ELKE + WILL
Elke + Will’s Story:
When I first sat down with Elke and Will, I knew I was in for an adventure and a half. We met up over coffee in Brisbane where they live. And boy, did they have an epic tale to tell!
An Environmental Scientist and a Thoroughbred Manager who met way way back… in primary school. When you think of it, that’s pretty rare in our society today. How amazing is it that they have practically known each other their whole lives!
Now let’s get it straight, they didn’t hook up at age 5… (wow that would be a great story to tell the grand kiddies). Their thing took time stewing. In fact, their first dinner date came up during their uni years. Both agreed, they felt the magic. Despite that, it wasn’t until a fateful day at the Scone Cup where they took the leap and made it happen. From school mates, to friends and onto lovers they built a lifetime bond through highs and lows, all their commonalities and differences. Their connection has real depth and it’s wonderful to see them together.
Their wedding was held at Goonoo Goonoo Station in Timbumburi (just south of Tamworth), circa 1868. I wilfully signed up for the 600km return road trip from Sydney, to a part of country Australia I’d never had the chance to visit. I just love the sense of freedom and adventure when taking on a wedding such as theirs. The Liverpool Plains region was experiencing a severe drought that year.
Call it a co-incidence but when I pulled up to Goonoo Goonoo for the rehearsal, the skies opened up. Everyone was elated yet stunned, we retreated to the wet weather option. Who’d of thought!
That night, I fell asleep to the rain hitting the old tin roof of my Airbnb stay. One of those sounds that just makes you feel happy and cosy despite how loud it was. The next day – wedding day! The rain eased giving us the go ahead for a garden ceremony under an ancient Figtree. I was blown away by how beautiful the property is – a real hidden gem in the heart of country NSW. I had the absolute pleasure of working with Lina Hayes as their photographer.
The garden setting was picturesque with 90 dark wooden cross-backed chairs all in rows, one for every guest. Rose petals along the aisle and lots of pretty white flowers mixed with greenery. Such a contrast amongst the dry rugged country landscape.
Will wore a formal black suit along with his wedding crew. The bridesmaids (Elke’s sisters) were in white and dusty pink. Elke wore a simple white garden dress with long sleeves. Both of Elke’s parents walked her down the aisle. It was a teary moment for everyone. The ceremony was full of reflection, laughter, tears and plenty of little personal quirks. Elke and Will created their personal vows from scratch. They was beautiful and inspiring to hear. What I love the most was looking at them throughout the ceremony, how they carried themselves. They were full of joy and love, so relaxed as if they are were the only two people there, they were in the moment and made every second count.
After a few chats with guests and a couple of happy snaps with Elke and Will, it was time for one more final congrats and to bid farewell. I ventured back to Sydney on a total high for the whole five hour return journey. One wedding I’ll always remember so fondly – it had it all.
Testimonial:
“Jacqui was a highlight of our wedding - she is a superstar celebrant! A warm and experienced celebrant who knows exactly how to create a perfectly personal and intimate ceremony. Jacqui was a breeze to work with; from our first conversation we knew she was the celebrant for us!
Jacqui was very proactive in communicating with us in the lead up to the wedding. She explained all the big and little details along the way. Jacqui understood we wanted to ceremony to shine! Jacqui helped us craft a beautiful ceremony that reflected us to the tee. She helped us to develop our personal vows and took on-board our suggestions for the ceremony. We loved it!
In delivering our ceremony Jacqui was absolutely brilliant – she is charismatic, articulate and looked a million dollars on the day. We would recommend Jacqui to anyone looking for a celebrant who is vibrant, fresh, creative and fun! Thanks again Jacqui for making our wedding just perfect!”
