Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…
I am a clinical nurse specialist and Cam is an engineer. We live in Melbourne, Australia. We both love travelling, wine, food and our cat Percy.
How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?
Cam and I met in high school. We were friends first and shared many classes together. Cam and I were part of the same leadership group in Year 12 and really hit it off. We started dating shortly after Year 12 was done and have been together ever since. (M) My first impression of Cam was that he was kind, hardworking and talented. He has a gentle soul and is everyone’s friend. (C) My first impression of Mel was the she was gentle, funny and smart.
When did you first realise that this was someone you’d like to spend the rest of your life with?
Cam and I knew we were the one for each other after sharing many life milestones together. He was the one I wanted with me through all of life’s special events. We have both achieved so much individually and we always want to share that success with each other. We always look to better ourselves and I think together we make a great team.
Was there a proposal? Tell us a little about it…
Cam proposed to me on a trip to Japan back in February 2020. We were in one of our favourite hotpot restaurants in our favourite cities. I remember making a joke about how quiet the restaurant was and how predictable some proposals can be. Following that, Cam presented a ring over the steaming hotpot. I was honestly in shock and I cried so hard from the happiness. The confused waiter eventually figured out what had just happened and gave us some tea to celebrate. The engagement was a casual exchange but felt very us.
Tell us about the vision you had for the mood or style of your wedding…
Cam and I had always spoke about a simple and elegant wedding. We wanted to challenge wedding “norms” and do it our way. Our plan was to have a Registry wedding followed by drinks with our nearest at a local bar. This plan then evolved into a celebration party with all of our family and friends. We were originally meant to be married in August 2021. Due to the COVID situation worsening in Melbourne, we unfortunately had to postpone our wedding three times. After so many delays we decided to push on with an elopement at the Registry in late October. We wanted our elopement to be classic but still modern and chic. The day could not have been better. It was a quiet Sunday morning in Melbourne and the weather was perfect. The quietness of the elopement was something that we look back on fondly. It was so intimate and special. We look forward to experiencing our wedding all over again with our friends and family this coming December 2021.
What was one element you were happy to splurge on?
We were so happy we splurged on our photographer Meleah (Lovegood Images). We have always loved the urban landscape of Melbourne contrasted by the beautiful greenery in East Melbourne. She understood our vision and brought it to life. Meleah scouted locations for our photos a few days before and sent them through to get my opinion and to make sure I was happy. The photos came out amazing! I felt like we were best friends even before we’d met each other in person. We’re so excited to have her photograph us again for our wedding celebration in December.
Did anything happen on your wedding day that you laugh about in hindsight (even if it was stressful at the Gme)?
Yes! As I was DIY-ing my bouquet and Cam’s boutonniere, there was a mad rush to get the flowers in time for Sunday morning. I had practiced the flower arrangements a week before and everything went smoothly. On the day of the wedding, the flowers were not coming together the way I had wanted them to. Looking back on the day it really didn’t matter and they still came out in a unique and organic way. I also loved how Cam’s boutonniere looked against his blazer.
Tell us about your main ouiits, what was unique, is there a story?
The dress I wore to our elopement was actually meant to be my original wedding dress before I changed my mind with another gown. I purchased this dress in early 2020 from Forever New on sale for around $70. I remember seeing it online and thinking “that’s the one!”. I loved its classic but modern silhouette with the gorgeous puffed sleeves and belt. When our plans changed, I knew I had to finally wear this dress. In some ways, the change in wedding plans meant that this dress got its rightful moment. It was so comfortable to wear and I felt beautiful in it. I also almost didn’t wear the white headband on the day. I’m so glad that I changed my mind because it really completed the look.
Photographer: Lovegood Images / Hair & Makeup: Yuri Yamamoto / Dress: Forever New / Headband: Design by Hummingbird via Etsy / Veil: Ebay / Earrings: Amelie George Bridal / Shoes: Hunter Markets / Clutch: Olga Berg / Engagement ring: Windfall Jewellery / Wedding band: Uniform Black / Fragrance: Summer Fridays (Soft Vanilla) Perfume Oil via Mecca / Bouquet: Mel / Cam’s Blazer, Shirt & Chinos: M.J. Bale / Shoes: Aquila / Tie, Belt & Socks: Country Road / Wedding band: Uniform Black / Pocketsquare & Tie clip: The Brothers at OTAA / Fragrance: Le Labo Bergamote 22 via Mecca / Boutonniere: Mel