Less Stuff – More Meaning is grounded in community; in the coming together of like-minds, supporting each other, and helping the eco-ethical wedding movement grow. I’m so happy and grateful that our Gold Coast team were able to gather to create some waterfall elopement magic, in Springbrook National Park. A styled shoot with simplicity and substance.
We ask our team for their pearls of wisdom, so read on;
What makes a ‘Less Stuff’ wedding?
My idea of a perfect eco-ethical wedding is just simply two people, standing in their favourite place, speaking their vows of marriage to each other and being vulnerable, honest and present. All of the other stuff that’s brought in, albeit pretty, is just ‘stuff’. If you include ‘stuff’, such as florals or styling, make sure it is responsibly sourced, and has purpose and significance.
As a celebrant, my real focus of the day is the ceremony and the words and feelings within it, so I feel that really fits with my ‘less stuff, more meaning’ philosophy. The actual moments and emotions that are created during your wedding ceremony are ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ – they are moments that you will never re-live, and it’s so important to centre yourselves, breathe, and really be present. I think once you have perspective about the emotional importance of the ceremony, the other services and vendors you engage should also be on board with that philosophy; that all the other elements that go into the aesthetics of a wedding – the styling, the florals, the venue, photography – are there to support the feelings and emotions of the ceremony. Beth Stevenson, from I Heart Ceremonies.
As a celebrant, my real focus of the day is the ceremony and the words and feelings within it, so I feel that really fits with my ‘less stuff, more meaning’ philosophy. The actual moments and emotions that are created during your wedding ceremony are ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ – they are moments that you will never re-live, and it’s so important to centre yourselves, breathe, and really be present. I think once you have perspective about the emotional importance of the ceremony, the other services and vendors you engage should also be on board with that philosophy; that all the other elements that go into the aesthetics of a wedding – the styling, the florals, the venue, photography – are there to support the feelings and emotions of the ceremony. Beth Stevenson, from I Heart Ceremonies.
As a photographer, I’m focused on capturing the emotion of the day. Which is why I love elopements so much. Stripping back the celebrations to the bare minimum really allows the bride and groom to focus in on what’s important – each other. Keeping it simple is not only good for our environment but for eliminating unneeded stress from the day and keeping the emotion pure, and not watering down the love with the stress of organising a big glamorous event. Rachel from My Kindred.
What are some things you wish couples knew when planning a wedding?
I wish more of my couples realised that you don’t need a checklist, written by someone you’ve never met! A wedding is a celebration of the love you share with your partner – perhaps you two don’t dig florals, or dancing, or posh dinners – don’t include them in your day. If you love cheeseburgers and bike riding, then get out your treadlies, bring all your friends along, and hit your local burger joint! Or if you’re ocean lovers, spend the day by the sea, and get hitched on a SUP! Your day should be designed by YOU, and be a true reflection of your love and your passions in life. Beth Stevenson, from I Heart Ceremonies.
Don’t ever compromise your values & don’t feel you need to follow traditions just because you think a few people might get their nose out of joint if you don’t walk down the aisle with your father or wear a white dress! If you want your dog to be your Maid of Honour & to only serve vegan canapés (even through Uncle Jeff is a hardcore carnivore and always asks where you get your protein from) then do it! Natalie Pilawa, Good Beauty.
What does eco-ethical mean when it comes to Hair and Makeup?
In terms of what makes my personal business eco-ethical, I use exclusively vegan, cruelty-free & natural products and donate a percentage of the service cost to charitable causes. I also try to minimalist waste as much as possible for example I wash my used mascara wands and send them off to be used as little fur brushes for wildlife rescue animals. Natalie Pilawa, Good Beauty.
How do you give back through your business?
I believe that all people have the right to choose what they want for themselves and work hard towards a goal that leads to a better quality of life.So I pledges to make a Kiva loan of $25 for every wedding shoot undertaken. Kiva is an international nonprofit which provides micro loans to underserved communities, helping them to create opportunity for themselves and their communities. Rachel from My Kindred.
It’s easy to get swept up in wedding planning. A simple wedding can easily get out of hand. Check in with yourself periodically to make sure that you have not lost sight of what’s important to you. Rachel from My Kindred.
Thank-you to all the vendors involved:
Photography: mykindred.com.au
Celebrant; iheartceremonies.com.au
Make up; goodbeauty.co
Florist; thefrenchpetal.com
Dress designer; wolffandbonebridal.com
Menswear; wilvalor.com.au
Model (Bride); @lydixwilliams
Model (Groom); @nathanhoweofficial
Accessories; soulquartz.com.au
