in Noosa, where the wine served is around $5k a bottle, is pretty much as fancy as it gets.

How do you come up with the menus? Is it a collaborative experience with the couple or do you set a seasonal menu..?

We let our couples know that it is a “trust the chef” experience. Of course Alan works with dietary requirements and we’re not going to serve something you hate! But this really is a dining experience like nothing else you will get at a standard wedding. A menu that is crafted with perfect balance, excitement and incredible produce.

Do you have a favourite dish, Alan?

Fish and chips, but not as you’d expect it. Pommes allumette, cooked in duck fat. Panfried barramundi and butter made from leek tops (yes those bits that usually go in the bin!) It’s got that homely feel of eating classic fish and chips, but in a mind-blowing new way. I love playing with the concept of food and expectations.

Sarah, what’s your favourite dish that Alan makes?

Wagyu cooked in blue cheese is a total winner for me.

What’s it like working together as a married couple yourselves?

We’ve actually worked together since we moved to Australia in 2013. It’s all we’ve known. We’re used to keeping our work and personal life separate and because we share the same passions it never feels like work. Together we’ve got over 20 years experience in weddings and hospitality, its not just work, its a lifestyle.

Don’t Sleep on Getting Wed and Fed

Alan and Sarah are almost fully booked for 2025. So if you’re interested in a Micro Wedding or Elopement with Private Dining Experience for 2026 and beyond, head over to their website and book in for an obligation-free chat about your upcoming wedding or engagement party.

Enquire Now

Publisher + Shoot Coordination @thebridestree

Celebrant + Chef @wedandfed_

Photographer @estellaphoto

Videographer @mearsproductions

Content Creator @sayidosocialmedia

Venue @goodwater_ridge

Stylist @sunshineweddingsau

Florist @_floralique_

Hair + Makeup @sunshinebrides

Jewellery @morganandco_jewellery

Bridal Gown @cherished_bridal_noosa

Groom Fashion @blackjacketsuiting

Bride’s Shoes @baredfootwear

Musician @harry_morris_music

Stationery @whiteletterstationery

Lighting @say_it_with_lights

Models @thebridestreemodels

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Danielle + Deanne | Brisbane Elopement

Sally Townsend — Fri, 04 Oct 2024 03:17:10 +0000

The start of day of Deanne and Danielle’s Brisbane elopement was spent sweetly crafting their wildflower bouquets over coffee. They went to the local flower market early in the morning and picked olive leaf, lavender, wax flower, ranunculi and daisies.

The day was spent along the iconic Brisbane River with just the two of them in a true elopement. Their ceremony included a special poem, they involved their three beloved dogs in the day and included a boudoir shoot with their photographer, Carissa, from Elk and Fir.

Bride, Deanne, has been so kind as to share the story of the day she and the love of her life, Danielle, became wives.

Vendors

Photography | ELK & FIR

Videography | IVAN STEPANOV VIDEOGRAPHY

Ceremony Location | J.C. SLAUGHTER FALLS

Celebrant | AIMEE CLARK CELEBRANT

Cake | WILD CANARY

Hair and Makeup | STACIE PARMENTER MUA

Deanne’s Dress | VIVIANA, JENNY YOO

Danielle’s Suit | SHANE AVENUE

Deanne, what made you and Danielle decide to have a Brisbane elopement?

Both our families live in different states and our friends are scattered across Australia and overseas. It felt like a big ask of people, and a logistical nightmare, to get everyone in the one place. We both felt a bit of an aversion to being the centre of attention and noticed we were feeling nervous when planning a ceremony and reception with a lot of people. But really, the biggest reason is when Danni suggested exchanging vows, just us two, on the river where we met, it just felt right. We could feel it in our guts. All the stage fright and shyness fell away.

Was it a hard decision or the obvious choice to elope?

For me, initially, it felt a little scary. I was worried we would miss our friends and family but I couldn’t ignore how ‘right’ it felt for us. Once the idea was out there, to do anything else felt inauthentic. For Danni, it was a simple decision. She always knew she wanted that moment to be just for us.

Tell us about what you did on the day.

