Nerija and Elvis have known each other since they were two seven-year-old kiddos, after Elvis’ parents took him to a Lithuanian Scouts Camp Nerija’s mum was running. “Our parents have been great friends since and our dads joked about being brothers-in-law long before we started going out,” they tell us. Naww!
Getting married outside in nature was always the plan for these two, with a “simple, elegant and intimate” vibe – a style they totally nailed in their chic looks – a Lilia Cass Ceremonial gown and M.J. Bale suit. “We wanted something that represented us, nothing extravagant, just a relaxed celebration with family, good food, music and nature,” says the bride (who, btw, is a florist and did her own phenom flowers!), and Damien Milan‘s stunning snaps are proof they got exactly that!
THE VENUE “We love going away to the Blue Mountains for little getaways and hiking trips. We saw a few venues around the area but after availability and communication issues, we stumbled upon Kanimbla View Clifftop Retreat through a Hello May article. After visiting the venue, we knew it was perfect! It could sleep all of us for the weekend, we could have our ceremony and reception outside, and we were right in the middle of nature (self composting toilets and all!). It was the perfect mini holiday for the whole family and reminded us of the campgrounds where we met all those years ago.”
FAVE DETAILS “For me [Nerija], it was the dress and florals. The Lilia Cass Ceremonial dress was beyond perfect and such a dream to wear, it fit like a glove and I loved how it moved in the slightest bit of wind. The flowers were exactly how I envisioned them, the simplest flannel flower and peony bouquet, huge smokebush pillars with moody hydrangeas and delicate lace for the ceremony, and white wildflowers and chamomile for the table. Elvis’ parents had also prepared a video of our childhood photos and recorded messages from family in Lithuania (who couldn’t visit) that was played on a projector. We absolutely loved it.”
THE DRESS “I came across Lilia Cass Ceremonial‘s instagram soon after getting engaged and fell in love with her sustainable, elegant and timeless designs. I didn’t look anywhere else, organised a fitting with my mum, sister and mother in law and it was the best experience.”
REFERENCES “Working in the industry, I’ve come across a lot of vendors and it can get a bit overwhelming! The Hello May blogs and real weddings were so helpful in showcasing different types of weddings, which helped Elvis visualise what was possible. After finding some that we both vibed with, there were some common vendors that kept popping up!”
TAKE ON TRADITION “We had a few Lithuanian traditions incorporated throughout the day. After our ceremony, my mum surprised me with ‘Sadute’, a traditional Lithuanian wedding dance, and we exited the ceremony under a row of sashes – ‘juostos’. We were also greeted at the reception with black bread, salt and water, symbolising health, challenges and life.”
WE WISH WE… “I wish I gave myself more time to get ready!”
STANDOUT VENDORS “All of them! We cannot recommend them highly enough and all our family commented on how great they were and their vibe was just perfect for the day. It felt like we’ve known them for ages and they fit in so well – it was like they were there to celebrate with us, which helped us feel more relaxed!”
Folks, there are many of these incredible vendors over on our directory – you really ought to take a squiz! You’ll find Damien Milan over there, who snapped these fine photos, not to mention fab big-day looks for suit-wearers at M.J. Bale.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Damien Milan Ceremony & Reception Kanimbla View Clifftop Retreat Catering The Wilderness Chef Cake Tree Cakes Hire Items & Lighting Blue Mountains Special Event Hire Entertainment Mitch via Oberon Lane Celebrant Marney McQueen Rings Teeps the Jeweller THE BRIDE Gown Lilia Cass Ceremonial Shoes Wittner Makeup Sam Bird Makeup THE GROOM Suit, Shirt & Tie M.J. Bale Shoes Windsor Smith Watch Skagen