Six years after meeting on a cruise ship — as a dancer and stage manager for the ship’s theatre — Amanda and Jack said “I do” in an intimate elopement overlooking Byron Bay. The bride wore a delicate Anna Campbell gown that flowed and sparkled as the newlyweds explored Aquila‘s picturesque landscape. Photographer Van Middleton beautifully captured the special day, including the most breathtaking couple portraits at sunset.

The Couple:

Amanda and Jack

The Wedding:

Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia

The ‘first look’ moment between Jack and I was the best part of the day. I was so frazzled trying to be ready on time, as I’m always late to everything. My mum and dad were walking me, we were running out the door, trying to sort my dress out, and as I started walking and looked up, the first and only thing I saw was Jack looking back at me. He had tears in his eyes. It was a beautiful moment seeing all the emotion he felt, and knowing what we were about to do.

Jack and I were married in a romantic and intimate elopement ceremony in the Byron Hinterland, overlooking Australia’s most easterly point. For us, the most important thing had always been just being able to stand together and make that once in a lifetime promise and precious commitment to one another. We made the decision to elope as, logistically, we would never be able to get all of our loved ones from every corner of the world together in one place. We had no set theme for the day, no decorations, no “bells and whistles;” however I think that made the day so much more intimate.

I wore a handmade Anna Campbell dress — as I love the intricate detail and femininity in her gowns, flat sandals and a floral crown. I wanted to look feminine, romantic and ethereal.

Our wedding day was perfect for us. Eloping is not as scary as you think, you won’t regret it. You will have to deal with other people’s disappointment but at the end of the day your wedding is about the two of you. Elopement is so intimate and special. The whole day was focused on the two of us, our love and ensuring we spent every moment together. That is what marriage is all about.

A very special congratulations to Amanda and Jack on their Byron Bay elopement! For more Australian wedding photography from Van Middleton, be sure to check out Marta and Simon’s Queensland countryside wedding at Weddings at Tiffany’s.