When WedShed photographer Anna Taylor mentioned that she was keen to create a wintry shoot among the snow gums of alpine Victoria, our ears pricked up. And not only ours, but those of a whole bunch of insanely talented wedding vendors who all raised their hands to get in on the action.
But then. Things next-levelled. Because this gang of wedding folk had the bright idea to turn what was shaping up to be a Game of Thrones-inspired shoot into a real life elopement. Yes, with real lovers that were really keen to tie the knot, for real.
Armed with Anna’s mum’s wedding dress made in the early 1970s for her own winter wedding as a starting point for the vision of the day, the team worked together to create what’s one of the most beautifully moody, romantic and intimate events we’ve come across.
They then found their couple Amie and Nick (with the help of the Internet – how else do people form romantic partnerships these days?). And like a true Cinderella story, the dress fit Amie like a glove.
Blending the vintage furniture and props of styling and hire extraordinaires Good Day Club with wild and icy-toned blooms by Poppy’s Getting Married, the scene was set for a mountain-top ceremony, followed by a cozy yet decadent reception in a rustic shed.
The vivacious and wonderful Meg of Raise Your Glass Ceremonies trekked up the mountain with Nick and Amie to officiate their elopement, with Amie and Nick’s personally written vows being the centrepiece of the ceremony. Folk duet Fidel & Sarah serenaded the couple down their snowy aisle and into the evening beyond. A sumptuous feast awaited the newly married couple thanks to Mr Hall Catering Co. And let’s not forget the elegant red wedding cake from Miss Ladybird Cakes.
Artist Ashley Hopkins created a classic makeup look for Amie with a dramatic dark lip, with Janey Umback on hand to style Amie’s gorgeous curls.
All in all, it was a knock-out effort. We chatted to Amie to hear a bit more about their love story.
Tell us about how you met and the proposal?
We met while working at the same high school in Gippsland where Nick, a Yorkshireman, was temporarily employed as a Rowing Coach. A week later, I booked a one-way ticket on Nick’s flight back to the UK. In August last year we packed up our bright purple Vito Mini Van and set out on a 5 month journey around Europe. Nick proposed under the full moon beside a tree on the look-out at Prague Castle.
What inspired your big day?
Having experienced so many amazing adventures together, just the two of us, we decided an elopement was the truest reflection of who we are as a couple.
There were two very personal features we knew we wanted to incorporate:
– We both wore our old leather boots that took us from the highlands of Scotland to Pompeii and beyond; they hold even more memories for us now. I’ll be framing my Doc’s when they finally give in!
– During our travels we fell in love with the song ‘Emmylou’ by First Aid Kit. The lyrics symbolise the most beautifully simple request between two people who respect and adore each other, saying I’ll be the June to your Johnny and the Emmylou to your Gram if all you’ll do is sing with me. It’s a nod to all the great loves, with that bittersweet overtone of classic 1970’s country music. We were a bit cheeky and asked the irrepressible Fidel & Sarah if they would learn Emmylou for us to walk down the aisle to. When they started playing our song, there in the snow, it was the most surreal moment.
What advice would you give to other couples leading up to their big day?
Take the time to consider what reflects you both as a couple. For some, it’s the big wedding with loads of family and friends witnessing your love; for others, it’s the spiritual focus of just the two of you. We had a few family members who weren’t at all pleased at our decision, but don’t let these factors stop you from doing things the way you want. This is the one day of your life together that is 100% about you both as a couple, so be selfish to an extent. You won’t regret standing firm on what you know you want, but you will regret yielding to the thoughts of others.
What does marriage mean to you?
Marriage, for us, is the ceremonial declaration and confirmation of all those beautiful promises we make to each other every day. The fact that this is denied to so many incredibly loving and devoted people in Australia is unfathomable.
What was your favourite moment on your wedding day?
We kept our wedding vows secret from each other, so saying them out loud during such an intimate ceremony in the snow was exceptionally romantic and personal. When Meg, our gorgeous celebrant, pronounced us married partners for life, we went in for ‘the kiss’ and it began to snow right at that moment.
Any funny stories that surrounded your elopement?
While Anna and the crew were getting the ceremony area prepared, Nick and I were fortunately left in the car with nothing but a bottle of whisky to keep us entertained. Also, balancing atop a snow-covered boulder, trying to keep a straight face for pictures while Meg continued pelting Nick with snow balls
CREDITS: Photos Anna Taylor Photography // Styling, furniture + props Good Day Club // Florals Poppy’s Getting Married // Makeup Ashley Hopkins // Hair Janey Umback // Celebrant Meg of Raise Your Glass Ceremonies // Musicians Fidel & Sarah // Cake Miss Ladybird Cakes // Catering Mr Hall // Ceremony location Lake Mountain Resort // Prep + reception venue Binah Guesthouse // Shed doors at Binah Guesthouse JD Ryan Constructions
