Our Intimate/Elopement Wedding
In mid-August I was casually scrolling through Instagram and spotted an elopement wedding competition by Stark Events on Duane Smiths Photography Instagram page. Ruan and I were planning a small intimate wedding for 2020, but with Covid-19 and lockdown, our plans were on hold. We had discussed possibly eloping so when I saw this competition it intrigued me and I had a chat to Ruan about it. A few days later I saw the competition again and we both decided what’s the worst that can happen. Either we win or we elope anyway. So, I entered. All we had to do was answer a few questions and write a paragraph about our love story.
The day Stark Events announced the winner I was actually at a friend’s house celebrating her birthday and completely forgot what day it was. Ruan called me saying have you checked Instagram!? After a moment of shock and disbelief, the excitement and reality of this win kicked in – we were getting married!! And in no less than 3 weeks!!
Bianca the owner of Start Events got in touch with me that same day to Congratulate us and set up a meeting for that Sunday to meet, get to know each other and plan for the next 3 weeks. After meeting Bianca, we felt like we had known each other forever. Bianca is warm, down to earth and so welcoming. The competition was only supposed to be just the two of us, but after chatting to Bianca we requested If we could have a handful of our nearest and dearest with us and they happily allowed this.
During the next 3 weeks Bianca was in contact with us daily. The entire process of planning our special day seemed effortless with Bianca by our side and she was there to answer any question and give advice no matter if it was 5am in the morning or late at night. Based on meeting us and our likes and personalities she sent us samples on flowers, décor and food. All we had to do was decide on what we want and voila it was done! The week before our wedding day we got our timeline and had a skype check in call – all we had to do was relax and enjoy the time leading up to our day.
The day before the wedding Bianca seemed a little strange in her responses to my messages, but I soon forgot about it with pre wedding day prep. Later that day, my sister who was not supposed to be at the wedding showed up at my house!!! I was beyond happy and surprised, 1000 thoughts were running through my head – she needs a bridesmaid dress, make up, hair… a little bit of a panic mode kicked in. Little did I know that my future husband (incredible man that he is) had not been ok with the fact that my sidekick could not be by my side on our day. He secretly booked her a flight and organised everything with Bianca and my bridesmaid without me knowing a single thing. The entire time I was telling Bianca what I want for bridesmaid hair, make up, dress etc. She was organising this with me and then a second time with everyone else. She went above and beyond to help make Ruan’s surprise a reality for me and I am forever thankful for this.
The wedding was hosted at Old Mac Daddy in Elgin and I arrived the Friday evening with my girls for the evening. We met Bianca and her team and were told to simply relax and enjoy each moment, which we really did.
Waking up on the 19th of September I could not believe that this was my wedding day. Everything was so relaxed and peaceful. We arrived at our location to get ready and were treated to champagne and a full breakfast before getting our hair and make up done. Bianca and her team were there every step of the way to help us with anything we needed and to make sure everything ran smoothly. The ceremony was beautiful and the most precious moment of my life. Afterwards with our close group of family we took photos and had the most beautiful intimate wedding dinner.
It was the perfect day from start to finish and I get a little teary eyed every time I think back on it. Bianca, you are a superstar with the kindest heart and I left this experience with the fullest heart and a friend gained. I am forever thankful that the star’s aligned and we could walk this journey with you and your team.
If you are getting married be it big, intimate or an elopement and are looking for a team to help you plan your perfect day suited to you, look no further. The Stark Events team are solid gold!
Love, a very happily married lady xx
