So I’m not really much of a writer, I have too much of a science and office/corporate background to swell emotion within you when I type the written word. This story is something so special though, and really must be told. The images below are the real story tellers of the raw emotion, joyfulness and intimacy of one pretty small but at the same time, epic elopement.
March 2018, Adelaide South Australia.
Elise and Paul flew in from their home of South Africa to be married in the presence of Elise’s family; sister Ange, husband Con and three beautiful children whom they hadn’t seen in six years. Elise’s mother also came from her home in Malaysia, and Paul’s dad from South Africa also.
Shooting this wedding along side my wife, Jessie, who was there to film the day was also super special.
In the morning we set out to Paul’s Airbnb. Just him and his dad getting all suited up and telling stories of Paul’s upbringing were hilarious. The closeness of this father and son duo was more of a tale of adventurous and mischievous best friends.
Ange’s shabby chic, French provincial styled, fairy-tale castle (for lack of a better word) was the setting for the girl’s preps.
Elise’s dress sourced from a vintage shop in Amsterdam was also something pretty special. Her ensemble also included a metallic flower bouquet, something very cool I had not seen before.
Off to the ceremony held at totally underrated Belair National Park. Ominous and ancient trees of a species with which I am not acquainted, offered the perfect natural archway and a vintage woven rug marked the spot. It was a beautiful, intimate ceremony and when a surprise bagpiper lead the bride down the aisle in honour of Paul’s Scottish heritage, an unforgettably emotional time, seeing Paul’s jaw literally drop.
After the ceremony and a little home-made picnic spread I took Elise and Paul in their fancy clothes and we explored a nearby bush track for some very special couple shots. A few pauses due to some wildlife taking Elise and Paul’s eye was also really special, Koala’s snacking and sleeping in the trees, kangaroos hopping through fields, it was pretty cool.
When we moved on to the reception, this is where things got super special. Back to Ange’s surreal backyard and enter the rustic corrugated iron and timber shed, styled perfectly by sister Ange (of Vintage Prins). One single table, white table cloth adorned with locally picked greenery, simple lit candles and handmade metal name places. We were given a place at the table and wine and tall tales flowed as the sun set.
Wow, wow, wow, at the energy and connection between these two during their very intimate first dance, a simple sway with a few spins (my favourite). To end the night we headed out onto Ange’s dirt driveway in the pitch black, lit a few sparklers and stood in the glow of car headlights to snap a few final shots.
Oh P.S - I put the film at the bottom.
Venue: Belair National Park Caravan Park | Reception: at family home Styling: Vintage Prins (Angela, her sister) |
Hair and Make-up: Carly Dabinet - Makeup, Styling & Beauty | Celebrant: Alister Mitchell- http://marry.com.au | Catering: Mash Food http://mashfood.com.au | Bagpipes: Darren Ferguson - fergie_5@aapt.net.au | Dress: 1950s Vintage found in Laura Dols thrift store in Amsterdam | Flower girl dresses: spree.co.za in Cape Town
I know I promised you a film - created by my beautifully talented wife, Jessie - The Film Room