Bex and Jared's mini wedding during the most challenging times

Coastal Elopement Co

Bex and Jared got married at the beautiful Glasshouse in Raglan NZ. Like so many other couples, they faced some incredible challenges planning their 200 guest wedding, with COVID keeping the industry and couples filled with anxiety about the future. During our first lockdown back in March 2020, Bridget Millard (White Wedding Club) and I set out on a mission to provide an alternative for couples who still wanted to get married, without the uncertainties of a bigger wedding. We started Coastal Elopement Co, a wedding planning and styling business for couples who love to get married by the beach. Coastal Elopement Co takes care of all the wedding planning aspects for weddings up to 20 people, from florals to the celebrant and of course the photography.

From 200 to 20

When Bex and Jared saw their original wedding plans go up in flames (with 200 people attending), they were adamant to get married regardless and so they quickly changed plans. Instead they got married with a handful of people (20) at the beautiful Glasshouse in Raglan. A week later they had their big party with all their original wedding guests, as by then life was back to normal.

Relaxed and Authentic

The sky opened up for Bex and Jared minutes before the ceremony, and with that their beautiful day all fell into place. They were able to get married on the lawn overlooking the deep blue Tasman Sea, go for a wander in the orchard with just the two of them and have champagne on the deck with their nearest and dearest. It was such a beautiful day, relaxed and authentic, and I feel so happy for them they were able to have the wedding they hoped for, despite the challenges they faced.  Being part of a small wedding is the ultimate privilege as a wedding photographer, and I feel forever grateful to have celebrated such a special day with them.