CTCW Wedding Suppliers:
Photographer: John Kuppens Photography
Flowers: Essence Flowers, Busselton
Cake: Edible Art
Celebrant: Maureen Nicholson
Why did you choose a private wedding and at what stage through your engagement did you both decide that this was the way you wanted to get married?
We decided very early on (as we were only engaged for 5 months) We knew we couldn't afford a big wedding as we are saving desperately for a house. Also our family are all in England. So it worked for us.
When did you tell your friends and family about the style of wedding you were having and what was their reaction?
When we went back for a visit to the UK in October 2010. We hinted that we may just go off and get married. I also bought my dress at that time too. Then the next thing, we told them that we'd booked it! They were understandably upset that they couldn't be there, however, they were very supportive and understanding of our decision and we really thank them for that.
How much time did you give to organise your wedding to the day?
Two months!
Who were the witnesses to your marriage?
Two close friends Warren & Lisa that we met in perth just over a year ago. We were also witnesses at their wedding very recently.
What were your vows to one another?
We choose very traditional vows actually, the celebrant gave us a fantastic selection, we didn't really fancy writing our own.
Did you have any family or close friends at your wedding?
Yes Warren and Lisa, and some of the Merribook staff stayed in the background which was nice.
What flowers did you carry?
I didn't pick the flowers in person as I had to order locally, so I asked for shades of purple and emailed a few pictures I liked. The bouquets included, purple antique roses, purple mochar roses and purple lisathus.
Tell me about the running of the day what time did you start preparing etc?
The wedding wasn't until 6pm so we had all day. We had a relaxed breakfast together. We then took our time picking up the lovely food hamper and our cake, and a few umbrella's, (dodging the pooring rain) We met up with Warren and Lisa and all went back to Merribrook. Then Jason and Warren went back to a hotel to get ready and Lisa and I stayed in our room at Merribrook to get ready. Sonya arrived to do my hair and make-up at about 2.30 so we had plenty of time to get ready. Then lisa and I relaxed and had a few glasses of bubbles before the ceremony.
Describe the type of ceremony you had?
Very intimate and personal, exactly what we wanted!
What decorations did you have at your ceremony?
Just the beautiful surroundings of our venue…nothing else.
The best part of your wedding day?
Walking up to the pool to meet Jason for the ceremony, and seeing his face for the first time.
What happened after your wedding ceremony and photos did you go somewhere for dinner or did you stay in-house?
We stayed at the venue, (Warren, Lisa, Jason and I), and drank champagne and ate the gourmet picnic together in the main house.
Your wedding photographer was John Kuppens Photography, what made you initially choose John to photograph your wedding?
Recommendation. A friend of ours got married a few months before us, and she said that he was great, and he was indeed fantastic.
Did you have a party with family and friends after your wedding at another location on a different day?
No.
Did you go on a honeymoon?
We just had a few more days in Margaret river.
The best part of being married is...
Being able to say "My husband" instead of " My boyfriend/partner" is nice. But to be honest, it hasn't made us or our relationship any different really.
Advice for other couples thinking of having a private wedding?
Its a great thing to consider if you want a very intimate wedding, or you can't afford something bigger. Your family should be understanding and respectful of your wishes, if this is what you want. At the end of the day the wedding is about you and no-one else, you'll never please everyone regardless and you shouldn't think you have to!
When you look back what would you have done differently on your wedding day?
If money was no object we'd have flown our parents over from England and put them all up in at the retreat too. But in the real world we wouldn't have changed anything….except maybe the weather! (Haha). | 
Lucy & Jason's Margaret River Elopement Wedding
