Nadeen & Blake - Newcastle City Elopement
“Kirrilly is the most talented photographer! She was so professional and made us feel comfortable the entire time. We absolutely love our photos! Thank you so much!”
Nadeen and Blake had originally planned to tie the knot in Nadeen's home country of New Zealand earlier in the year, but the unforeseen circumstances brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic forced them to reconsider their plans. They decided to embrace an intimate elopement in the beautiful city of Newcastle instead. Although it wasn't the grand celebration they had envisioned, the simplicity and intimacy of their day made it incredibly special.
The couple's elopement journey began in the comfort of their own home. Opting for a unique and personal touch, Nadeen and Blake chose to get ready together, surrounded by their family. They set the tone for the day with a delectable cheese platter and a bottle of champagne, creating a calm and relaxed atmosphere. Nadeen's enchanting Melissa Waite Couture gown adorned her flawlessly, perfectly complementing her cathedral-length veil. With meticulous care and attention, Nadeen had sewn pearls onto her veil, adding a touch of elegance to her bridal ensemble. To match her modern style, she opted for a simple yet striking bouquet of white roses.
The couple had aimed for a stress-free yet memorable Newcastle elopement. Originally planning to exchange vows at the picturesque Hickson Street Lookout in Merewether, they had to make a last-minute change due to the strong winds. They decided to hold their ceremony at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Hamilton instead. The ceremony was beautifully styled by the talented team at Newy Event Collective, who adorned the venue with dried floral arrangements and pillar candles. This created a romantic and intimate ambiance within the church, where Nadeen and Blake exchanged their vows. Their closest family members were present in person, while Nadeen's family joined the ceremony virtually via Zoom. Having the entire church to themselves made their union even more profoundly beautiful and witnessed an awe-inspiring experience. After the ceremony, they braved the wind at Hickson Street Lookout to capture breathtaking family photos and portraits against the backdrop of the clear ocean.
Following their photos at Hickson Street Lookout, Nadeen and Blake planned to conclude their special day with dinner alongside their family. While their elopement was an intimate affair, they plan to return to New Zealand in the future to celebrate their union with a reception that they were unable to have due to the pandemic. It will be an opportunity for them to finally reunite with Nadeen's family and make up for the postponed festivities. After the long wait and putting everything on hold, their reception is bound to be a joyous and unforgettable celebration.
Nadeen and Blake's Newcastle elopement perfectly encapsulated their personal style—simple, modern, and 100% true to themselves. Their love story continued to unfold even after their special day. Eight months later, they welcomed the arrival of their little boy, adding an extra layer of joy and love to their journey. As their photographer, I feel immensely grateful to have been part of capturing their elopement and witnessing the beginning of their beautiful adventure. I can’t wait to see the unfolding of their story and the many happy moments that lie ahead.
