Real Wedding – Anthony & Kirby, Strathmerton VIC
We adore a celebration that is different and unique, so when Kirby and Anthony described their planning process as, ‘hectic, constantly changing and a whirlwind of emotions…all rules went out the window’, we knew we had to see more!
This darling duo found themselves caught up in COVID chaos dealing with cancelled wedding dates, re-booking and general planning stress, before deciding to elope and boy did they do it in sensational style.
The incredible Cactus Country was the backdrop for these beauties and as Kirby made her way down the aisle in her jaw-dropping gown it was no wonder Anthony went a little weak at the knees. Sensational celebrant, Megan Watson, lead a ceremony that was full of love, heart and gorgeous giggles too. Exchanging vows in front of the most epic collection of dried and preserved flowers by Boho Wildflowers, it’s no wonder they were fist pumping when they finally sealed the deal.
Their elated faces truly do say it all and with the incredible Hailey of One Spoon Two Spoon behind the lens, you know that these images will be adored for a lifetime.
The meeting.
It was Boxing day 2015. Anthony featured on a friend’s Snapchat story, and I asked for his number.
The ‘one’.
I knew he was the one when he understood all of my Simpsons quotes and made me laugh on every date!
The proposal.
We were in Boracay in a fancy resort. Long story short, he popped the question in our hotel room as he couldn’t wait any longer and keep the ring hidden from me.
Planning process.
Hectic, constantly changing and a whirlwind of emotions. In the end, it was very spontaneous, and all rules went out the window
Style inspiration.
We saw another gorgeous couple elope at our venue, and their photos were epic. We took that idea but put our own personal spin on the day. We wanted an elopement that looked edgy, intimate and all about us.
The outfit.
My dress was a backless, romantic, lace and tulle mermaid cut, changed up with a veil for the ceremony and a felt Lack of Colour hat for our photoshoot.
Favourite moments.
When Anthony saw me walking down the ‘aisle’ to him.
Meaning of marriage.
Spending the rest of my life laughing at his silly jokes and sharing all of life’s moments with my best mate.
Wedding soundtrack.
Aisle: Can’t Help Falling In Love by Hailey Reihnhart
Recessional: Shooting Stars by Bag Raiders
Funny stories or near disasters.
Apart from the cancelled dates, rebooking’s and covid stress, my sister also went into labour on the morning of my wedding! I had to spill the beans to her about eloping so she knew why I couldn’t come to the hospital.
Planning surprises.
How important it is to love your vendors. I couldn’t have been happier with my girl power team, who always supported me and encouraged me.
Words of wisdom.
Don’t get hung up on making the day run perfectly. Things will always be out of your control, and you just need to lean into it and have fun!
Just remember your wedding is about marrying your love, people don’t notice your place cards, your tablecloths, what they drink. Just make the day about you and your lover.
Micro-weddings and elopements sure are having a time, and so they should, what could be better than an elegant and intimate celebration of your love. If you’re feeling daunted by planning the process of how this would play out, we highly suggest our team of wedding planners who can help you execute your elopement in absolute style, check them out over on our directory.
ANTHONY & KIRBY’S VENDORS:
Ceremony venue: Cactus Country, Strathmerton VIC.
Celebrant: Megan Watson, Marry Me Megan. If you’re looking for a warm, bubbly and all-round genuine legend to officiate your wedding Megan is your gal!
Photography: Hailey Birch, One Spoon Two Spoon. Hailey was my absolute rock and wedding guru for the last two years; she was with us from the very first wedding date all the way through. She helped me find vendors, supported my creative vision and provided the most epic pics beyond what I could have hoped for.
Videography: Rachel Mary, Rachel Mary Films. Rachael bought the calm and romance to our day, from helping with song selection to coordinating the best wedding shots, she was fantastic.
Styling: I styled the whole day myself!
Florist and hire: Boho Wildflowers offer hire of the most epic dried and preserved flowers and furniture.
Hair: myself and my sister in law.
Make-up: the fabulous Jack Cail.
The dress: Rachael Rose Bridal in Perth, (my dress was her design “Tink”).
Hat- Lack of Color
Shoes: Spurr
Rings: Leonardo Fernandez Jewellery
Groom’s suits: Jack London
Bow tie: ASOS
Bar: Cactus Countries frozen margs
Entertainment: Makita tradie speakers
