To kick off the Mindful Issue, Bec and Elliot invite us into a wedding that gently rewrites the rules. Where a ten-year love story unfolds into a picnic celebration overflowing with colour and connection at Burnley Gardens, and where every thoughtfully sourced detail, every contribution from loved ones and every moment of joy carries an added depth. Captured by the wonderful Amanda Alessi Photography, we’re excited to take a closer look at each bright detail.

Like many couples, Bec and Elliot met on Tinder. Unlike many couples, Bec’s sister Holly is actually the one who swiped right on her behalf. “Elliot slid into the DM’s 15 minutes later!”

After 10 years of building a life together, Bec and Elliot thought it was about time to tie the knot. Together, they designed a beautiful diamond ring with Cullen Jewellery that was finished early, unbeknownst to Bec. She came home from work in late 2022 and found Elliot and their beloved dog Bonnie under the tree. “Elliot told me to come and have a look at the tree, because he had bought a new decoration and he wanted to see if I could find it. I looked but couldn’t see anything. Then Elliot told me to look up the tree, and there it was, the ring perched on the top branch, sparkling away. I was completely surprised as I didn’t think the ring would have been ready for another month or so!”

Elliot wore a classic beige linen suit from Van Heusen, paired with a paisley shirt and suede loafers from Rodd & Gunn. “He was going for a relaxed, cool yet stylish vibe to match the wedding theme and more casual nature of our event. And no tie.”

If there was one thing Bec knew about her wedding dress, it was that it definitely wouldn’t be solid white! “She’s known for wearing bright colours and a white dress felt too traditional and boring. Bec was searching the internet for the perfect dress, and as soon as she saw this one from Elliatt, she knew it was the one. It was fun, not overly formal, featured flowers and her favourite colours,” Elliot explained.

The whole day was thrifted and re-loved, built with pieces entirely sourced by Bec. Scoured from hard rubbish and op-shops, and donated by loved ones, everything from the rugs to the cutlery was hand-picked to celebrate this joyous day. “The day was all about JOY, celebration, COLOUR, FUN. The day was also very emotionally charged, due to Bec receiving a Stage IV (incurable) breast cancer diagnosis at the start of the year.”

Bec chose the most beautiful and colourful bouquet she could possibly make. Working with Ashleigh from Floral Alchemy, she created love in flowers. “I discussed using similar colours that were in the dress – pinks, reds, and yellows. It featured draping ribbons and peppercorn berries (We have one of these trees near our house, and it reminds us of home). It was the most beautiful bouquet of flowers I have ever seen. The florist made up a few other arrangements for us in test tube vases. My friends and family also assisted by purchasing flowers and setting them up in little brown glass bottles and placing them on the food tables,” Bec explained.

No one else could’ve captured the bright, joy-filled atmosphere of the day better than Amanda Alessi Photography! “We loved her style of bright, fun and candid pictures. She made the process really fun and helped Elliot, and I feel comfortable in front of the camera (we are both a bit shy). The photos felt like they really captured the joy of the day. Highly recommend her!”

This picnic wedding took place at Burnley Gardens, under the beautiful wisteria arch in full bloom. Which was exactly why they picked a spring wedding! “On the day, it was perfect sunshine, 25 degrees. Every other day that week had been heavily raining!” Bec shared.

“We live close to the Burnley Gardens and would often go on walks there with our dog. It’s a special place we enjoy visiting together. The university was not actually allowing events at the time, but due to my health, they pulled some strings and allowed us to hold our wedding at the campus.”

Due to Bec’s health, the six months leading up to the wedding were spent pulling together every piece of the day. Including this incredible wishing line, they created. “Elliot lined an old vintage suitcase, and I collected an array of pre-loved ribbons (all different colours and styles). Ribbons were placed in the suitcase, with a handmade sign with stamped letters.”

They entered the ceremony as they wanted to enter their marriage: together. “We walked down the aisle, non-traditional and wanting to feel like equals,” they shared.

Megan Jordan was the celebrant for Bec and Elliot, lighting up the gardens with her bright humour and storytelling. “Elliot and I did not do individual vows to each other, as this would have felt too emotional. Instead, Megan had asked us to answer some questions about each other privately, and they were used to write up a section that was used in place of vows. eg, how you would describe your partner, things you most loved about them, etc.,” Bec explained.

There were a few DIY elements that Elliot and Bec loved above the rest, like the wishing line! The others included:

“1. Elliot’s beloved vintage yellow Volvo – Elliot drove us to the wedding in his car. As if anyone else would be trusted at the wheel!

2. Bec’s vintage bathtub was used to cool drinks – this was a gift given to her by Elliot, which he set up in their garage at home!! When they loved to their new house, there was no bathtub. Bec missed it, so Elliot found a way to make that happen for her.

3. Pink Sink + Disco Balls. Just because they looked cool!

4. Cars – because Elliot is obsessed with cars. My mum specially made some little tiny teddy racing cars as a bit of fun (there are some cute pics of us eating them).”

Their favourite vendor had to be their band, Blue Dawn Band from Hey Jack! “Service + communication was excellent. Their music was beautiful on the day and suited the style of our wedding. The band members were very friendly.”

When asked about what advice she’d like to share with couples planning their own special days, Bec had this to say: “Your wedding can be WHATEVER THE HELL YOU WANT IT TO BE! You don’t have to wear white or follow traditions. Also, involving family and friends in the planning and execution was really lovely and allowed us to make some really beautiful memories along the way. It meant the wedding extended beyond the actual day and felt so much more meaningful with everyone’s love poured into it.”

There were a few standout elements that made this bright picnic wedding so special for Elliot and Bec, including:

“1. Contributions from family and friends, it felt like a community effort and was woven with so much love.

2. That it was truly unique and one-of-a-kind.

3. Was true to our values – that you don’t need to spend heaps of money to have a beautiful and fun event (but it wasn’t really about the cost). It was more about expressing ourselves through the setup and having fun collecting everything.

4. Driving there in Elliot’s Volvo

5. Including Bonnie in our pre-photos. We would have loved her to join us, but she is very shy, and that would have stressed us out having her there.

6. Walking down the aisle and seeing the wishing line and our loved ones lining the wisteria arch – we felt their love and support. It was a very emotional moment, and the joy was evident on our faces in the pictures.

7. Our beautiful friend Sharon surprised us by making us a wedding cake (we had no idea about it!) She also had the little toppers specially painted and made to look like our dog Bonnie and us.”

Some of their favourite guests of the night were actually party crashers, but you can always make an exception for an adorable family of ducklings! “They were so adorable, and everyone loved them!! Apparently, the ducks had not been at the gardens for some time, and left that evening and haven’t been back since. They seemed to come specially for us.”

A huge thanks to Amanda Alessi for not only capturing this beautiful day, but for also sharing it with us. Congratulations to Bec and Elliot on this celebration of love and community!