In a black-and-white shot, the couple poses closely in front of tall palm leaves, with one partner standing slightly behind, resting their head on the other’s shoulder. The partner in front holds a bouquet of white lisianthus.

From Kuala Lumpur, a Destination Elopement in Melbourne

Amanda and Dawn had always dreamed of a wedding that felt liberating, so they decided to elope from Kuala Lumpur to Melbourne, a place where their love could be seen and celebrated. After twelve years together, they exchanged vows at the historic South Melbourne Town Hall on a day that defied the rainy forecast with perfect autumn weather. 

Why did you travel from Kuala Lumpur to Australia for your elopement?

Amanda and I traveled from Kuala Lumpur to Australia for our elopement on an autumnal Tuesday in South Melbourne, 2024. This journey marked the realization of a dream we had cherished for over two years of our engagement. After twelve years together, we sought to celebrate our love through an intimate ceremony with three of our closest and dearest people.

We wanted our elopement to feel liberating, like light at the end of the tunnel.

In our home country, same-sex marriage is impossible, if not illegal. For us, marriage represents recognition and a profound affirmation of our relationship. It was important to make our love visible, normalized, and officiated by honoring what we’ve built together. 

We wanted to elevate our union to the next chapter in our lives and be unapologetically proud of who we are.

Tell us about the meaningful symbolic elements you included in your elopement.

Amanda’s bridal bouquet of white lisianthus signified everlasting matrimony, while our choice of lilac and blue florals symbolized our truth and the depth of our bond. 

Embroidered wording in blue on her veil and the lining of my suit jacket—the part closest to my heart—served as our “Something Blue.” 

With music being at the core of our lives, every song played on our wedding day was a representation of our emotions, intentions, and enduring memories.

Tell us about your wedding day. 

Despite forecasts of heavy rain, the weather bestowed perfect serenity upon us, with not a single drop falling on our wedding day. The bell tolling from the Town Hall at 5 PM signaled the commencement of our ceremony, a truly unexpected moment that felt magical.

In our wedding reading, we included Lin-Manuel Miranda’s sonnet: “Love is love is love is love is love is love is love is love, cannot be killed or swept aside,” a sentiment we deeply stand for to capture the essence of our commitment. Our sunstone wedding bands were chosen in honor of my name.

How was the experience of having wedding photos taken?

As a couple who rarely took photos together, our wedding photography is precious to us. These photographs became the most we’ve ever captured together, serving as a testament to our marriage. 

Our elopement was the pinnacle of our relationship and a celebration of the future we eagerly embrace as wife and wife.

Two wedding rings are placed atop a bouquet of blue hydrangeas. One ring is silver with a sunstone gem, and the other is gold, also featuring a sunstone.
The couple stands side by side, showcasing their shoes. One wears white pointed heels adorned with pearls, while the other wears dark brown dress shoes. "Dawn & Amanda forever" is embroidered in blue on the veil.
In a black-and-white close-up shot, the couple embraces tightly, showing one partner’s hand resting on the other’s back, partially obscured by the veil.
One partner gently places a ring on the other's finger in a close-up view of their hands, with a brick wall in the background.
In a candid black-and-white shot, one partner wipes the other’s face with a tissue, both standing against a brick wall.
The couple sits side by side, holding hands on a table. In front of them lies a document with a pen, set inside a wedding venue with corrugated iron walls.
One partner tenderly kisses the other's hand in a black-and-white image, against a textured brick wall backdrop.
One partner hugs the other from the side, resting their head on the other's shoulder while standing on a Melbourne street corner. The bride holds a bouquet of white lisianthus.
The couple shares a kiss in front of a brick wall adorned with a rainbow flag, while standing close to one another in the garden courtyard.
The couple walks hand in hand down a quiet Melbourne street, captured in a candid black-and-white moment, with both looking in the same direction.
In a black-and-white image, one partner, wearing a veil and a fitted gown, places a hand on the other’s chest as they stand at an open doorway.
The couple walks arm in arm down a tree-lined sidewalk, with one partner holding a bouquet of white flowers and the other lifting the hem of their dress to avoid fallen leaves on the path.
In a black-and-white shot, the couple poses closely in front of tall palm leaves, with one partner standing slightly behind, resting their head on the other’s shoulder. The partner in front holds a bouquet of white lisianthus.

Photography by Sofia Flinn Photography


DANCING WITH HER PARTNER
Celebrant Megan Jordan Celebrant

Ceremony Venue South Melbourne Stable & Studio (Airbnb)
Engagement Rings Cartier
Florist Memori Flowers
Make Up Jenifer In
Suit Designer 19th Stitch
Veil Shleif Dress
Wedding Rings Amami Jewels, Yew & Yong Studio

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