Libby and Elliot

I always think there is something lovely about a relaxed, classic wedding. A day that is not about impressing, or expectations, but rather about honouring tradition and quietly going about things. The relaxed Yandina Station wedding of Libby and Elliot was just that. There were details, there were stories, but most of all, the focus was not on anything else but good fun, good food and very special vows. Captured beautifully by Studio Sixty Photography, we can’t wait to dive into this one with you!

The bride chose a beautiful classic gown with an illusion neckline from Wendy Makin. She tells, “I did online research and took my mum to a few appointments initially around Brisbane. Once I had it down to two options, I took two of my bridesmaids to help me choose between them. They were no use since each preferred a different one. Eventually, I asked my go-to friend for fashion advice to come along one weekend when she was visiting from Melbourne and together we perfected the combination and colour.

I like sweetheart necklines but I never feel quite comfortable in strapless dresses, so the sheer lace was a great compromise. The boat neckline was flattering as well. It was important to me that my dress was comfortable for sitting in, dancing in and eating dinner and cake! No complicated shaping undergarments were required under that big skirt which made for a happy bride!”

Libby and Elliot chose the beautiful country venue of Yandina Station for their day, noting, “Yandina Station was actually the first venue we looked at and we loved it. Sally and Neil and their team were really helpful and they seem to just love their work. The rolling paddocks and Mt Coolum in the backdrop make such a relaxing vista (not to mention breath-taking photography).”

Kombi Celebrations escorted the wedding party to the venue, Libby remembering, “an aqua coloured vintage Kombi van brought us to the ceremony and I couldn’t wait to just get on with it. Breaking with tradition, we were a few minutes early and had to wait for the last guests to take their places before we could begin. I feel like I practically bolted down the aisle, I wish I’d practised walking more slowly!”

The bride walked down the aisle with her father, choosing Iron & Wine’s “Such Great Heights”. The bride remembers, “my dad walked me down the aisle. He was more nervous than I! My veil got caught up on a wooden post in the wind and he just froze! It was pretty funny, but Elliot was a bit confused about why I was laughing so much as I walked towards him.”

Says Libby, “our ceremony was very simple. My aunt was our celebrant and both of our mums did short readings. We wrote our own vows and borrowed a few nice touches here and there from weddings of friends and family. There was an air of gentle humour and celebration, and I think our cheeky personalities came through.”

Elliot adding, “we both look to our mums for advice and their readings (Dr Seuss’ “Oh, The Places You’ll Go” and Paul Newman’s “Letter to his Wife on their Wedding Day”) set the tone with encouragement and wise words.”

Of their photographer, the bride tells, “Studio Sixty was recommended by our venue. We met with Jason and felt really comfortable with him right away. We are both pretty shy in front of the lens so we were glad to find someone who could put us at ease, who was also assertive enough to insist on all those shots we were so grateful to have after it was all over.” 

“Each of us had our siblings in the bridal party which was really fun,” says Libby, “Elliot’s two sisters Bree and Stef were bridesmaids and my two brothers James and Andrew were groomsmen. We also had close friends: Elliot had two high school friends Dave (best man) and Tom, and I had my friend from high school Meg (maid of honour) and friend from medical school, Erin. We all had a lot of fun.”

There were special heirlooms and details throughout the day. The groom made the sign that welcomed guests, the bride made the place settings and decorations. The carefully thought out details even carried over to the bride’s attire. “My dad’s mother had given me a beautiful diamond and sapphire bracelet before she passed away, which I had resized and wore on the day.”

Libby says, “We loved spending time together coming up with plans, choosing vendors and picturing our big day. We are both busy and sometimes it’s difficult to find the time to just hang out. Some of the best fun we had was choosing our music, which we did over a number of weeks each night after work, cranking all our favourite songs with a glass of wine and making notes while we cooked dinner.”

Sonia Farmer Flowers styled the pretty arrangements for the day. “Flowers are beautiful, full stop. I just wanted to have plenty of flowers, whatever was in season. My friend’s mother is a talented florist and has done wedding flowers for a few of the girls we went to school with. Sonia did a beautiful job with the flowers, suggesting tulips and roses and a striking colour scheme. It was her idea to put the table flowers in boxes for guests to take with them at the end of the party. We used olive leaves as well to complement the bridal party colours and invitations.”

Elliot remarks, “I loved walking into the reception for the first time after taking photos, It was the first time I had seen the venue lit with the fairy lights and table arrangements. We felt like rock stars cruising into the venue with great tunes. Everyone was smiling and applauding our entry.”

The couple surprised their guests with a choreographed first dance after spending much time learning to dance at Learn 2 Dance. Libby telling, “We secretly had dancing lessons for a couple of months before the wedding and didn’t tell anyone. It was actually a really fun experience having lessons and practising our dance together. Sometimes we would get a bit frustrated with each other but it was such a great feeling when we pulled it off in front of our guests. The song we chose was “Let’s Stay Together” by Al Green.”

“We were really lucky and had a great bunch of vendors. Our DJ and wedding music team Fabio and Laura Tolli were a surprise package, they really went above and beyond to make sure that both of us and our guests had a perfect day and a great party.

“After our dance, Elliot, with no previous musical talent, performed a cover of Roy Orbison’s “You Got It” with the bridesmaids and groomsmen. He had arranged the group in secret and managed some practice weeks ahead of the big day, singing in the car on the way to work. Fabio, from the music team, had given Elliot some singing advice and training months out from the wedding day. I was really shocked but delighted!”

The very last photo, is the groom’s absolute favourite. He tells, “It has to be of Libby and I standing in the field in the evening with the Milky Way stars in the sky above and behind us.” And the bride’s? The daytime version of the very same shot! How magical!

A beautiful film of the day was captured by Pavey Films.

“The whole day was so fun, and it went by so incredibly quickly. When we got home, I didn’t want to take off my dress or my hair and makeup yet. So we sat on the balcony and had a cup of tea while we talked about what a wonderful day we had with all our friends and family.”

A big thank you to the newlyweds for sharing this day with us! Thank you also to Studio Sixty Photography, for sharing today’s beautiful photos!