Rachael & Mitch

Central Queensland has a country landscape that is so beautiful, so distinct, that we’re always finding ourselves lost in the beauty of the region. And if there is one photographer who knows how to capture it, it’s Elk & Fir. Today, we’re sharing her captures of the modern, the elegant and the oh so stunning wedding of Rachael and Mitch – a pair who’d dreamt of a wedding that was, in the bride’s words “Elegant and moody. The atmosphere was chilled out and intimate.” And chilled out, yet elegant it was. The bride’s beautiful bell-sleeved wedding gown just about stealing the show as she walked herself down the aisle to her future husband. This is a wedding filled with beautiful moments (and beautiful details!)

Although Rachael and Mitch met in high school, it was not until well after that these two decided to begin their budding romance, and blossom it did, Mitch deciding to pop the question on a Queensland island holiday. Rachael fills us in on how their proposal unfolded. “Mitch and I had travelled to Fraser Island for a holiday. At that point of our relationship I was expecting a proposal (and he had recently asked me what I was after in a ring), but for some reason that particular trip I wasn’t expecting it.

We were driving around on the day he proposed and we arrived at Lake Allom. The weather was rainy and we were alone when we arrived, so we wandered around and I was taking photos with my camera. When he returned from a walk we were both standing on the deck and he hugged me and mentioned how he wants to spend his life with me, he then asked if I would like to spend my life with him and he got down on his knee and presented the ring! Of course, I said yes, or nodded yes, as I was quite overcome.”

Groom Mitch chose a black and grey look, along with his groomsmen from Mark Bunt Menswear Rockhampton. Rachael explaining  “Mitch wore a grey suit jacket with black slacks, with a white shirt and black tie. The colours we chose for his suit were to match with the florals and colours we had chosen for our day.”

Rachael chose an elegant Wendy Makin gown with bell sleeves from Gladstone Bridal Boutique. She shares “I chose Gladstone Bridal Boutique for my wedding dress shopping due to glowing recommendations from friends. I knew I wanted sleeves and I knew I didn’t want lace. I chose a beautiful French by Wendy Makin gown that had a cowl back, and the lovely staff at Gladstone Bridal Boutique designed a beautiful sleeve for it. I’ve long loved the look of a sleeved wedding gown as it is so classic and elegant. My experience with GBB was fantastic and they made it so easy.”

Rachael finished her wedding day look with an heirloom piece. “My grandmother gave me a pin which belonged to her mother to wear on the day. It was special to her and I felt proud wearing it.”

Shannon Hawkes Artisan Florals styled the stunning floral arrangements for the day, matching the bride’s “moody” brief. Rachael telling “The flowers I chose were moody and a little dark and were inspired by a wedding I saw on a bridal blog. Pink Orchids, black roses, deep purple scabiosa and strilingia featured in my bouquet, along with some black and copper foliage.”

Rachael walked by herself down the aisle, to Jack Johnson’s “I Got You”.

“We wanted our ceremony to be short and sweet and not too emotional,” tells Rachael of the decision to hire My Celebrant Jess. “Our celebrant did a wonderful job of writing up our ceremony and we didn’t feel the need to add any personal vows. Mitch’s sister Kirsty read a poem for us that she had chosen.”

Stunning country venue Henderson Park Farm Retreat, located just out of Rockhampton set the scene for the day, Rachael remembers  “We decided on Henderson Park Farm Retreat as it was an all in one venue where we could have our ceremony, reception and accommodation for our guests.”

Her advice for couples yet to tie the knot, Rachael advises the best thing you can do, is to scale it all back. “Keep it simple, it can be so easy to get carried away. Speak to as many trusted married friends as you can for advice on budget, etc. It’s hard in the beginning to think of a budget because you’ve never done it before. And don’t forget the reason you’re doing it which is essentially to make a life long commitment to your partner!”

Rachael and Mitch loved working with photographer Carissa, noting “It was important to us to choose an experienced photographer to capture our day and we found that in Carissa. She was so organised, kept us on time during the day, and captured some amazing photographs. We love her moody style which suited what we were after.”

The couple chose outstanding vendors for the day, and Rachael sings their praises. “We, and in particular, I, loved all of our vendors. I was extremely happy with our wedding team. Our florals by Shannon Hawkes Artisan Florals, styling by Vintage Hire, photography by Elk & Fir, hair by NG Hair and makeup by Bloom Makeup Artistry stood out to me.”

The newlyweds kicked off their reception, with their first dance, the moment leading to the bride’s favourite photos of the day. “I couldn’t possibly choose a favourite, but one that I absolutely love is a candid shot of Mitch and I on the dance floor just after we arrived from our creatives photo shoot. We are looking at each other and smiling and it makes me so happy.”

And the song they chose for their debut? “XO” by John Mayer and Beyonce. “The week prior Mitch and I had been frantically trying to put together a bit of a routine but with the length of my dress, it was hard to do. We twirled and cuddled and then we got our guests up to join us.”

A big congratulations to you both Rachael & Mitch for tying the knot! Thank you for sharing your beautiful day with us. Thank you also to Elk & Fir for today’s gorgeous images.