We woke up together and spent the morning sipping coffee and making wildflower bouquets. We eventually said goodbye and got ready for the day separately. We met each other at J.C Slaughter Falls, where we walked down the aisle to Hold Me by the Teskey Brothers.

Both being somewhat restless people who love to keep moving and trying new things, neither of us expected to get so much joy and fulfilment from building a base. The home we have created together has become such a meaningful part of our lives and we really wanted to acknowledge and capture that, which is why we decided to have our home part of our photographs. So, after the ceremony, we went home to cut and share our wedding cake with our three dogs – Chase, Jesse and Einstein.

We also incorporated a boudoir shoot into the home shots. We wanted to do something different and capture some intimate moments we could look back on as we grow old together.

We got back into our wedding gear and went for a walk along the Brisbane river, retracing some of our steps when we first met. We love that all the most meaningful places to us have been part of our day and immortalised forever in our photos.

We ended our day with a romantic dinner at one of our favourite restaurants, 1889 Enotica before making our way to the mosh pit of Paramore’s gig. I just needed to swap out my heels for my boots, and hook my train over my arm and we were ready. Their music has been such a huge part of both our lives and was the soundtrack to us falling in love, so it was perfect to have them part of our day.

A few short hours of sleep and we were on our way to the airport to fly to India, face timing friends and family along on the way. On a high, exhausted, loved up with lost voices and finally wives.

What was something important to you that you simply had to include?

We knew we wanted to incorporate the River into the day somehow, as it was a huge part of us meeting. I had just moved to Brisbane a week or so before and Danni said the Brisbane river at night is a must, so we met up for a walk. We ended up walking for over seven hours. We ended our wedding day walking along the river, retracing our steps and taking in the sunset. It was really special to be back there together on that day.

I am very sentimental and it was important to be surrounded by items from my family. I wore my mother’s amethyst earrings that I had always been obsessed with as a kid. My sister gave me my something borrowed by lending me the earrings she wore on her wedding day. The most important item to me though, was my Grandmothers pearls. My great grandfather gave them to my nanna as a 21st birthday present. She wore them on her wedding day and gave them to my mother, who also wore them on her wedding day. I was gifted them on my 21st birthday by my mother and they were my sister’s something old on her wedding day. I wrapped them around my bouquet and carried them with me, which felt very special.

Share a special moment from your Brisbane elopement.

I wanted to make sure we incorporated our family and friends into the day somehow, so I organised a surprise for Danni. I took the poem we chose to be part of our ceremony and asked our parents, grandparents, siblings, nieces and nephews and bridesmaids/men to each record a line of the poem. I then collated them all into an audio file that the celebrant played during the ceremony. It was so lovely to hear our loved ones’ voices on the day. Our youngest niece at the time was too young to read any of the words, so just added at the end ‘I love you Danni-D, I love you Danni-Dog’ which was such a sweet and funny surprise.

One of the most intense memories of the day was waiting to go to the ceremony and then once we were there, waiting at the end of the aisle. The anticipation of seeing each other, knowing you’re about to share this huge moment was beautifully overwhelming. I’ll never forget the butterflies.

Any regrets on your choice to elope in Brisbane?

Only that we decided not to make a ‘Just Married’ sign to take to Paramore because we didn’t want to carry it in the mosh pit and Hayley Williams actually stopped mid performance to read people’s signs out loud. We’ll never know if we would have gotten a shout out!

Looking for a Brisbane Elopement Package?

Carissa from Elk and Fir can help you plan your elopement on the Sunshine Coast or Brisbane. Even if you’re considering a destination elopement further afield, the Elk & Fir collective of wedding vendors from Elope & Co. can follow you on your elopement adventure anywhere in Australia and worldwide.

LEARN MORE

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Top 5 Elopement Packages | SUNSHINE COAST

Sally Townsend — Tue, 28 May 2024 23:00:00 +0000

Not everyone wants the hoo-ha of a big wedding – nor the expense! Unsurprisingly, Sunshine Coast elopements and micro weddings are becoming increasingly popular.

Many of our favourite local wedding professionals offer elopement packages and micro wedding planning. I’ve collected a bunch of them here for you to see who might be just the right fit for your needs.

