Real Wedding – Elisha & Dean, Phillip Island VIC

Dean and Elisha’s sun-drenched, gorgeously golden wedding is striking in every sense of the word. In a perfect example of the impact of thinking outside the box, these two chose to do their couple’s photo session a few days earlier, meaning they could soak up every epic moment with their guests on their dream day. And the photos themselves? Blissed-out artistry, thanks to the talent of Immerse Photography.

Along with their young daughters, Dean and Elisha soaked up the sunset on the clifftops of Phillip Island in a series of portraits that are quite simply, breathtaking. We love the candid romance and blissed-up love evident in every frame. To follow, the family enjoyed the evening at a local carnival, giving pop movie vibes and an ultra-cool effect. We love Elisha’s choice to switch out the stunningly full skirts of her Marquis Bridal gown for a mini version, perfectly on-point to party.

On the day, the emotions are all there, combined with a laid-back party feel and sweetly stylish moments – soft florals in creamy whites rendered cloud-like by a frosting of baby breath and strings of fairy lights to add magic to the moment.

Scroll on to see it all unfold.

The meeting.

We met in 2008, Dean’s first training at the local netball and football club. We both got put on dish duty after dinner, and Dean’s smooth pick-up lines won Elisha over.

The proposal.

After being together for nine years, Dean surprised Elisha with a re-enactment of their first-ever date. A romantic dinner and night at the movies. And then popped the question just before going home.

Planning process.

The planning process was super easy going for us. We wanted our day to reflect us as a couple and just wanted it to be heaps of fun for our friends and family. We knew exactly who we wanted to be involved with our day, and as soon as we chose a date, everything fell into place.

We loved the industrial vibe Saltwater had, and the fact it was by the water and close to home was a massive bonus for us.

Style inspiration. 

I had saved many photos online and on Instagram in the lead-up to our wedding. I loved looking through Real Weddings and seeing what trends looked good and what vibe I wanted to lock in for our wedding.

The ceremony.

Our ceremony was late afternoon in the beautiful restaurant, Saltwater. We stood in front of large glass doors overlooking the water. Our friends and family gathered around us to witness our short but sweet ceremony.

The look. 

Elisha started with an off-the-shoulder white dress and a big princess skirt for the ceremony and first dance; then, the skirt came off to reveal a mini dress ready for her to party the night away.

Dean wore a classic black suit and white shirt with a black bow tie.

Favourite moments.

We loved everything about our big day, but we decided to do our wedding photos the week before the wedding, and we just loved that time with our girls, all getting dressed up together and then laughing through the awkwardness of couple photos and then hitting up the local carnival to go a little wild and get some fun shots together.

Meaning of marriage.

Marriage is that promise to be each other’s person. Not because you need to but because you want to.

Funny stories or near disasters.

Elisha forgot to order a wedding cake up until the week before the wedding but was lucky enough to be recommended an amazing local cake maker who was able to come through with the goods.

Planning surprises.

I actually surprised myself. I am normally such a stress head in day-to-day life, but I found the wedding planning so enjoyable and easy. I think it’s so important to not sweat the small stuff and just take in all the moments you have in the lead-up. I loved being able to share all the experiences with our three girls. Something we can all look back on together.

Words of wisdom.

My advice to others is to take it all in, and if you can, do photos before the wedding, we loved the extra time to party with our guests.

For another couple who chose to do their wedding their way, and ended up with an ultra-cool, out of the ordinary result, check out Mon and Rob’s Mornington soiree, here on the blog.

ELISHA & DEAN’S VENDORS

Ceremony & reception venue: Saltwater, Newhaven, Phillip Island

Celebrant: Kellie Eddy

Photography: Immerse Photography

Videography: We Be Golden

Florist: Morrie and Maisie

Hair & make-up: Bride

Dress: Marquise Bridal

Shoes: Tony Bianco

Suit: Politix

Cake: Elaine’s Cakes

Band: Jack and Jordan