Jemma and Joel's Wedding | Unconventional Love Story: Eloping to Uluru
Joel and I first crossed paths at our local gym where we both shared a passion for powerlifting. Despite our similar interests, we barely exchanged words. It wasn't until a few years later that fate would have its way when we matched on Tinder and began spending more time together, bonding over our love for fitness and discovering our shared values.
As our relationship grew, the topic of marriage came up. Initially overwhelmed by the potential costs of a traditional wedding, we soon realized that a lavish ceremony wasn't what we truly valued. Instead, we wanted something more intimate and meaningful. This led us to the idea of eloping—a decision that perfectly reflected our personalities and priorities.
THE WEDDING VENUE
The perfect destination for our elopement was Uluṟu. Having planned a trip there before it was canceled due to COVID-19 lockdowns, the majestic site held a special place in my heart. Not only is Uluṟu breathtakingly beautiful, but it is also a place of deep spiritual significance to its traditional custodians. Our upcoming holiday to the Northern Territory provided the perfect opportunity, though it meant we had only six weeks to prepare for our road trip wedding—a daunting but exciting challenge.
Organizing an elopement in such a remote location brought its set of challenges. There were no local services like hairdressers, makeup artists, or photographers; everything had to be flown in. We had to carefully prioritize what was essential for our big day.
FINDING THE DREAM WEDDING GOWN
Amidst these preparations, the task of finding a wedding dress loomed large. Living regionally, I had just one day available to travel to Melbourne for dress shopping. I was apprehensive, having heard numerous stories about the difficulties of finding a plus-sized wedding dress. But then I discovered Bella E La Bestia Bridal through a Facebook group for plus-sized brides. Their reputation for a wide range of sizes and excellent service drew me in.
BRIDAL GOWN SHOPPING EXPERIENCE WITH BELLA E LA BESTIA BRIDAL
From the moment I stepped into Bella E La Bestia Bridal, I felt welcomed and at ease. The assistant presented a variety of options within my budget and size, even indulging me by letting me try on some whimsical princess dresses for fun. This experience transformed what I expected to be a stressful outing into a delightful one, full of laughter and joy.
While I initially searched for an A-line dress with sleeves, I ended up choosing a sleeveless gown that I fell absolutely in love with. It was a reminder of how important it is to keep an open mind.
THE FAVOURITE MOMENT
Our wedding day was the epitome of relaxed and fun. We spent the morning together, enjoyed a leisurely lunch, and started getting ready in the afternoon. The lack of rush added to the joy and intimacy of our elopement.
Looking back, my tips for other brides would be to choose a dress shop that celebrates your body type and to stay true to what you want, especially when it comes to alterations.
Our elopement at Uluṟu was everything we could have hoped for—intimate, personal, and profoundly meaningful. It wasn't just about saying "I do"; it was about celebrating our journey in a place as timeless as our love.
WE’D LOVE TO THROW YOU SOME IDEAS
Are you shopping for your dream wedding dress? Or just looking for tips and inspirations for the perfect wedding gown? We would love to throw you some ideas, contact us to book a free appointment, our Melbourne wedding dress is just located 15 minutes away from Melbourne CBD in Maribyrnong. Our friendly team at Bella E La Bestia Bridal look forward to your next visit.