Sunshine Coast Elopement Packages

Wed & Fed

If you’re looking for a luxury wedding that also simply achieves the most important parts of any kind of wedding day – getting both wed and fed, this is the elopement package for you.

Husband and wife Dream Team, Alan and Sarah Dawes, have all the necessities taken care of for your elopement or micro wedding on the Sunshine Coast – or anywhere, really. They’re happy to travel!

Sarah – celebrant and coordinator – will look after all the details, and the actual getting married part. From lodging all your legal stuff to making sure your ceremony is personalised to create exactly the vibe you’re striving for, she has your ceremony all stitched up. Her wonderfully friendly persona will make the whole experience an absolute joy.

When it comes time for dinner or lunch, Alan will take your wedding day menu expectations to the next level. As a highly sought after private dining chef, Alan has sample menus that will make your mouth water – you need to check them out and start planning your wedding feast.

Noosa Elopements

Is there any place better to escape and elope than Noosa? It’s a dream destination wedding location for couples planning their weddings from all over the world. There’s certainly nothing stopping you from making this dream a reality on an intimate level for you and your lover.

Celebrant Philippa Holness runs Noosa Elopements, an elopement package which includes all your celebrancy needs for your ceremony as well as a wedding photography package.

If you want to go on to select all your other suppliers, you’re free to do so. However, the Noosa Elopements team can make arrangements for your hair and makeup team, flowers, styling, cake and more. They can even arrange a romantic wedding day picnic for you!

Elope + Co.

When you want your micro wedding or elopement on the Sunshine Coast to be an adventure, Elope + Co. is the team for you.

Headed up by photographer, Carissa, from Elk + Fir, the team are keen beans to trek to epic landscapes and far off places to find the special place that will feel like it’s all yours.

If you’re simply looking for a photographer with an adventurous spirit to join you on your pilgrimage to the perfect day, or someone to coordinate the whole team, Elope + Co. can help.

Not limited to elopements on the Sunshine Coast, this elopement package is offered in any corner of the globe – if you have a dream, but it to the team and see what kind of magical wedding adventure you can find together!

Fancy & Free Weddings

Eclectic weddings, extensively hooked up with venues of all kinds across Noosa and the Sunshine Coast, Fancy & Free Weddings have something for everyone.

Whether you’re looking for a quickie no frills ceremony that gets the job done in a nice piece of paradise, or something a little bit fancy with up to 40 guests, celebrant Natalie Skye and the team have got you.

Well connected with Sunshine Coast wedding vendors of all kinds, Natalie and her team can help you with every element of your wedding if you so choose – it’s a completely bespoke service. You won’t have to worry about organising a single thing if you don’t want to!

Natalie herself will officiate your ceremony in her own unique style that’s intuitive and elegant, and can include some antient rituals, like her signature sound journey.

Take a peek at Fancy & Free Weddings Sunshine Coast elopement packages, or be in touch to discuss exactly what you’re looking for.

Luxe Soirées Elopement Packages

Does a cute ceremony set up followed by an intimate picnic for two sound like the best way you could spend the day you marry your love? I really can’t blame you, it sounds like heaven to me, too.

Luxe Soirées will beautifully style a wedding ceremony and couples’ picnic for you anywhere on the Sunshine Coast. They can also hook you up with some great vendors that will help you design your day your way.

Image credits: Moments by Michelle, Elk + Fir

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Sarah loves Brian | Intimate Backyard Wedding Vows Renewal in Noosa

Sally Townsend — Wed, 10 May 2023 06:43:10 +0000

Having had their big wedding plans in the UK derailed due to Covid (ugh, not that guy again… so annoying!), Sarah and Brian threw out all their preconceived ideas of what their wedding should be and decided their union was what mattered most.

After successfully having a Perth wedding, complete with streamed ceremony for those who couldn’t attend, they decided a year later to renew their vows to be sure to mark the occasion properly with their parents now able to be there.

The new priority was simply to enjoy the day with family – lots of laughter, photos and quality time together. So they hired an Airbnb for a simple private backyard wedding ceremony, and followed it up with a catered dinner and beautifully styled beach picnic on Noosa’s Main Beach.

