Tara & Zach’s Mornington Elopement at Tanglewood Estate

Words by Adriana Sinicropi / Images by Be Here Be Now
February 10, 2021

Pulling a wedding together in two weeks (thanks COVID) may not be an ideal scenario for most, but it didn’t stop Tara and Zach from having their dream day at Tanglewood Estate in Mornington. While an elopement wedding wasn’t what the couple had in mind initially, they would do it all again in a heartbeat! With just a handful of guests and fur baby Lenny in tow, the newlyweds celebrated with a pizza picnic and a stunning photo sesh with photographers Be Here Be Now.

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The Dress

Torn between two dresses, Tara instead opted for a custom Peter Trends gown that was a mix of both, purchased from Love Lena. “I knew I wanted something that I felt comfortable in, so I could walk, dance, eat, sit and not have to worry about what the dress was doing,” says Tara. On hair and makeup was Tara’s friend Kate Peta HMUA, who nailed the soft and subtle look Tara wanted. “I’m not the type to wear lots of makeup and her skill for giving me a natural but still bridal look was perfect,” Tara tells us.

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The ceremony

The ceremony was held under a beautiful arched tree on Tanglewood Estate overlooking the chapel and bay. Their I Dos, led by celebrant Shannon Jeans was everything the couple could have wanted – intimate, heartfelt and with touches of humour. The duo couldn’t say enough about Shannon, who they felt genuinely connected to them as people, rather than as clients. Just when they thought their ceremony couldn’t be anymore perfect, their dog Lenny’s reaction was icing on the cake. “Lenny behaved for the entire ceremony, and right on cue after we kissed, broke free from my mum and bounded over to congratulate us!” says Tara.

 

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The Picnic

After the ceremony, it was time to lay out the picnic rug, chill out and bring on the pizzas – courtesy of Zero95. “I managed to only spill sauce on my dress once!” jokes Tara. “Totally worth it, eating on a picnic rug by the lake, drinking and catching up with our family was one of my favourite memories of the day,” she says. A last-minute addition organised by Tara’s maid of honour was a delicious red velvet cake by Pink Butter that definitely sparked some Insta-worthy shots, yum!

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Photography

Described as ‘nothing short of phenomenal’, the couple have no hesitation recommending photographers Shani and Christian from Be Here Be Now, whose snaps scored them plenty of compliments. “To start, they are just the most lovely, warm people we have ever met, and just a breeze to work with,” describes Tara. “They were so flexible when we were postponing/not postponing/possible location changes/postponing again and I don’t think you realise just how important experienced vendors are until you encounter unforeseen problems like this. We were so comfortable with them on the day, and they fit in so well with our intimate elopement – for two people usually awkward in front of a camera, these 2 made it fun and so easy.”

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Flowers

Tara’s dried bouquet by Tammi from Peninsula Drieds (a lucky last minute Instagram find) suited Tanglewood’s naturally rustic vibe perfectly. “She was so easy to work with although she doesn’t typically do large scale floral arrangements for weddings, if you’re after a boutique arrangement I would highly recommend her,” says Tara.

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Special Mentions

Despite cancelling their original styling plans, Luci from Poni Studio was a saviour when it came to navigating the ups and downs of organising a wedding in the middle of a pandemic. “Even though she wasn’t able to put our original plans into action on the day, I wouldn’t have been able to get through it all without her support”, says Tara. “If you’re tossing up whether or not you need a wedding planner for your day, you would be crazy not to have her on your team.”

Credits

Images Be Here Be Now | Bride's Dress Peter Trends | Bride's Shoes Vizzano | Rings Minzenmay | Accessories Peter Trends | Ceremony Venue Tanglewood Estate | Celebrant Shannon Jeans | Flowers Peninsula Drieds | Catering Zero 95 | Stationery/Invitations The Parker Effect | Hair and Makeup Kate Peta HMUA | Cake Pink Butter | Styling Poni Studio | Clothing Boutique Love Lena |


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Anorda Photography 4 years ago

Such a beautiful location for an elopement ceremony followed by an intimate picnic.

Scott 4 years ago

That cake, yummmm!!!

Brian 4 years ago

So many great ideas to elope, it’s the new way of weddings.

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