Eliz and Hayden had a rather rocky road to their wedding. Endless Melbourne lockdowns, meant they faced roadblocks everywhere they turned – a booked out registry office, locked down wedding gown stores and delay after delay. But a simple twist of fate, meant that Eliza and Hayden got their chance, And oh did they ever embrace it, planning their day I just two weeks. “Having the people I had booked be available was spectacular (with two weeks notice). It all seemed to line up” reminisces Eliza, “I think most importantly it reflected what we wanted – something with no stress but something important to us. We are low key people. We waited two weeks, went back home to see our families and told them over lunch that we got married!”

The couple, who opted not to get engaged, met at a local footy game in country Victoria, and soon became high school sweethearts. “We knew that we wanted to get married and with the current climate (Covid) it seemed like a good idea to have a low key wedding” explained Eliza. “We have been together for 13 years, 13 is my lucky number so I said it had to be this year.”

And their elopement? This one is the epitome of no stress, and no fuss, just as they wanted it. A polka dot dress (hello polka dot issue!) a bright bouquet of beautiful blooms, and the city as their backdrop. The pair kept the day complete secret from everyone but two of their closest friends and of course Nikki McCrone Photography  (who is responsible for all the beautiful shots today!) “No one knew we were getting married other than our witnesses. Hayden’s parents came down from the Country and must have seen me reverse out of the driveway as I was on my way to have my make-up done” laughs Eliza. “Hayden had to park down the street with his new suit and bouquet and politely ask his parents to leave as we had plans. We told them two weeks later they nearly busted us!”

Eliza carried a bouquet of orange and pink blooms she asked Pomp and Splendour to create for her, telling  “I found Pomp and Splendour through Instagram and asked them for a bright bouquet and they delivered! Conveniently they had availability to create a bouquet with two weeks notice after the original date was cancelled.” The groom created a bouquet for the couple’s witness/bridesmaid Hayley using flowers from the couple’s garden.

Eliza and Hayden were married at a temporary space hired by the Victorian registry office, the bride explaining “We originally had planned to get married at the registry office earlier however covid delayed those plans. We didn’t think we would be able to get married in 2021 as the registry was then all booked out. They phoned me and asked if we could get married in the next two weeks as they were renting a space in Docklands to try and reduce the number of cancelled covid ceremonies!”

The wedding was witnessed by Eliza and Hayden’s dearest friends. “We had Sarah and Brayden as our witnesses. They were married earlier in the year so it was convenient and no one knew outside of our group of four. We chose the legal only package. It was quick, no-frills and I loved it. I was teary, which surprised me. The celebrant, Mark, made it feel incredibly special. I found this impressive since it was probably his 6th ceremony of the day!”

Hayden’s stand out memory of the day? “That my wife was shy and didn’t give me a proper kiss when were announced Husband and Wife and everyone laughed at me. Just kidding! Having a low-stress day that was fun. It was special!”

Lockdowns left Eliza with little time to find a wedding gown, but find one she did, a black and white polka dot frock from The Iconic, altered by the groom! She tells ” We booked our wedding back in June and I naturally assumed I had all the time in the world to find a dress. Unfortunately due to Covid and restrictions, I was unable to try on any outfits.

The dress I wore I ordered from the Iconic. It did not fit me very well at all. I was left with a gaping top half. My husband did some DIY alterations the week of the wedding as I had no other options. My favourite colour is blues so naturally had to wear some blue heels! I also wore my grandmother’s engagement ring. I had my make-up done the morning of by Sharni Rose Beauty (I loved my photos and I loved my make up. I basically gave Sharnia and our photographer no guidance or direction and they and nailed it,) and DIY’d my hair.”

Talk about relaxed! Hayden purchased his wedding attire on the day itself! “Hayden pulled his suit out the morning of our wedding and realised it had not been cleaned from the previous wedding we attended (our besties – who were also our witnesses)” remembers Eliza. “He popped down to Myer in the CBD and grabbed a suit. He had just picked up my flowers so wanted something that would complement those colours.”

The newlyweds celebrated their brand new status with a wander through the city – stopping for cocktails, but of course! “That was the first or second weekend out of lockdown so EVERYWHERE was booked. ” remembers Eliza “We managed to have a sneaky cocktail or two at Daughter In Law and a cheeky parma at the Imperial Hotel. We then continued with the cocktails for the rest of the evening, wherever we could get in!”

These two have zero regrets of their day, and included in that is their choice of photographer, who they both adore. “Nikki is someone who goes above and beyond. She is easy to talk to, she knows what will photograph well and researches places before the wedding. Hayden and I are both so awkward. I told her she had her work cut out for her and she nailed it. She is so calm!

I would 10/10 recommend Nikki McCrone as a photographer and I would also 10/10 recommend anyone who is eloping to get a photographer. Both our mothers have said how grateful they are to have photos of our special day. The photos are spectacular. She knew where to go, what to say. I am obsessed with looking back at our photos. Very glad we had Nikki there.”

The couple didn’t have the first dance, but photographer Nikki played a few tunes as they danced alone during their photo session.

Congratulations to you both Eliza and Hayden! Thank you to sharing such a beautiful day with us. Thank you both and thank you to Nikki McCrone Photography for sending this one our way.