Sarah has shared her wedding story and advice below.

Vendors

Photographer | MOMENTS BY MICHELLEE

Picnic styling + catering | LUXE SOIRÉES

Evening catering | GATHAR

Ceremony + dinner catering | SIMPLY STYLE CO.

Florist | THE NOOSA FLOWER BOX

Private house hire | Airbnb – details via SIMPLY STYLE CO.

Ceremony bridal gown | WINONA AUSTRALIA

Beach picnic bride’s dress | AJE

Groom’s attire | RALPH LAUREN

Flowergirl’s romper dress | PIPIROO

Unforgettable Moment

“My parents created a newspaper with stories and memories about Brian and I over the years, which they posted through the front door in the morning. It was so thoughtful! But my biggest memory of the day is probably just all of us laughing together throughout the day.”

Advice for Future Brides

“It’s so rare you get to have all the people you and your partner care about in one place, so drink lots of champagne, laugh like never before and have fun! Don’t stress about the minor details because no one else will notice.”

Our Love Story – Dubai to Noosa Backyard Wedding

“We met in Dubai, where we were both living at the time. He moved in with someone I knew from my hometown, so we saw a lot of each other very early on and we clicked.

“Brian proposed in Margaret River, WA, at sunset by the sea. It was perfect. My parents were visiting from the UK at the time, which made it even more special. We spent the following day touring the gorgeous wineries.

“He’s my best friend and knows me better than anyone. He’s always thinking of our future and our happiness, he makes me laugh almost every day and I feel safe with him. He’s my home.”

Dream Picnic Setting

“Luxe Soirees was a standout wedding vendor. The picnic set up on the beach was pure perfection, down to the minor details. Not only was the food really tasty and set out beautifully, some of it was displayed in shells, some on marble, there were dried florals, even the chairs were beautiful and really comfortable! “

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Mountaintop Elopement on the Sunshine Coast

Sally Townsend — Thu, 25 Nov 2021 05:34:03 +0000

They trekked to the top of Mt. Tinbeerwah, to profess their love on the spectacular mountaintop aspect of the Gubbi Gubbi people. As far as elopements shoots go, this one was pretty perfect.

Tayla and Dean were relaxed with a cute boho style. Photographer, Terri Hanlon, organised their elopement shoot adventure and captured their beautiful love story.

Vendors

Photography / TERRI HANLON PHOTOGRAPHY

Celebrant / YOUR STORY CELEBRANT

Robe + accessories / LITTLE WHITE COUTURE

Florals / MADDIE JAYDE

Dress / IVONN COUTURE

Groom’s attire / CONNOR CLOTHING

Hair + makeup / LACEY CLARKE MAKEUP ARTIST

Models / TAYLA LUMLEY + DEAN COULSTOCK

Accommodation / MALENY LAKE COTTAGES

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Rachael + Hayden’s Sunshine Coast National Park Elopement

Sally Townsend — Fri, 29 Oct 2021 03:23:11 +0000

In an intimate wedding ceremony in Dularha National Park in Landsborough, Hayden and Rachael eloped. The couple engaged the Sunshine Coast’s own Adventure Elopement team to help them pull off one of the most unique weddings we’ve seen.

The crew trekked to the Dularha Old Railway Tunnel entrance to hold their ceremony with the magical light of beaming through as their backdrop. After vows were exchanged, the couple and their photographer, Naturally Jek Photography, headed to the iconic One Tree Hill for an epically beautiful photoshoot.

Bride, Rachael, has shared her elopement story with us below.

What made you decide to elope?

We always knew we wanted something different for our wedding day. We pictured it to be very intimate and that’s exactly what we did. The most important part for us was just getting married, we didn’t mind how the rest fell into place. Eloping was always an option. The idea of spending our day together, keeping it simple, making it our own vision and celebrating us our own unique way was our main priority.

Was it a hard decision?

We only had a matter of weeks to plan our elopement, this was a lot for us to plan in a short amount of time. We wanted to soak it all in ourselves, so the decision to only tell a small handful of people prior to the day was tough, knowing we may upset family and friends by keeping it to ourselves. It was a big surprise for everyone.

