Gilbert and Erik's Soulful Moreton Island Elopement at Bulwer Wrecks

Boy oh boy! Man oh man! Gilbert and Erik had me in love from “our very first date” to long after their emotional and intimate ceremony at the stunning Bulwer Wrecks on Moreton Island.

Just the two of them, their photographer and videographer, me (and Clare doing her styling sorcery from a distance), and a whole lot of love. Their day was filled with meaningful rituals, heartfelt moments, surprise tears, and that kind of soul-deep joy that lingers long after the ceremony ends.

Gilbert and Erik’s story began when they spotted each other across a table in Dublin. A year later, Erik began messaging. Slowly, carefully, across language barriers and screens. They crossed oceans for one another. Held hands through heartbreak and healing. And laughed across language barriers. But in March, they stood grounded in a love that runs deeper than words, braver than most ever know, and more beautiful than either of them dared to imagine. 

Their day was not just a ceremony, but a soul promise.

Gilbert and Erik share their advice, tips and tricks, and their vision for their Bulwer Wrecks elopement below, and I am so excited to share them with you.

What was your vision for your Moreton Island elopement?

“Intimate, personal and romantic.”

These two legends absolutely nailed that vibe. Their ceremony was uniquely theirs. They honoured their home countries with rituals that were meaningful to them. Brazilian vows, an Irish handfasting, a personalised ring box, and a post-ceremony shot of Cachaça in surprise engraved shot glasses. Oh, and their first dance? Right after the ceremony, to Power Over Me by Dermot Kennedy, a song from their very first concert together. Nawwww.

What was your biggest concern when planning your ceremony?

“Worried about very little, didn’t know…..everything lol.”

Let’s just say Gilbert and Erik gave me a few heart flutters along the way. Like trying to bring a regular car onto a sand island. 😂 But we got there in the end! And I laughed (hard) when they said: “Two gay men cannot organise a wedding – they need a woman!” Well boys, challenge accepted, and delivered with love! 😘

What are you thankful for?

“How personal Kerri made it and went to great efforts to include our families, even though they were on the other side of the world. She really got to know us and our story too.”

This part of their day hit me right in the feels. Gilbert and Erik’s families mean the absolute world to them, and I knew how tough it was not having them physically there.

So, behind the scenes, I teamed up with their loved ones using WhatsApp, Canva, ChatGPT, and YouTube (yes, really 😅) to create a surprise 15-minute post-ceremony video tribute. It was filled with love, laughter, and sweet messages, played while they were enjoying their wedding picnic.

Instead of showing it during the ceremony like my original plan, I shared this during their ceremony:

“And while this beach may feel far from home, your families, and all your extended family and friends are right here. Their love has arrived in whispers, in words, in surprises you’ve yet to discover.”

A private moment, just for them. And one of my proudest little pieces of magic to date 🥹

How would you describe the feel of your ceremony?

“Laid back but emotional, and very intimate and romantic.”

Where did you get inspiration for your vow writing?

“From the heart.”

There’s something so beautiful about stripping it back and saying what you really feel. Gilbert and Erik did just that, with honesty, humour, and that signature soul connection that made each other melt.

Did you keep them secret from each other, or did you share?

“Yes.”

Would you change anything about your vows?

“Nope!”

What was your highlight or your "must-have" for the reception?

“The food at the picnic, after our ceremony.”

Sunset Picnics and Platters delivered the dreamiest post-ceremony setup. Cushions, bubbles, snacks for days and a side of elopement bliss.

What would you change if you had your day over again?

“Nothing!”

Gilbert and Erik were truly present for every second of their day. And that’s the secret, right there.

Gilbert and Erik’s Top Tips for your Bulwer Wrecks Elopement!

• Have small tokens personal to you (we had pics of family, cufflinks with our home country flags on it etc)

• Take a moment to step back and just take it all in. It goes way faster than you think.

• Get photos of just the two of you facing the camera!

• Don’t be afraid to say exactly what you want. Kerri has a weird way of being able to make the impossible happen!

Anything else you would like to share with other couples?

“So grateful for our special day, it was the most personalised, intimate wedding we’ve ever seen!”

Gilbert and Erik’s Moreton Island Wedding Dream Team:

Ceremony Location: Bulwer Wrecks

Planning Team: Moreton Island Weddings @moretonislandweddings

Photographer and Videographer: Jason Adams @jason._.adams and Bella @missbellajewel

Catering, Styling, Arbour and Picnic Celebration: Sunset Picnics and Platters @sunsetpicnicsandplatters

Celebrant: Kerri Watkins Celebrant and Moreton Island Celebrant @kerriwatkinscelebrant

Transport: @moretonislandadventures

Accommodation: @sunsetpicnicsandplatters

How would you describe your vendors?

“Amazing - really went above and beyond for us, and the food and set up was delicious.”

Do you recommend your vendors?

“Yes! Our families were far away, but we had a mini family for the day looking after us.”

Nawwwwww Gilbert and Erik, you are our family too now!

How would you describe Kerri Watkins Celebrant to other couples?

“Like a big sister or mum helping you get married! Really caring and special.”

Thank you, Erik and Gilbert, for sharing your deeply personal, wildly romantic and magical day with me and the Moreton Island Weddings team. You hold such a special place in all of our hearts.

Dreaming of your own soulful elopement on Moreton Island? Let’s chat. I promise the planning is easier than you think, and your wedding day is more magical than you ever dreamed.