Back in May 2021, I joined Ceri and Sam for their very intimate secret winter elopement in the heart of Perth City.
Getting ready together @ The Ritz-Carlton
Ceri and Sam got ready together in their Ritz-Carlton hotel room overlooking Elisabeth Quay. Ceri was the perfect embodiment of less is more. She wore an elegant and minimalist slip-on dress from Shona Joy, carried a stunning bouquet with beautiful white and cream tones, and finished her look with the most elegant earrings and cutest purse. Ceri and Sam shared an intimate first look before we headed out to the city.
Couple portraits on top of the world
I snapped a few portraits of Ceri and Sam on an empty rooftop car park in the heart of Perth CBD. The light was soft as the sun was setting behind the buildings and Ceri and Sam were swaying to the sound of music, enjoying those final sweet moments before getting married. Just before the sun disappeared for good, we headed to the Old Tower House in Northbridge to make things official.
Making it official @ The Old Tower House
Ceri and Sam’s ceremony was so intimate that the only people in the tiny room of the Old Tower House were them, their celebrant, and a witness. I wore another one of my many hats on that day and doubled as a witness!
After officially making C & S husband and wife, their beautiful celebrant, Kate, read a letter from Ceri’s mum who was in Scotland. Weddings in times of Covid are definitely a complicated thing. I can’t imagine how hard it must be for couples to make the decision to start the next chapter of their life without their nearest and dearest being present. That being said, there are many ways to include your family as part of your elopement. Having family members and friends writing letters for you to read on your wedding day is one of them.
Celebratory champers @ Shadow Wine Bar
This secret winter elopement would not have been complete without a mini celebration of some sort. even better if it involved a glass of bubbles in a cozy indoor space. So Ceri and Sam decided to end this perfect day at Shadow Wine Bar in the heart of Northbridge with a celebratory glass of bubbles and a few nibbles. Their day felt so special and meaningful and to me, embodied exactly what weddings and marriage is about: the two of you and the love you share.
Vendors
Getting ready: The Ritz-Carlton
Ceremony: The Old Tower House
Post-ceremony drinks: Shadow Wine Bar
Hair: Tim Pascoe
Makeup: Painted by Pia
Flowers: Hello Charlotte
Ceri’s dress: Shona Joy
Celebrant: Hitched by Kate
Photographer: Alice Andre Photography for Alexandra Cohen Photography
Liked to read about Ceri and Sam’s secret winter elopement in the heart of Perth? Check out Sara and Fu’s intimate nuptials at Shadow Wine Bar’s big sister: The Alex Hotel here.