Vendors

Photographer / NATURALLY JEK PHOTOGRAPHY

Florist / BRANCH AND BLOSSOM

Celebrant / YOUR STORY CELEBRANT

Videographer / JENSEN & YOUNG

Hair / EVALYN PARSONS

Makeup / LAUREN MONTGOMERY

Cake / PINK SUGAR SWEET EMPORIUM

Musician / CALL ME WILL

Dress / CO & RY

Suit / ASOS

Ceremony location / DULARHA TUNNEL

Photo shoot location / ONE TREE HILL

Tell us about what you did on the day.

We spent the whole day together, it was calm and peaceful. I got my hair done, Hayden was with me when I got my makeup done. We had lunch together and drove to the ceremony location, it really was as calm and stress free as it sounds.

Who did you invite to be part of your day?

My parents and brother attended as our witnesses. Hayden’s parents unfortunately couldn’t be there, but we know they were thinking of us on our day.

What was something important to you that you simply had to include?

The one and only thing I had to include was personal vows, they were something I had to have for our ceremony.

Share a special moment from the day.

A memory I will always have from our day was walking down the aisle TOGETHER! It truly was like walking into our future as a married couple; we are a team. It’s not something I see a lot of couples do, but I really wanted our day to be unique, and we got exactly that. It wasn’t planned, but it worked out perfectly.

Any regrets?

No regrets for our day, no matter how it played out. We had torrential rain threatening our plans for an outside adventure, something that worried me for the days leading up. But in the end I’d marry Hayden in rain, hail or sunshine as long as we could say our vows and become Mr and Mrs.

Now over to our good friend Danielle, aka Your Story Celebrant, who has shared her memories of working with Rachael and Hayden on their dream adventure elopement.

“Hayden was head over heels and thought from the very first moment he saw Rachael, wow who is this girl; I need her in my life – but had to contain his excitement until the timing was just right!

“Hayden and Rachael’s elopement ceremony was a moment to press pause and remember how far they had come together and to exchange promises to each other in an intimate way, whilst the world around them was full of so many unknowns at the time.

“We gathered not only to celebrate the couple joining together, but also the coming together of their family as they took the step forward together as one, in front of our team and Rachael’s Mother, Father and Brother.

“Their day was authentic, raw and everything a ceremony should be.

“Their day was a perfect blend of two cultures, with acknowledgement given to the Australian custodians of the land on which the ceremony was held and inclusive references to Rachael’s Father’s heritage – something that was dear to all their hearts.”

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Noosa Hinterland Private Property Elopement Packages

Sally Townsend — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 04:15:00 +0000

Small weddings and elopements have become increasingly popular over the last year. Uncertainty surrounding snap lock downs, border closures and the inability to travel overseas bring has plagued couples trying to plan one of the biggest days of their lives. Many couples feel that by eloping they get to have their day, their way, and relieve all the additional pressures that can come when planning a large wedding, particularly in this current climate.

COVID Safe Private Property Wedding Packages

One such opportunity to have your micro wedding or elopement go ahead as planned in accordance with any government restrictions is to work with the team at Sunshine Weddings to plan a stunning, completely private, wedding day at Claremont.

Claremont Boutique Weddings are held at Claremont, a secluded private homestead in the Noosa Hinterland. Away from any public spaces, in complete tranquility with views of surrounding farmland, the property is ideal for an elopement. Best of all, the team at Sunshine Weddings will arrange absolutely everything for you when you book one of their packages to suit your needs and budget.

Sunshine Weddings business owner, Ellie, told us, “We have created these packages for couples that want a wedding that has it all, only small!”

The packages offer everything a couple would associate with their wedding day – stunning florals, flawless hair and make up, breathtaking images to last a lifetime of memories, and delicious locally sourced ingredients turned into a masterpiece on your plate.

“Most importantly, you get a heartfelt ceremony that captures the very essence of you as a couple. As, after all, isn’t that what marriage is all about?” Ellie said.

