Victoria & Daniel in Brisbane
“We had reached out to other venues and elopement companies before you but it hadn't felt right, we got cookie cutter responses and felt like just a number”
When Victoria and Daniel first envisioned their wedding, they imagined a grand celebration in Spain, surrounded by family, friends, and the breathtaking scenery of sunlit vineyards and historic charm. But as the pandemic swept across the globe, their carefully laid plans began to unravel.
What was meant to be the happiest day of their lives turned into a series of delays, uncertainty, and, eventually, the realisation that their big Spanish wedding might never happen. Instead of letting the situation defeat them, Victoria and Daniel decided to take control of their narrative, choosing to pivot to something more intimate, something that reflected their love and personalities in a way that felt just right for them so they called in The Elopement Collective and we created a Brisbane elopement for them.
In January 2021, Victoria and Daniel reached out to Britt, their elopement planner, with a heartfelt email. They described how they had been due to marry in Spain but now sought an alternative that could capture the same beauty and spirit, only closer to home. Their vision was clear: a dark, moody, urban wedding in Brisbane, with Agnes Restaurant in Fortitude Valley as their ideal venue for eloping in Brisbane.
They wanted to hold the ceremony on the terrace, followed by a private dinner for just the two of them. They had no interest in traditional wedding customs or large gatherings; instead, they wanted something intimate, something that was truly theirs. The only addition they asked for was a floral backdrop for the ceremony, inspired by a stunning arrangement they had seen on Britt’s website.
“Britt, when you called me to talk about the elopement you sounded so excited for us and we hadn’t even booked with you yet - you were in it from the outset. We now know how busy you have been catching up from last year and for that we are so much more grateful that you made the time for us. You guys were able to breathe life back into our celebration.”
Britt, alongside her team of dedicated professionals, set out to bring the vision to life.
Every detail was carefully considered, every moment meticulously planned. On the day of the elopement, the team moved seamlessly through the timeline, ensuring everything was perfect.
Amber from Mrs Gibbons Flowers set up the ceremony florals on the terrace. The arrangements were designed to complement the venue’s modern industrial vibe, creating a moody and lush atmosphere that perfectly suited the couple’s vision.
By 4PM, the ceremony was underway on the terrace, with Josh Withers officiating. His warm, personal approach made Victoria and Daniel feel completely at ease, allowing them to focus on the significance of the moment. After the ceremony, the talented photographer, Tessa Shannon, captured portraits that beautifully reflected the couple’s love and happiness.
Following the ceremony, Victoria and Daniel took a stroll through the city, with Tessa capturing candid shots along the way. The urban backdrop of Brisbane provided a striking contrast to the soft, romantic vibe of the couple, resulting in photos that were both unique and deeply personal.
By sundown, the couple had returned to Agnes Restaurant, where a private dinner awaited them in the dining room. This wasn’t just any meal; it was a gourmet experience curated by the restaurant, paired with exquisite wines. The intimate setting allowed Victoria and Daniel to savour the moment, reflecting on their journey and the new chapter they were beginning together.
“I don’t know exactly what to say or how to convey our sincere gratitude to you both. Losing our big Spanish wedding was hard, 2020 was hard. We wondered if we would ever get married. The planning had been so fun but the idea of a wedding had lost so much lustre.
The very same night I found Agnes on Insta was the same night I stumbled across The EC. I emailed both you and Agnes and heard back from both of you within the hour!! It felt personal and like it was meant to be. We felt excited again at the thought of planning something. ”
“Josh you made us feel completely at ease. It wasn’t big or scary but felt intimate and humble. Taking that video on your phone was just above and beyond - it has been so wonderful to share that with our families. They have said it felt like they were really there so thankyou! It’s very clear you and your vendors have a great relationship too, which speaks volumes of you both. ”
“The photos are fucking amazing!”
What stood out to Victoria and Daniel most was the kindness and personal investment of the people involved. In a world where so much had been lost, this experience reminded them of the goodness in people and the power of human connection. Though it was just the two of them on the day, they never felt alone. They were surrounded by a community of people who genuinely cared about their story and their happiness.
Victoria and Daniel’s elopement was a day filled with love, connection, and a celebration of their unique bond. It was a perfect example of how a wedding doesn’t need to be grand to be meaningful. What mattered most was that the day was a true reflection of them — their love, their journey, and their future together. In a time when the world felt heavy, their elopement was a beacon of light, a reminder that love endures, and that even the smallest, most intimate moments can be the most powerful.
For couples considering an elopement, Victoria and Daniel’s experience shows that with the right team and a clear vision, you can create a day that is just as special and memorable as any grand celebration. Whether it’s an urban setting, a remote beach, or a mountaintop, what truly matters is that the day reflects who you are as a couple and the love you share.