Real Wedding // Jillian & Brad’s byronviewfarm micro-wedding

Jillian & Brad’s moonlit elopement at byronviewfarm shook up every pre-conceived expectation we had of what a micro-wedding should be. It was intimate. It was raw. It was breathtakingly beautiful. The special moments of getting ready pre-ceremony were accompanied by the most gorgeous light coming from byronviewfarm’s golden sunset and the adrenaline of the experience only intensified by the onset of dusk and the emerging, bright full moon. Emily from Elope orchestrated a handful of the region’s most talented suppliers to deliver a truly unique elopement and reception for two on the white cottages wrap-around verandah. Thank you Van Middleton for capturing this incredible celebration.

Tell us your story, how did you both meet?
We have known each other for a little while through a family member and then one day we realised we were meant to be together.

How did the proposal happen?
We were chilling out on Boxing Day, talking about our plans and dreaming of things we would do, and well, it just happened. It was really organic and natural… Brad asked and I said yes!

What were the reasons for eloping / having a small wedding?
We had both been married before and both had a traditional wedding. We wanted to do it differently, intimate and meaningful to us. A moonlit ceremony seemed to symbolise a new journey and that seemed perfect for us!

What style were you striving for with your table settings, florals and reception? Was there a certain look or vibe that you wanted to create?
We were never seeking a certain style. Just a simple setting that reflected our personalities. The only thing we needed was the moon, and as long as it played it’s part, we knew the rest would just fall into place.

Were there any vendors that you particularly loved working with and why?
Do we have to pick? Oh, umm. Being that we planned it from a distance, Emily, you were obviously instrumental in the planning and organising everyone. Ben just made us feel like we were catching up with a long lost school buddy over coffee. Van, so lucky to have him. His skill and the mist over the hinterland came and went just at the right time. Miss Sophie – friend and makeup – making Jillian look amazing and being the gorgeous lady she is!

Overall, what was your most favourite part of your wedding day and why?
Jillian: it was seeing Brad all dressed up in his suit. That first look of the man that was going to be her husband and then when Ben ordered the moon to come out from behind the clouds so we could start the ceremony.

Brad: I think the whole day was amazing from start to finish but when Ben said let’s get it started and the moon came out that was pretty special and when the mist rolled in when we were getting the pictures… and that food omg it blew my mind.

What did you enjoy about the planning process?
I think for me (Jillian) it was the first email from Emily with the timeline of how you thought the day might flow. Afterwards, when we went to the Byron Bay Wedding Fair and saw byronviewfarm all set up, having the dinner tasting at Fig Tree Restaurant and seeing the moon rising over Byron Bay during our dinner. It made it real, it made it exciting.