Images by Jodie Modric Photography

Elopement vs Micro Wedding

I asked Ellie what exactly constitutes an elopement? She explained, “If you look it up in the Dictionary, it will tell you that to elope is to run away secretly in order to get married. I love this – the thrill of excitement in the air that you are part of a glorious secret!

“It is just the two of you, maybe with your children or even a couple of friends, who act as your witnesses. Whereas, when there are a handful of guests it becomes a ‘micro wedding’ – but who are we to judge?! We say let’s eat, drink and be married – and never mind the label!”

The Packages

Whether you’re looking for a simple, yet beautiful, ceremony only or a full exclusive weekend to enjoy the property with your selectively chosen attendees, Sunshine Weddings have the package for you. Packages start from just $5,700.

Get in contact with Ellie and her team at Sunshine Weddings today to request the Claremont Boutique Wedding brochure, and find out if your dream wedding date is available.

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Moody on the Mountain | An Elopement Shoot

Sally Townsend — Wed, 02 Jun 2021 06:29:51 +0000

Inspired by the bold and moody terrain of Emu Mountain, Ella and Callum ventured to the top with their elopement crew to capture these incredible shots.

Being a florist herself, Ella designed her own bouquet and arrangements for the photo shoot. The florist-come-model of Yukari Botanicals carefully selected abundant roses, opening them up to create an impactful splash of colour in the otherwise monochromatic shoot.

Atop the mountain, Official Gian Music set the scene with a simple acoustic serenade, and Naturally Jek Photography captured all the magic as it unfolded.

Vendors

Photography: Naturally Jek Photography

Hair: Havana Hair and Beauty

Makeup: Melissa Maree Makeup

Flowers: Yukari Botanicals

Music: Official Gian Music

Videography: Blue Vale Films

Models: Ella + Callum O’Shea

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Lisa + Dan | Elopement at Pt. Cartwright

Sally Townsend — Tue, 04 May 2021 04:05:33 +0000

When we talk about no-fuss wedding days, this one has to top the lot. Lisa and Dan have a beautiful family. They and their two kids live right here on the Sunshine Coast, so when it came to tie the knot, they couldn’t imaging having their elopement anywhere else.

With just their celebrant, photographer, videographer and two witnesses, they made their way to Point Cartwright to be married. You can see in their photos by Emma Nayler Photographer, theirs was a meaningful, intimate ceremony all about their love for one another and their family.

Vendors

Photographer: Emma Nayler Photographer

Videographer: Nick Hargans Media

Celebrant: I Am Celebrant Sam

Florist: Suncoast Flowers

Hair + Makeup Artist: With Love Creative

Bridal gown: Rue De Seine

Flowergirl dress: Miya & Ma

Lisa, describe how the day of your elopement went.

We cooked a bbq lunch at home with my sisters and cracked a bottle of champagne. I then left to get ready at my friend’s house and my hair and makeup lady came there.

Dan and the kids got ready together at home with my two sisters. It was nice for them to be a part of the day even though they weren’t coming to the elopement. My friend drove me there, and we had a simple ceremony that the rain was kind enough to hold off for!

It then rained on and off, and we got lots of photos and popped some champagne. Once it was all done, we picked up take away Thai on the way home and didn’t even see the New Year in!

What was something important to you that you simply had to include?

I wasn’t phased about anything being an absolute necessity. I wanted it to be as simple as possible with no fuss. It was important to me that everyone there was chill and casual about everything. I was so lucky to have a photographer and celebrant I already knew, and my videographer was recommended and so easygoing as well!

Share a special moment from the day.

Our son read a beautiful poem he wrote with my sister during the ceremony and it was really nice. I also loved watching the kids play in the rain on the rocks during photos. I felt so grateful to have such a beautiful family.

Did you have a honeymoon?

No honeymoon! Lots of people asked if we would do a honeymoon, but when you have a beautiful family and live at the Sunshine Coast, I always say, “my life is a holiday!”

Who did you invite to be part of your day?

My friend Rose, who I met when I first moved to the coast. I have a lot of friends, so it was hard to not involve them all, but we decided one person each! Dan’s mum, Lucy, was also there. We didn’t tell her until the day before!

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