Real Elopement – Lindsay & Charlie, Richmond VIC

For an intimate I Do exchange that epitomises what we love about elopements, look no further than Lindsay and Charlie’s inimitable soiree. Bold style and an almost effortless sense of occasion followed these two in their inner Melbourne romp, truly loved up, relaxed, and buoyed with everything a couple should be feeling moments after being married.

Linsday wore a fit from Melbourne’s Lola Varma that encapsulates quietly understated yet impeccable style. A softly clingling two-piece in waterfall-draped fabric, it is slinky and stunning, elegant and contemporary. For Charlie, it was all about the tailoring, and wow, does it show—his perfectly cut suit by The Suit Concierge gives pure film star chic.

In the talented company of photographer legend Maegan Brown, the new Mr and Mrs take a classy journey through the streetscapes, revelling in their dream day bliss. Scroll on to follow their ultra-chic adventure.

The meeting.

We met at university in the UK (Manchester University). We were friends from the very start in fresher’s week as we were in the same halls of residence!

The ‘one’.

Charlie: On a walk along the beach in Devon. It was a super cold winter’s day and I knew this was what I wanted for the rest of my life.

Lindsay: That’s hard to put a time stamp on when you’re with an all-round, utterly perfect person!

The proposal.

Lindsay: Charlie really pulled out all the stops. He surprised me for my 30th birthday with a weekend away to Tasmania. I found out at the airport gate where we were going and it was incredible from start to finish. Picked up from the airport in the most insane car, driven to Saffire Hotel which is the most incredible place I’ve ever stayed, and then Charlie proposed whilst we were on a walk in the sun on an isolated beach overlooking Coles Bay. He bought a gopro and filmed the whole thing which is SO unlike him, that was my only ‘what is going on?!’ moment – it was PERFECT!

Choosing to elope.

Lindsay had always wanted to elope and although Charlie wasn’t sure at first, he came around to the ‘rebellious romanticism’ of it all (his perfect words). As we were moving to Singapore in January, it made sense for us to do our legal part before the move so we did it in the most magical, personal way and eloped whilst we were in Melbourne!

Planning process.

Lindsay was quite specific in her vision but as we didn’t have any guests coming, everything was so simple and relaxed which was honestly the biggest bonus of the whole elopement! We were the only people who mattered! Lindsay discovered Maegan Brown, our photographer and absolutely HAD to have her, so we genuinely booked the registry office and everything else around her availability! After that it was just dress and suit, flowers and an unreal car for us to drive to town in! We booked a fabulous hotel for after and it really was that simple!

Style inspiration.

Maegan’s photography inspired me as I completely fell in love with her contemporary, impactful yet candid style of photographer. I fell for the beautiful facade at Parliament Steps and as we did the registry office legal part, we developed the idea of us having an incredible reveal moment there. The rest of the inspiration was just to show pure happiness, laughter and frolicking through the city but with an element of chic. The brief was nailed!

The outfits.

Lindsay: I discovered Lola Varma, a Melbourne-based wedding dress designer. The outfit I chose was the Val blouse and Delfina skirt, but combined looked like a beautifully elegant yet still relaxed silk dress. It was one of the first outfits I tried on and never looked back.

Charlie: I have always wanted to have a bespoke suit made. We lived in Richmond and I’d passed The Suit Concierge a number of times. Getting married was the perfect excuse to splash some cash! It was a very dark navy, double breasted suit which is timeless, elegant and I’ll be wearing it again at every opportunity!

Favourite moment.

Lindsay: How to pick! Walking out of the Registry Office with the biggest grin on my face. Driving through the city as a married couple in the sexiest convertible Mustang, waving my bouquet in the air! Endlessly laughing and dancing in the streets while Maegan took photos and played tunes from her speaker – we honestly didn’t have a clue she was snapping away!

Charlie: The reveal!

Meaning of marriage.

Lindsay: True love and having your ride or die partner by your side for the rest of your life.

Charlie: Always having to clean the beard hairs from the sink!

Soundtrack.

Aisle: Van Morrison – Someone Like You (it was my Bridget Jones moment!)

We walked out to Paolo Nutini – Pencil Full of Lead and it was SO fun.

