As an elopement specialist, I'm always encouraging my couples to really think about what they value as a couple, and working with them to include only those things as they elope.
When E + P decided to take the plunge and marry after seven years together, they told me:
"We want to do it our own way. We're ready to take this next step, and take it in a way that's true to ourselves!"
Because they love their urban Perth neighbourhood, it was a no-brainer to create their elopement around home.
On the day, photographer Kat from Red Eclectic and I met up with E + P at their place.
With only their mums as witnesses, we all walked the familiar streets of Perth to their favourite park and second home, Hyde Park.
We found a spot by the water for their short and sweet elopement ceremony. A Perth city elopement doesn't have to mean it's devoid of nature!
Just because you're eloping doesn't mean you need to have a soulless tick-a-box ceremony. I believe that the best way to make your elopement ceremony 100% yours is to include meaningful words.
E and P spoke the vows they'd written for each other.
I was privileged to read a poem that E, a writer, had written for P.
To sign the marriage paperwork, we sat on a special bench in the park dedicated to a beloved late family member - who was definitely with us in spirit!
The mums loved being the witnesses. I brought along some eco-confetti made from hole-punched eucalyptus leaves, and we celebrated by throwing it just as I pronounced them married.
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Afterwards E + P roamed the nearby streets for photos (and donuts) with Kat.
They arrived home to hugs from their close family members - both human and feline! The humans toasted them with champagne to celebrate.
Later that night, they met up with mates at their local pub to continue the celebrations.
E + P said:
"From the moment we first met Sally in person to plan our elopement, we knew we'd made the right decision in choosing her as our celebrant. She was so lovely, warm and authentic, while still being very efficient and organised.
We wanted a super chilled out, 'no fuss' day that was still full of love and fun, and it was clear that Sally took this wish very seriously.
In the end, she went above & beyond in delivering just that - with a ceremony so moving that I believe we'll treasure the memory forever."
Eloping in Perth can look like whatever you want it to! If this has made you want to elope at home, check out The Elopement Package
All photos on this post by elopement photographer Kat at Red Eclectic