As some of you may know, when I’m not taking photos I’m working my day job in the death care industry - which is how I met Thalia-Star & Jarrod. A funeral director and a crematorium manager, they initially planned on a big wedding day but decided to ditch it for an intimate elopement on top of the hill at Toowong Cemetery.
Many people who I’ve told about this wedding assumed the couple would be ‘goth’ and the whole event would be very Halloweeny - but people (like us) who work in them daily don’t see cemeteries this way. This wasn’t just a place to go to to have a ~spooky quirky~ wedding. Toowong Cemetery is a tranquil, lush green space with so much history and a stunning view of the city skyline - and it couldn’t have been a more fitting place for them to have their best day ever.
Surrounded by a small handful of their nearest and dearest, the couple shared hilarious and beautiful vows which I’m fairly certain made everyone cry (including me, thank you Canon for making my gear somewhat water resistant.)
The Winter Solstice meant we almost had to chase the sun down the road for photos as it was setting so quickly, but it also served up a perfect pink sky as dusk fell. While we ventured off for photos the guests enjoyed a celestial wedding cake crafted by Grace from Milk & Honey Cake Creative and took full advantage of the photo opportunity that was their iconic vintage altar provided by Danielle’s Moonsieur Photobooth adorned by florals styled by Xavier Nicolle.
Dinner and drinks followed at the Mermaid Lounge (the secret bar at Lefty’s Old Time Music Hall) on Caxton Street. I can confirm the pasta there was delicious.
I am so stoked to have helped guide my friends through the craziness of planning a big wedding, cancelling said wedding and ending up creating a day that was perfectly fitting for them and who they are. It’s very easy when you’re navigating your way through wedding planning to follow the lead of others or get convinced you ‘need’ to do certain things, but guess what - you really don’t! The best advice I can ever give my couples is to be unapologetic and create a day that is personal and tailored to them.
Also, a quick word on cemeteries (sorry I can’t help it as it’s literally my job) - I strongly encourage you coming to visit cemeteries to appreciate the space and learn about the history, but please be careful! Be gentle and respectful walking around graves and monuments (aka ‘tombstones’) and if you are wanting to hold an event or shoot something, please make sure you contact Brisbane City Council to discuss your intentions and ensure your plans will not impact any funeral services that may be going on in the grounds, as the families these cemeteries serve are their utmost priority.
And with that said, enjoy the magical day of Mr & Mrs Dann x.