Eloping to capture the sunset hues of Moreton Island? Yes please!
Sophia and Joel love Moreton Island almost as much as I do. When they brought their island home, not long after we did, they decided that Reeders Point at Kooringal was the perfect spot to have their intimate elopement. And when they reached out, our mutual love of the island, our furbabies and sunsets, we decided we were the perfect match!
I absolutely adore Sophia and Joel, their laid-back charm and their absolute adoration and love for each other (and Moreton). Joel proposed at the Big Sandhills on Moreton Island too, so it was always going to be a special place!
Read on for Sophia and Joel’s tips and advice on how to have the most intimate magical elopement of your dreams!
What were your hopes and dreams for your wedding ceremony?
Our dream was to have a simple special ceremony at our most special place.
What were you worried about or didn't know when planning your ceremony?
When we planned our ceremony, we were worried about the whole covid on and off lockdowns both not wanting to postpone getting married once we set the date. We were super excited to go for the elopement package. We had 10 people at our ceremony which was absolutely perfect. Looking back, we are both so super happy with having it that way and would not change a thing; it was so much more special and intimate. I was also keen on the elopement pathway so as regardless of any covid lockdowns we could still get married the way we wanted.
What are you thankful for?
We are beyond grateful that Kerri could be our celebrant and provide us with such a special memorable wedding ceremony. We would not change a single thing, it was perfect.
How would you describe the feel of your ceremony?
Relaxed, easy-going, happy, excited, intimate, special, one of a kind, absolutely amazing.
Where did you get your vow writing inspiration?
We chose not to write our own vows but Kerri drafted us scripted vows that were simple, short and sweet which was perfect.
Would you change anything about your vows?
No, they were perfect.
What are the things you would never change?
Location, Kerri being our celebrant, eloping with only having 10 people there.
What was your highlight/must have at the reception?
Must be casual and relaxed! Everyone just sat where they wanted; it was all very casual and relaxed. No set meal times or food you just ate whatever you wanted to from the spit roast. Absolutely loved having two fire pits for everyone to sit around. We also had no speeches which was great!
What would you change if you had your day over again? If anything.
Nothing at all
Top 3 tips
The most important thing is that the two of you are getting married so try not to stress about the tiny details in the lead-up.
It is one of the most important special days so just relax and remember to enjoy your special day and have fun!
Only have the people you want at your wedding/reception. It is YOUR wedding, it is your day no one else's ❤️ Have it exactly how you want it.
Anything else you would like to share with other couples?
Kerri is the absolute bee's knees!! We cannot recommend her enough xx
Shucks guys!!!!
Who were your vendors?
How would you describe your vendors?
Amazing, super lovely to deal with. Always kept in contact there were never any issues. Super kind and nice to deal with.
How did you choose your vendors?
Fire Up Spit Roast Catering - found them on google, they had food that everyone will love, casual buffet style of serving. They came to the location where we were having our reception and cooked all the food on site. BEST gravy we have ever had in our lives. It was amazing! Great with pricing too we thought it was amazing value for the cost.
Moreton Island Celebrant (Kerri) - Found her from google. She is the only celebrant on the island. Perfectly priced, super kind and lovely to deal with.
Do you recommend your vendors?
YES!!
How would you describe Kerri Watkins Celebrant to other couples
Bubbly positive personality, kind, funny, warm heart. As a bride when you get to the 'altar' with all your butterflies in your tummy, Kerri will have the biggest happy smile on her face that is so welcoming. At the start of our ceremony, Kerri cracked a joke making everyone laugh and gave us a huge motherly hug. We felt relaxed instantly. Kerri made everyone feel so comfortable let alone with her ability to have everyone naturally laughing throughout the ceremony. We cannot recommend Kerri enough, there is no one else we would rather be our celebrant.
Kerri is the type of person that when you first meet her you feel like you've known her your whole life.
How lucky am I? Seriously!!!! #favecouples
Sophia and Joel opted for my short and sweet legals only ceremony overlooking (in our opinion) the best spot on the island during April (our favourite month of the year). The weather was absolutely perfect, not too hot and not too cool. Check out the pics below!
Surrounded by 10 of their nearest and dearest, Sophia and Joel chose to walk through life together hand in hand in marriage and promised to cherish, encourage and tenderly care for each other, for all their days together.
After capturing their magical sunset photos, they headed to the Gutter Bar to celebrate and then back on the mainland celebrated with their nearest and dearest for a belated reception where I’m told Fire Up Spit Roast Catering served the BEST gravy they have ever had in their lives!
I can’t wait to continue to share Sophia and Joel’s journey with them, we are not only “almost” neighbours, but mates for life! And I can’t wait to be a “Mauntie” (Moreton Auntie) because Beach Baby Boy is due in August!
I have also been fortunate enough to share elopements with Sophia on the island, so if you are looking for an elopement or lifestyle photographer, check her out! Here’s a few of my favourite pics from Sophia Grace Photography capturing Moreton Island!
Elopement Dream Team
Photography captured by Joel’s Auntie
Sophia’s beautiful dress – an absolute bargain, second-hand with alterations and stunning!
Joel’s hunky outfit – own
Shoes – no way! Barefoot on the beach 😉
Married with love by Moreton Island Celebrant
Own hair and makeup
Own Flowers and Jewellery
Elopement celebration at The Gutter Bar
Thank you again for trusting me with your intimate elopement on Moreton Island Sophia and Joel! See you on the island xxx