Funny stories or near disasters.

There are too many…we laughed from start to finish! There was a very funny moment whilst were dancing in an alley way and Charlie was spinning me around by some wheely bins (romance) and a passerby walked passed looking utterly perplexed and told us how revolting it smelt – we burst out laughing. No one had a clue, we  were having too much fun!

Planning surprises.

Only how blissfully easy it was only having to think about ourselves!

Breaking the elopement news.

Our parents were pretty much across it whilst we came to the decision. There were a couple of surprised reactions at how unconventional it was, some slightly sad they couldn’t be with us but overall, I think people understood what it mean to us and that it was so romantic and personal (and especially on-brand for Lindsay!)

Words of wisdom.

If it is what you really want, do it! It’s not for everyone but if you have any doubts, fears, worries about doing the grand, traditional thing in front of everyone, then why put yourself under that pressure! The fact that that day is untouchable with the happiest memories and only the two of us at the centre of it is something I wouldn’t change for the world!

Top tip: We’re going to throw a party back at home in the UK for all our friends and family which means no stress of the formalities of a wedding, we just get to enjoy the fun part with everyone and we get to wear our outfits again – win, win!

Love Lindsay and Charlie’s low key approach and high impact day? We’ve curated a selection of our favourite real elopements to bring you all the inspiration and insights.

CHARLIE & LINDSAY’S VENDORS

Ceremony venue: Margaret Craig Room at Melbourne Registry Office. A very beautiful room and such a simple and stress-free legal process.

Celebrant: Caleb, at the Melbourne Registry Office. Lovely celebrant who made us laugh and smile and was at ease with how unconventional it all was! He gave us the ‘short version’ of the vows so we could go and have fun – thank you!

Photography: Maegan Brown. Where do we begin? Maegan was absolutely intrinsic to making our day so magic. We wish we had a reason to relive it all again! Her talent is out of this world. She made the day feel like a holiday movie but in the most fun and candid kind of way! I cannot believe that those incredible photos are us when I look back at them. She was also our witness which added an extra layer of special to having her as our photographer.

Florist: Lara Damjanovic. The most gorgeous, local florist who produced my beautiful bouquet exactly as I had envisaged. So beautifully skilled in her floristry and loveliest lady!

Hair & make-up: Merry May. Merry was such a joy to get ready with! She made me feel so at ease and followed my vision to a T! Being quite particular about my hair and makeup, she was so fantastic at helping create a naturally, made-up look for my wedding day that still felt like me!

The dress: Lola Varma. Designers Courtney and Stephanie, were incredible. The Lola Varma showroom and their impeccable service and designs are sensational. As soon as I stepped into their contemporary, elegant yet serene designs, I knew I had to get married in one!

Veil / head wear: Little White Couture. I had so many comments on my veil from Little White Couture. This was a late addition to my look but I wanted a nod to my Italian heritage with a lace-edged design and it was perfect. Delivery was so efficient as well which helped as I was on the fence until the last minute!

Shoes: Isabel Marant Boots from The Outnet. Being a boots girl, as soon as I set my eyes on these Ecru suede boots I knew they were mine. I bought them discounted from the Outnet a week after we got engaged – jumping the gun, but it helped that we got married so quickly!

Rings: Simon West Jewellery. Simon is an incredible craftsmen in fine jewellery. He created our beautiful wedding bands and altered my engagement ring to fit alongside my dream wedding band which we designed from scratch based on my vision. It is utterly perfect!

Grooms suit: The Suit Concierge, Richmond. The service at Suit Concierge was fantastic. They took over 40 measurements and the finished suit fit like a glove with no adjustments needed at the first fitting. Would highly recommend.

Transport: Black 66 Convertible Mustang from Pete’s Classic Garage. What an unreal car! Pete’s Classic Garage were the loveliest, local classic car company who made everything so easy. The car itself was honestly the best supporting actor we could have asked for in our movie moment!

Mini Moon: The Intercontinental, Sorrento. Perfect stay at the Intercontinental in Sorrento after our wedding ceremony. They upgraded us to the Penthouse Suite which was the most divine wedding gift and the service and design was fantastic.