Ella May Ding first got ‘hitched’ on reality show Married At First Sight, but thankfully for her new groom Guy, the pairing wasn’t a match. Having known each other for seven years and been official for over 18 months, now-podcaster Ella May and Guy became Mr and Mrs in a surprise ceremony that co-incided with her 30th birthday party. The morning of her Gatsby-themed party, the loved-up pair said ‘I do’ with just 12 of their nearest and dearest, before sharing the epic news with the rest of their tribe via an amazing film, put together by the legends at Hey Jack. They also enlisted stationery seasoned pros Petite Lemposa, and Wild Romantic Photography on snaps. See all the red-hot romantic details below.
THE PROPOSAL “We were going for a morning run and he popped the question, which is very normal for us as we both were training for a full marathon. He got all my girlfriends and family to hide in the park and pop out once he had got down on one knee ! it was such a surprise and so romantic. Guy knows me well. If he had planned a dinner I would of known something was up!”
THE INSPO “It was a last-minute, spontaneous idea to throw the wedding at my 30th. I was already having a big Gatsby party and then we just threw a sign on the cake and added a first dance!”
FAVE DETAILS “The flowers were stunning, the sign from Petite Lemposa was perfection, the champs tower was also amazing. But I think a highlight for the day and night was the four-string quartet they just made my heart feel so warm and it made everything feel real.
THE VENUE “When searching for the party venue I knew I also wanted that to align with the theme being Great Gatsby. Sophia at Prahran won me over. With the details we added for the event it was perfect – red roses, romance and flames from candles lighting up the space, the interior of the venue was old but class and had this beautiful antique but modern feel about it.”
MEMORABLE MOMENT “Probably signing the papers with the family, and then having a beautiful lunch with them all. Calling Guy my husband for the first time that day will be one I remember forever – I still cant believe I am a MRS!”
A WORD OF ADVICE “It isn’t about everyone else it is just about you two. It is your day not theirs, hence why we didn’t do the big traditional wedding style, either way someone will be disappointed LOL… Aome were upset we didn’t tell them we were having a surprise wedding. But HELLO thats the whole point. So I think really just enjoy the process and try not to ruin the journey of becoming united.”
STANDOUT VENDORS “Wild Romantic Photography – Elle captured the whole day from start to end using 35mm film and digital photography which I didn’t know I needed! It was a suggestion and I am so glad that we did that – the photos were my favourite captured on film. She was easy to work with, as I allowed her to take her creative control to the forefront, it was a basic brief from me to just get the ‘in the moment’ candid moments. Hey Jack – Rich and his team captured the ceremony and not only turned the footage around so quick but exceeded any expectations of the surprise video, which we showed at the 30th to the guests who had no idea we eloped. The punctuality but also professionalism was incredible, and he also felt like a friend.”
Loving the cinematographic stylings above, or maybe you need to sort your entertainment? Hey Jack will take care of both, and you can get in contact via their directory listing. If it’s stationery and signage you’re after, be like Ella May and Guy and get in touch with the legends at Petite Lemposa right here.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Wild Romantic Photography Cinematographer Hey Jack Content Creator Socials by Ilio Stylist & Event Planner Small Things Co Florist Molly Molly Co Stationery Small Things Co Signage Petite Lemposa Ceremony venue Recoleta by Spring Street Events Reception venue & catering Sophia at Prahran Cake Digby Cakes Ceremony Entertainment Hey Jack Reception entertainment & Sound Hire Untitled Group Hire Items Harry the Hirer, Small Things Co Celebrant Boglarka Rings Diamond Line Jewellery & Cartier Transport Sports Car Hangar THE BRIDE Ceremony Bridal gown designer Self Portrait Ceremony Bow ASOS Ceremony Shoes Prada Reception Dress Oglia-Loro Couture Diamonds Temelli Jewellery Custom Headpiece Felicity Northeast Millinery Bag Versace Reception Shoes Amina Muaddi Hair Sshairr Makeup Kayla Perez THE GROOM Stylist Paul Versace Styled by Bloom Suit Dyonsu Shoes Prada
