A Refined Brisbane Elopement

Photography by Jenna Fahey-White for Megan & Toby

Amidst the pervading reaches of COVID restrictions, Megan and Toby eloped at a refined celebration in the heart of Brisbane City; a stylish plan B that embraced the intimate and the unexpected, transforming into something infinitely more meaningful.

In a tailored suit from Karen Willis Holmes and an effortlessly cool wide-brim hat, the bride was a chic silhouette of timeless style, a vision of sophistication and modern femininity that complemented the urban surrounds.

Illuminated by the bright lights glinting off Brisbane’s iconic waterfront, dinner was served atop white linen tablecloths adorned with Grecian inspired details and European accents.

A color palette of lime greens, warm burgundy, and autumnal tones balanced the decor of walnuts, purple garlic, custard apples, and vine dried grapes that decorated the uniquely styled tablescape. Arrangements of slipper orchids, flannel flowers, carnations and anthuriums were interwoven, evoking a romantic ambiance both magical and poetic…

This sentimental, family affair was captured by Lane favorite, Jenna Fahey-White.

Our Story

Names / Megan & Toby

Wedding Date / 1st September 2020

Guest Numbers / 5

Budget / $6,000 USD

How We Met

More of a modern-day story, we met through an online dating app. When we first connected, Toby was being treated for cancer and my daughter was quite young, so it took about six weeks before we were able to find a day where we could meet in person. During that time, we spoke daily via text where we formed a beautiful connection.

Not wanting to wait any longer, some of our first dates were in the oncology ward where we would just sit, chat, get to know each-other…and fall in love.

Our Engagement Story

In 2018, we took a trip to New York City together. One morning, Toby suggested we take a ferry trip and walk across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. As we were watching the ferries come and go, Toby pulled out a ring and asked me to marry him. Of course, I said yes!

Marriage To Us Means…

To us, marriage represents the union of our little blended family and the promise of our commitment to grow together and support each other through all of life’s ups and downs. It means love.

The Details

Wedding Location

Heartbroken after having to change our wedding plans a couple of times, we felt as though we were at the mercy of Covid and all its uncertainty. We knew we didn’t want to wait any longer, so last minute we organised to make our marriage official in an elopement at the Brisbane Marriage Registry on the date we had been planning to have our wedding.

Because we’re having our bigger wedding with our nearest and dearest at a later date, we made our elopement small and understated. We had an intimate post-ceremony dinner at Greca, a modern Greek restaurant situated on the Brisbane River. I’m typically drawn to a minimalist aesthetic, and I knew that Greca was going to be a beautiful space where we could style a little table that looked like it belonged, plus their food is absolutely yummy.

Overall Aesthetic / Style

Chic, classic and understated.

Ceremony Décor

The ceremony was sans styling. The Marriage Registry doesn’t allow it because of their super speedy turnaround.

Reception Décor

A table set for seven draped in white linen tablecloths adorned with Grecian inspired details in a color palette of lime greens, burgundies, hints of yellows, whites, and browns. We scattered whole walnuts, purple garlic, custard apples, vine dried grapes amongst the florals and decor to add a European vibe.

Photography

Being a photographer myself, having our elopement documented in a series of beautiful images was particularly important to me. For that reason, I had no doubt that I wanted Jenna Fahey-White to capture our elopement.

I have always been drawn to her stylish captures, and we both felt so at ease with her relaxed and easy-going nature. Looking through our photos, Jenna beautifully captured so many special moments that we will cherish forever.

Having her along for the day was like hanging out with a friend, super comfortable and fun.

Fashion Notes

Brides Dress

I wore the most amazing bridal suit by Karen Willis Holmes which made me feel like an absolute boss bride.

I had a beautiful bridal fedora custom made by Christie Millinery. I didn’t realise how special this would be. Christie was in constant contact, keeping me in the loop with her process as the hat took form. Seeing some of the behind the scenes of her millinery was nothing short of mesmerising… While so many creative careers become more and more digitalised, her process provoked a feeling of nostalgia. The hat is something that I will keep forever, it’s so sentimental to me now.

Flowergirls

Daisy wore a long-sleeved lace dress from Zara paired with little white converse all-stars and a messy bun.

Wedding Rings

My engagement ring and our wedding rings are from By Baby, a Brisbane based designer, and family friend.

Jewelry / Accessories

Because we needed to do a fair bit of getting from A to B, I made sure I had a nice clutch big enough to hold the things I knew I would want throughout the day. I chose a natural weave clutch by Cult Gaia.

Hair

I have shoulder-length hair, I wore it down with a relaxed wave.

Makeup

Bronzed eyes, subtle contouring, and a rust-rose coloured lip.

Style Notes

Stationery / Invitations

Each setting on our dining table had a personalised menu printed on ivory card. They were designed by Laura Elizabeth Designs, who was amazing in how quickly she had them made for us. They bought a tactile element to the tablescape, it wouldn’t have been the same without them.

Flowers & Bouquets

We were incredibly lucky to secure Bloodwood Botanica as our florist at such late notice and she 100% nailed the brief!

Both my bouquet and Daisy’s posy were intended to be relaxed and simple. We had single-variety bouquets of white and creamy-yellow carnations.

Having one of Australia’s most talented florists creating for us, we wanted table florals that boasted her talents. On our table sat two captivating sculptural arrangements of slipper orchids, flannel flower, carnations, and anthurium.

Transport

After saying our I do’s at the registry, we had a golden Rolls Royce collect us and drive us to the other side of the city for our portrait photos. Jenna captured so many beautiful shots of us in and with the car, creating a real classic vibe throughout our images that we absolutely adore.

Wedding Songs

“Dinosaurs” by Ruby Fields. Daisy chose it.

Celebrant

We didn’t know who our celebrant would be until moments before our ceremony. Having only just met her, she made us feel instantly comfortable and she was incredibly nurturing of Daisy and included her throughout, even having her sign her name on our marriage certificate – a special little memory that we will look back on forever.

Special Details

Sources of Inspiration

Bianca Jagger was certainly an inspiration for my outfit.

For the tablescape, my dear friend Heidi of The Romance was my biggest inspiration. Her work is amazing.

A Memorable Moment

Because my parents weren’t able to be at the elopement in person, last minute we decided that Daisy would walk me down the aisle and give me a way to Toby. She took the job so seriously, and when the celebrant asked “who gives this woman away?” She replied in her biggest 6-year-old-voice “I do!”. It was such a special moment, and it made sense to us that she give me away. Because Toby is her stepdad, if anyone has to be okay with our marriage, it’s her.