Yamba Elopement

Some weddings are big, loud, and full of chaos – some are all heart, warmth and all the right people in one beautiful place.
Eliza & Michael chose the second option, and it suited them perfectly.

The day started at an Airbnb perched above Main Beach in Yamba, windows open and ocean breeze rolling in. The whole house had that chilled, pre-ceremony buzz – relaxed, excited, but not rushed. Hair and makeup wrapped up, the girls shared a glass of champagne, Michael was getting a hand with his jacket and boutonniere, and I floated around grabbing all the little in-between moments – the laughs, the nerves, the full “this is really happening” energy. Then came the dress. Just Eliza, her best friend, and her mum helping her into it, one of those quiet, grounding moments that hits harder than anyone expects. Once she was ready, we took a few portraits by the big windows before it was time to head down to Green Point for the ceremony.

Eliza’s niece took her flower girl duties very seriously, making sure every single centimetre of aisle was well-covered in petals before the bride arrived. Then Eliza walked down the aisle with her dad, and all eyes locked in, especially Michael’s. With the ocean rolling behind them and the sun doing its thing, Eliza and Michael were surrounded by only their favourite humans – a simple, heartfelt ceremony on the headland that felt exactly right for them. It was personal and had just the right amount of laughter. A tiny burst of rain arrived halfway through, umbrellas came out for two minutes, and then just like that the skies cleared again, almost like a reset button before the vows. They said their “I do’s”, sealed it with a kiss, signed the official documents, did a fist pump of pure joy and then walked back down the aisle through a confetti shower. After the hugs, a group shot and a handful of family photos, guests settled in with drinks overlooking the ocean. 

With lunchtime creeping closer, it was time to make our way back to the beach house. On the way, I stole the couple away for a few photos at the incredible Wynyabbie House,  a heritage 1890 riverfront beauty with huge lawns and old-world charm. A perfect contrast to the coastal ceremony. Then it was back to the beach house, where the long lunch setup was underway. The table styled with vintage cutlery and wildflowers, eskies filled, everyone pitching in. No coordinators, no strict timeline, everyone just slipped into their roles naturally – no stress, just smiles. Eliza and Michael escaped downstairs for a few quiet moments together, something I wish more couples made time for on their day.

When they finally walked upstairs and onto the deck, they were greeted with cheers, smiles, and the best kind of informal wedding energy. Eliza’s dad gave a beautiful speech, lunch was served, and from there the day rolled into that perfect, relaxed afternoon rhythm.

That was my cue to leave and let them settle into what the whole day had really been about – good food & good people.

A perfect mid-morning elopement for two people who never needed the big wedding fuss.

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