Better than the plot of your favourite romantic movie, Gemma met Jamie while on a year-long trip touring Australia. “I just knew she was the one,” says Gemma, who proposed six sweet months after the two first crossed paths in-person. “Our second date lasted two weeks, if I didn’t have to get back to my job at the time as a travel photographer and leave the state, our date never would have ended.”
The wedding-day brief? A Vegas elopement (but make it a Perth address) – fun, quirky and shared with six close friends. A stunning pair, Gemma shimmered in a Albina Dyla mini while Jamie opted for local darling, Grace Loves Lace.
Below, we chat to this new hitched dynamic duo about why Cherry Bomb Chapel was a no-brainer, that all-crimson cake, and what it was like to have photographer Kat (aka Red Eclectic) there to capture the day.
A BOLD, FUNKY PERTH CBD VENUE
“Cherry Bomb Chapel was the only venue we looked at and where we had our heart set on. We loved the details of the old building, the neon signage and bar mural. The heart plinth was special too, standing on there are some of our favourite photos.”
VEGAS WEDDING VIBES
“We wanted to have a Vegas elopement vibe that felt like us. Fun, quirky and special.”
UNTRADITIONAL WEDDING CAKE & UNEXPECTED HIGHLIGHTS
“Our all-red cake was one of our favourite details. We wanted a cake that was less traditional, more fun and a little over the top. Some things that are a little less expected that stay with us – the beautiful sunlight streaming into Cherry Bomb whilst having our ceremony. The sound of the glass beads on my dress jingling throughout the day.”
THE WEDDING VOWS
“We were both very emotional during our vows. They were incredibly special and intimate with only a few very close friends, everyone was crying.”
GETTING WED YOUR WAY | THE BRIDES’ ADVICE
“You don’t need all the extra things to have a special day. Go with what feels right for you both, it doesn’t have to make sense to anyone else.”
“We are so happy with our elopement style wedding. It was incredibly special and intimate. We wouldn’t change a thing.”
STANDOUT WA WEDDING VENDORS
“We were very lucky to connect with vendors that matched our vibe although we didn’t have much time. Kat (Red Eclectic), our photographer, was incredible at capturing our day in a way that was genuine and creative. Kat was so organised in planning the day it took away any added pressure and we just had fun. Tina Buri was our smiling celebrant. We were worried having such a small elopement might feel awkward. Tina made it flow naturally and stopped our tears with some laughs. Our friends commented on how warm and personable both Kat and Tina are.”
SMALL WEDDING IDEAS & VEGAS-INSPIRED STYLING
Looking to elope? You’ll find more cool humans who went the micro wedding/elopement route (and NAILED it). Or for more ideas on how to turn any venue into your own personal Vegas, check out this styled shoot.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Red Eclectic Invites Canva Ceremony Venue Cherry Bomb Chapel Reception Venue QT Hotel Rooftop Bar Cake Maker Perth Cake Collective Celebrant Tina Buri Rings Angus & Coote, Mejuri THE BRIDE (GEMMA) Bridal Gown Designer Albina Dyla Bridal Boutique Gold Couture Shoes Novo THE BRIDE (JAMIE) Bridal Gown Designer Grace Loves Lace Shoes Nine West Makeup Holly Garvey Fragrance Tom Ford
