Real Elopement – Lucy & Sam, Melbourne VIC
Deciding on forever was something Lucy and Sam did together. In reality, ‘deciding’ is too strong a word for something that felt so effortless and inevitable.
Their deep sense of love and shared commitment to a future together required no grand gestures or surprises.
Inheriting some rings that belonged to Lucy’s late mother was the catalyst for a more formal commitment for the pair who first met at the office.
The choice of date was purely practical but the absence of on-lookers – and the use of the re-set stones in Lucy’s ring – made the milestone feel deeply personal.
Discover the relaxed, romantic energy of this winter ‘I do’ followed by lunch for two, as shot by the queen of connection and keeping it real, Finder Seeker.
The meeting.
We met at work. There were two roles up for grabs, and we both applied. We were competing for the better role, but ended up working alongside each other in the same team.
The ‘one’.
The sense of ‘knowing’ came when we listened to Heartbeats by José González together (after some wine).
The proposal.
There wasn’t a proposal as such. We always knew we’d get married and talked about it early on. The catalyst was Lucy inheriting some rings that had belonged to her late mother, which led us to have our rings made. We had the stones reset, which felt like a meaningful way to mark the commitment we had already made.
Celebration inspiration.
We decided on an elopement because neither of us are from Victoria, we don’t have much family here, and we wanted the day to be about us just having fun doing the things we love together. We did start a guest list at one point, but it quickly got too complicated, and we realised we both felt better having no guests. Style-wise, we just wanted something simple and elegant.
Planning process.
There wasn’t too much to organise aside from booking the Registry Office and making decisions about what we would wear and do on the day. The date was chosen specifically because it was a weekend Sam didn’t have a soccer match! We made hotel and restaurant reservations in advance, had our rings designed and bought our outfits in the couple of months leading up to the day. It was all smooth sailing due to the wedding being very low-key.
The outfits.
Sam wore a navy wool suit that he tried on in-store after we found it online and bought on sale (score!). Lucy had bought a silk dress that needed altering and purchased the (much cheaper) suit as a backup. The alterations didn’t work out so the backup saved the day. We bought Sam’s tie from a small business on Etsy, and Lucy’s accessories were all things she already owned.
Favourite moment.
Holding hands and smiling crazily at each other during the ceremony.
Meaning of marriage.
Continually striving to be the best partners we can be. Staying curious about each other.
Celebration soundtrack.
We didn’t have any music at the ceremony, but our song is Baby It’s You by London Grammar, so we listened to that together in the morning.
Near disasters.
The rings were all the wrong size and had to be re-sized just before the day, which was a nightmare. Then on the day, Lucy left her wedding ring at the hotel and didn’t realise until the ceremony was about to start. Sam ran back to get it (luckily the hotel was nearby!).
Words of wisdom.
Don’t worry about what anyone else wants or thinks – do what you will enjoy!
For more micro wedding magic, check out Lauren & Kyle’s intimate, love-filled celebration.
LUCY & SAM’S SUPPLIERS:
Ceremony location: Victorian Marriage Registry – Thomas Hyde Room
After party: Lunch for two at Vue de Monde
Celebrant: Provided by Victorian Marriage Registry
Photography: Finder Seeker An absolute gem of a person and the best photographer we could have asked for.
Florist: Studio Kacy Beautiful flowers and the most attentive, personalised service that went beyond expectations.
Hair & make up: Bride did her own
Bride’s outfit: Portmans
Bride’s shoes: Bared Footwear
Rings: Miško Jewellery
Grooms suit: Oxford Shop
Grooms shoes: Florsheim
Tie: Belfast Bow Co.
Honeymoon: Bali
