Words & Imagery by Donna Lee Photography
It was a cold, wet, winter night in May 2022, so literally winter was just happening. My gorgeous kids went to bed, my hubby and I were binge watching the last season of Peaky Blinders. So me being me, multi-tasking (tv, eating chocolate, browsing Instagram and Pinterest) and as you do I suddenly decided I was going to do a styled shoot for my ideal elopement.
I told hubby the plans mid episode and went crazy working on my mood board.
70’s-flowers in the hair- bright bursts of colour- ‘non-traditional’ were all screaming out to me and from there my “70’s inspired elopement with a modern twist” became my goal.
With the 70’s goal in mind, I instantly thought of a friend of mine, Vanessa. Ness is a free spirited, gorgeous and unique sense of style that she completely owns (she really was born in the wrong era!) I immediately pitched the idea to her, and she was KEEN! knowing her boyfriend Lachie had a glorious mop of hair on him, he too looked like he had just stepped out of the 70’s so they were PERFECT!
A few weeks after pitching the idea…Lachie sent me a sneaky DM which read something (or exactly like this)
‘omg I’ve been meaning to msg you about doing a shoot for Ness and I and I would propose and then she said you wanted to do a couple shoot of us!!!!! this is perfect.’
My elopement was now going to be a proposal…and I was all for it!!
on the day
On the day, Ness came over early whilst my hubby raced down to pick up the gorgeous florals from April at The Fig & Willow Flower Bar. Beautiful Lachie was frantically rushing around Melbourne picking up the engagement ring and getting himself sorted for a long anxious day ahead of him.
Our gorgeous venue allowed enough sun and shade to create the intensity of the photographs. Once inside, we were welcomed with the most industrial and rustic setting. It was raw and glorious and it was so beautiful to explore and capture the stunning and intricate aspects of this beautiful space.
the proposal
By 4pm we were on our way to Kitty Miller Bay, Phillip Island and walked up a windy track and up to the stunning cliff tops just in time for the most breathtaking golden hour.
From there, Lachie’s nerves kicked in and while I tried my best to keep Ness’s eyes forward, all she kept thinking was ‘omg is Lachie drunk, what is he doing?!’ while he nervously paced behind her. It was both hilarious and painful to watch at the same time, now knowing what was going on in each of their heads!
And I had the most beautiful moment in my photography career to capture the most gorgeous moment between two people I love and adore and the photographs are pure elegance, beauty and LOVE.
and it was perfect
Unable to hear what was being said, it was an obvious YES from Ness and these two love birds were ENGAGED! And what a gorgeous moment in time for me to capture the ‘Love Story’ of Ness and Lachie.
contributing vendors
Florals The Fig & Willow Flower Bar
Gown Wild Ruby
Makeup Makeup Art by Kate
Models / Couple in Love Ness & Lachi
Photography Donna Lee Photography
Venue The Silo House, Inverloch
