A stylish surprise Elopement in the Yarra Ranges


Black and white photography. Monochrome. Retro. Vintage. Classic. Film-like. That's why these photos are all in Black and white, although, of course, there was a full colour gallery as well.


Whatever you call it, it’s timeless — and it was the perfect match for Nicole and Adam’s gorgeous elopement. These two are pure style, inside and out. In true Nicole and Adam fashion, they didn’t just elope — they created a wedding day story that will be told for decades.


Their morning ceremony at Yarra Ranges Estate was intimate, with only her grandparents and one attendant each present (Babushka made sure of that — her exact words were, “If I’m not there, I’ll never speak to you again!”). That night, at the same venue, they turned up at their ‘engagement party’ in full wedding attire, announcing they’d already tied the knot. Oh, my heart.

Black and white photo of a couple greeting the bride in her white wedding dress in an elegant interior setting.
A person wearing a black robe adjusts a delicate white lace wedding dress hanging near a window.
Two formally dressed people stand together under a wooden arch with decorative shrubs at an outdoor venue.
A black and white photo captures a bride holding a bouquet while standing between wooden pillars in a garden setting.
Black and white outdoor wedding ceremony photo with out-of-focus bride in foreground and guests in background.


One of the most moving moments was Nicole’s first look with her grandparents. The audible gasp when they saw her tea-length gown… her grandmother’s eyes filling with tears as memories of her own wedding day came flooding back… the closeness of this family was breathtaking. I had to tear myself away to get to Adam in time — and the look on his face as Nicole walked towards him reminded me exactly why I started photographing weddings more than a decade ago.


Carmel from Pink Ceremonies wove their story beautifully, and the personal vows during their handfasting made the whole room feel like family. Later, we explored the stunning grounds for portraits, capturing that just-married joy in every frame. One of my favourite moments? Watching Nicole and Adam walk through their reception before guests arrived, seeing all their months of planning come to life.

Black and white image series showing hands exchanging rings during a wedding ceremony.
A black and white photo of a wedding ceremony taking place outdoors with a bride in a tea-length dress.
Black and white portrait series showing expressive moments and emotional interactions between two people hugging outdoors.
Black and white photo showing a playful moment during an outdoor wedding ceremony while exchanging ribbons.
A tender black and white moment between newlyweds in formal wedding attire, captured in a garden setting.
Black and white wedding photograph on brick steps with an architectural roof structure above.
Black and white wedding photo of a couple walking hand in hand through a romantic vineyard setting.
Black and white photo series showing a tender family moment shared between loved ones in a peaceful woodland setting.
Four black and white photos showing a couple embracing emotionally while holding hands in a romantic moment.


When the surprise was revealed later that evening, the room erupted. Their first dance, complete with white rose petals drifting down from the mezzanine, was a scene straight from a movie. And the party? Let’s just say I don’t think these two left the dance floor all night.


Whether you dream of a black-and-white vintage vibe, a colourful bohemian celebration, or something completely unexpected, your wedding day should be as unique as you are. At Curves and Lace Photography, we’ll capture every heartbeat, every glance, every detail — so you can relive it for decades to come.


Let’s talk about your visionGet in touch today to start planning your dream wedding photography.