After letting go of their pre-planned, full-size wedding for the moment (party time came later when the borders opened, people) these two took the opportunity to create this nature-filled elopement by renting an Airbnb for a week and holding their ceremony at a nearby lookout, and a picnic for their scenic mini reception. The bride wore Lilia Cass and the groom, M.J. Bale and Damien Milan was on photos. Scroll down for more…
THE VENUE “After we had finally decided on eloping, we drove around the Blue Mountains over a few weekends and checked out every single lookout we could find (even some spider-ery ones on the side of the road) and we finally settled on the ceremony location a week out from our wedding based on our photographer (Damien Milan’s) recommendation.”
THE INSPO “There was no real theme, we wanted to keep it as low key and low fuss as we could while still incorporating all the things we wanted. In the end, I would describe the overall vibe as ‘practical and intimate’.”
FAVE DEETS “I loved the picnic that my sister prepared for after the ceremony. We already plan on having more picnics in that very same location for our anniversaries.”
THE DRESS “I found Lilia through the Issue 23 of Hello May after lots of searching and try-ons. I reached out to Lilia Cass three months before my wedding and honestly could not have lucked out any more than I did. Not only is she the nicest person on the planet, but she went above and beyond to make sure my dress was perfect. She even patiently guided my sister on how to tie the bow on my blouse. Every meeting with Lilia was comfortable and unpressured. I couldn’t recommend her enough.”
REFERENCES “I found Damien Milan (our photographer), Kat (our florist of River & Eve Flora) and Lilia Cass (my dressmaker) through Hello May magazines. I found my Tania (my Hair and MUA of Weddings by Tania) as well as Tina (our celebrant of Love In The Mountains) through Google. It was great to support small and local businesses where I could.”
MEMORABLE MOMENT “My sister had put together a book with messages from all our closest family and friends who couldn’t be there with us. She had given it to us just after I had my make-up done, so as I was ugly crying from reading those messages while trying not to ruin the makeup and Aaron was trying hard not to cry himself while also laughing at my struggle. We will cherish that book forever; it was definitely a special moment.”
WE’RE GLAD WE “We’re really glad we got eloped. We stayed at the Airbnb for the whole week as well which helped take a lot of the anxiety and rush out of the actual day and enabled us focus on each other; not to mention the added bonus of saving us some money for a honeymoon and celebration later.”
STANDOUT VENDOR “Damien Milan was so lovely. As soon as he arrived and we started chatting, he instantly put us at ease. He had brilliant ideas and we felt like we could trust him and his vision wholeheartedly. It really paid off because we’re obsessed with the final images.”
This crazy cool elopement was originally published in The Real Wedding Special (Volume 8) which you can buy from our Online Store here. And if you’re still searching for your groom get-up, or photographer, head to M.J. Bale and Damien Milan on our Directory when you’re done here…
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Damien Milan Florist River & Eve Flora Ceremony Katoomba, Blue Mountains NSW Accomodation Wondernest, Blackheath via Airbnb Catering DIY (Family) Cake DIY (Bride) Cake Topper Communicake It Celebrant Tina Marie Sheil via Love In The Mountains Rings Tiffany & Co THE BRIDE Bridal Gown Lilia Cass Robe All Things Nice Shoes Loeffler Randall via Shopbop Accessories Just Bride Things (Earrings) Hair & Makeup Weddings by Tania Bridesmaid Dress Sheike Bridesmaid Shoes Gorman THE GROOM Suit & Shirt M.J. Bale Shoes R.M. Williams Watch TAG Heuer Grooming Legend & Son Old School Barbershop Groomsmen Suit M.J. Bale