How long have you and Nic been together?
Nic and I have now been together for 9 years, since I was 16 and he was 18.
Do you live in the South West region and if not why did you choose to get married here?
We are originally from NSW, and moved to the city of Perth in 2008. We had a short visit to the South West region in the winter of last year, and loved it so much we decided on a whim to get married down there.
Your wedding was an elopement why did you choose this style of wedding?
We got engaged just prior to moving to Perth in 2008 and as we had been so busy adjusting to our new life over here, any plans for a wedding fell by the wayside. We also faced the challenge of being isolated and not knowing whether to go back to NSW, or bring people over here for a wedding, so in the end we decided to do what felt perfect for US, which was to do it our way, on our terms and keep it simple and relaxed (and small).
Did you tell your friends and family about your wedding day?
I told my mum and close friends a couple of months prior, and we slowly let the information filter out to more people we knew. Plus Nic was on Facebook the week prior putting lots of his excited status updates, so social media did the work for us in a lot of ways. By the time we were actually married everyone knew, which was nice.
How did family and friends react when they found out this was the way you were getting married?
It’s an interesting question, because a lot of people were initially very surprised and not necessarily happy by the decision. My mum was fairly upset, but I also know her well enough (and she knows me) that I just had to keep remembering that the purpose of our marriage was to become married, and that we were going to have the best day, and anyone close to us would understand that and want us to be happy. In the end people started saying that it sounded like such a good idea and that they were jealous they didn’t do the same! The best part was my mum telling me how proud she was that I was strong enough to stick to my guns.
What parts do yor organise for an elopement style wedding?
We actually still had a bit to organize. We needed a celebrant, firstly, then accommodation and a photographer, followed by suit, dress, hair, flowers.. but that’s about it. So not bad at all.
Who were the witnesses to your marriage?
Our photographer and an employee at Empire Retreat working on the day.
Details about your dress and accessories Gelina:
I had actually already purchased my dress for a prior event and loved it so much I had to wear it on the day. It was a vintage cream satin slip, which I wore a little lace belt with to clinch the waist.
What flowers did you carry?
I carried the most beautiful Dolce Vita roses.. Cream and pink in colour to fit my dress style and colour.
Tell me about the running of your wedding day what time did you start preparing etc?
It was great – we got up, had breakfast, went to the beach, had lunch at Samudra in Dunsborough, had my hair done at 1pm, went back to the room about 2:30pm to get ready and ceremony was at 3:45pm so easy!
Describe the type of ceremony you had?
Simple and quite short, just in a cute outdoor spot on the grounds at Empire, with only myself, Nic, John, Maureen and our other witness. It was so private and lovely.
Why did you choose Empire Retreat as your wedding venue?
We had heard so many great reviews from friends and when I contacted them they were so helpful that it seemed the only possible place to go. Plus being adults only fitted in with what we wanted.
The best part of your wedding day?
You know what, the whole day spent together just as we normally would, in a beautiful place. It was all the best!
What happened after your wedding ceremony and photos did you go somewhere for dinner or did you stay in-house?
Empire actually provided us with a hamper, so due to the intense heat of the day (37degrees) we went to the beach as the sun was setting and had a swim and some dinner and it was perfect.
Your wedding photographer was John Kuppens Photography, why did you pick John to photograph your wedding?
I liked his website the best.
Did you have a party with family and friends after your wedding at another location on a different day?
We sure did. We had a party in Perth the Friday night after the ceremony, at the venue Nic works at. We then went home the week before Christmas and our parents had organized a big party at my mum’s house with friends and family on the Sunday before Christmas, which we had a cake and speeches and our photos on a slide show, so it was all well celebrated (but nice and cheap and fun).
Advice for other planning brides:
Make sure that everything about what you are doing has perspective. It has been said before, but sometimes the intensity and the desire for a “perfect” day, in a very imperfect and uncontrollable world, can cause heartache and tension and tears and so on..
There is no point to it all, really, if it does not leave you and your partner feeling fulfilled and more unified than ever. Be strong and clear in your ideals and values, and don’t let anyone get the better of you, it’s your day – do it however you want!
When you look back what would you have done differently on your wedding day?
Honestly, nothing, which is what I really wanted from the outset. Having little expectation meant nothing could go wrong, which was very nice. | 
Gelina & Nic's Yallingup Elopement Wedding 
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