Location: Amalfi Coast, Italy
Setting: Villa, old church, the coast
Wedding season: Summer
Number of guests: The couple only
How long did the couple plan the event: 6 months
Wedding theme/style: Romantic, dreamy and intimate.
Rikki and Ben met in Perth in October 2018 at a bar with Rikki having a girls’ night out. Rikki was immediately drawn to Ben, and her first impression was, “WOW, that looks like my future husband.” After a drink and quick kiss, they agreed to meet again two weeks later for a platter and drinks, where their chemistry was undeniable. Despite their demanding jobs (Rikki is a paramedic, and Ben is a FIFO crane operator), they have blossomed as a couple.
The proposal was a day Rikki will always treasure. She had arranged a photoshoot for decorating their new home, unaware that Ben had secretly planned to propose. Despite a windy, challenging day at the shoot location, Ben seized the moment on the beach, surprising Rikki with a heartfelt proposal. While Ben preferred a traditional wedding, Rikki strongly desired to elope for a more intimate ceremony. Rikki’s father suggested they do both, and eventually, they agreed to have a private ceremony in Italy on the Amalfi Coast, followed by a traditional wedding.
The couple really wanted a videographer who could capture Amalfi’s scenery and sights. More importantly, to create a video they could share with their family and friends at their December wedding. Rikki and Ben met their videographer, Daniel Murcha, down at the Guildford Hotel, where they instantly connected and trusted he would make a great film. Daniel skillfully captured Ben and Rikki’s love story against the stunning backdrop of the Amalfi Coast.
“The video that Dan made captures the most amazing landscapes of the coastline. A true Hollywood elopement,” added Ben and Rikki.
Rikki shared the details about the planning process of their dream elopement: “I reached out to our wedding planner Mari at Marigiulia Sella Weddings, and she planned the whole elopement. We knew we wanted a boat cruise, an intimate dinner, and some photos in downtown Amalfi. From start to finish, the whole process was seamless. We have large prints of the Amalfi beach and umbrellas in our home. The inspiration was drawn from Instagram and the wedding planners’ styling.”
The whole morning was filled with excitement and surprise. Rikki looked stunning in a form-fitting dress with a thigh-high split and a long veil, custom-made by Elle Bridal Couture in Perth. She had secretly spent months designing the dress, keeping their elopement private, shared only with close family and best friends. Rikki enjoyed the process so much that she even designed her second wedding dress with the same style for their Perth ceremony. Soft waves and makeup were skillfully done by Jasmine Lee from Perth. Ben opted for James Bond black tuxedo bow tie.
Rikki and Ben hope that one day, their grandkids will look back at their wedding photos and say, “Look at our grandparents back in the day.”
The lovebirds had an intimate and romantic ceremony at the remarkable ruins of a church dating back to the 10th century. The location provided a magical backdrop with panoramic views of the sea and sky. A pathway winds around the church walls, encircled by olive trees and cobblestone steps.
The newlyweds took a scenic boat ride and a walk along the Amalfi Coast, admiring the stunning views.
Rikki had also discovered the perfect photographer to capture their elopement. She and Ben met up with Sarah Tonkin for a coffee, and they immediately knew she was the one to capture their special day as Sarah exuded style, fashion, and glamour. The couple was so impressed with Sarah’s work that they also booked her for their traditional wedding.
Their elopement was truly one-of-a-kind. Its uniqueness came from being in a dreamy destination far away from home. Rikki and Ben got ready separately and arrived in separate cars at the venue, where they had not been before. The photographer and videographer had flown all the way from Perth, Australia.
The day was filled with unexpected and memorable moments, from a rocky boat trip where they nearly went overboard to bushfires near the venue, adding smoke and falling embers. The cheers from the Amalfi beach locals while taking photos added to the unforgettable memories. Rikki and Ben had a dream team of vendors they trusted to make the day magical. Ending the private dinner with a stunning lemon cake was the perfect way to conclude the incredible day. Their elopement on the Amalfi Coast was a dream come true.
Advice from couple:
• Elope and do what makes you happy. If you’re thinking of doing it, go for it. The day goes fast, so get the photos and the video; after all, it’s all you’ll have to look back on. Life goes fast.
VIDEOGRAPHER Daniel Murcha | PHOTOGRAPHER Sarah Tonkin | PLANNER Marigiulia Sella Weddings | BRIDAL GOWN ELLE Bridal Couture | MUAH Jasmine Lee | RINGS Stefan Diamonds | VENUE Basilica di Sant’eustachio | CELEBRANT Gintare Elena
