Jamira first got in contact with us wanting to combine her trip to Australia with an elopement to her fiancé Boban. I can recall her asking if we could find somewhere with ‘long grass’ and at the time of year that she was going to travel, all I could think or worry about was, “I have no idea if the farmers are going to cut the crop or not”… but as it was we found the perfect spot, accommodation on site amongst the tall Australian gum trees with kangaroos a plenty running around. Yering Gorge Cottages is situated at the back of a golf course and was the perfect spot for our overseas guests to experience a slice of down under.

A typical traditionalist, Jamira waited for our team to arrive to slip into her dress without Boban catching a prior glimpse and just as she appeared from around the corner of the cottages, Boban was completely overwhelmed with emotion.

We often say at our elopements that we feel so thankful and blessed to be a part of these intimate gatherings but THIS one was simply next level. I can recall my emotions being heightened as I knew how much went into this overseas get away. A 54 email trail and we were finally here, the day of their elopement and the team wasn’t taking this moment for granted. I remember trying to not look at Sharne and Glen as they too were tearing up as we all watched on during their heartfelt vows.

The beauty of having a civil ceremony with just the two of you is that you can say literally whatever you want. It is a complete blank canvas, one where you can share your life stories, proclaim your love to one another, reminisce on all that has happened prior and all your hopes and dreams for the future.

Once those words were said, rings were exchanged and paperwork was signed it was on to capture some moments for them to remember the day by. Sharne and Glen in their element behind the lens capturing all the magic that unfolded.

In true Australian form we turned it on for them. The light was beautiful and the wildlife was out in force. I can recall Jamira boasting about all the fauna she had seen in the past 24 hours. The kangaroos were in the hundreds, the cockatoos, magpies, kookaburras, echidnas and lazy wombats. They were treated to sightings of them all.

But the celebrations didn’t end there. It was early to bed for these jetsetters. We had a balloon to catch. So with our private uber driver booked for a 5:00am pickup. They arrived on site at Balgownie Estate to join the 10 other balloon riders. It was pitch black, the sounds of the gas heating up the balloon was so eerie and unlike anything I had experienced before.

And as the sun started to rise, they climbed into the basket to be treated to a sunrise over the magical Yarra Valley. As what we could only describe it like a ‘storm chaser’ the team was piled into the back of the troupie and followed the balloon to the landing. We went in and out of cow paddocks, local farms and numerous farm gates to ensure that we would capture the final destination for them. Now remember when they said they had seen all the wildlife that there was on offer… well we missed one! As the balloon pilot landed ever so gracefully in the clearest of paddocks, the guide ropes pulling them into the perfect spot. All of a sudden a crewman leaped into the air as he nearly stepped on a meter long copper head SNAKE! Yep, Jamira and Boban had NOW seen it all!

But in all seriousness, we will have this elopement forever etched in our memory as an epic experience that we could share with two people from across the globe, Jamira and Boban thank you for trusting us with your wedding, a mere 16,000 plane ride away from home. x

Watch Jamira & Boban’s Wedding film

LOVE NOTES

Dear Kate and Sharne,

Boban and I have been in wedded bliss for over two months now and we are still over-the-moon about our experience with ElopeYV! I recently got some photos developed and displayed them at my desk at work, and one of my coworkers asked if your team does any work here in the States! Everyone who sees our wedding photos is just as amazed as Boban and I continue to be with our experience.

When I think back to our wedding in Australia, I still cannot believe that we got married in such an epic way. I had dreams about our wedding before getting married and our actual wedding day exceeded all of my expectations! Boban and I are so freaking lucky to have worked with you, Sharne, and Glen. We look at these gorgeous photos and rewatch our wedding film from time to time, and we're speechless every time. I cannot express just how grateful we are and how humbling of an experience we had. It was the most intimate, fairytale of a wedding and we are so thankful to have found ElopeYV.

Please pass along our dearest thanks and well-wishes to Sharne and Glen. They were SO much fun to work with on our wedding day, and they managed to wake up at the crack of dawn to give us additional photos and video in the hot air balloon! Unbelievable!! We had such a wonderful time. They (and you) gave us the best day of our lives and allow us to relive those special moments every day.

Boban and I are also thankful for Steve from Global Ballooning and our Uber driver, Tim, for being so kind and welcoming during our trip. They added so much joy to an already unforgettable experience. We had the time of our lives in Australia and we cannot wait to return someday!

Thank you so much!!
Jamira & Boban