a stylish & intimate botanic gardens elopement

after years of enquiring, Sometimes life gets in the way of life, but  I’m so glad things finally aligned for me to shoot these two lovers

Ashley & Karl

26 April 2024
Adelaide, Australia

Botanic Gardens

We met back in 2011 at UniSA Magill campus after realising we had mutual friends in our English Literature class. We started off as friends, then became best friends for about seven years before we finally decided to take that risk and break the friend zone! Our first date was watching a movie (The Truman Show) and eating lots of food of course!

We got engaged back in July, 2021. Karl asked me to marry him in our bedroom actually, whilst we were having a classic 'us' night - pyjamas, movie, burritos and bubble tea. I went to the bathroom and when I came back, Karl was getting on one knee. It was absolutely, perfectly right.

WHEN AND WHERE DID YOU GET ENGAGED?

TELL US ABOUT HOW YOU TWO MET

We've chosen to go for a simple wedding. We love the idea of a romantic, garden wedding. For some reason a style that appeals to me, won't know if this will make sense but if I could put Lana del Rays voice as a style, that would be the vibe/style (also to note, Lana del ray is not someone we actually listen to, it's just our way to explain what we want ahhaha). That is the feel we have chosen for our ceremony. As we are having the reception at our house, we just wanted our family and our 3 to 4 closest friends - very laid back and not formal at all. We will have paella, sangria and a good time.

WHAT STYLE or THEME HAVE YOU CHOSEN FOR YOUR day?

Sharing our love with all the people we love and officially trying the knot.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO ON THE DAY?

Keep it humble, low-key and don't lose the essence of your love story.

YOUR TOP WEDDING PLANNING TIPS!

The Adelaide Botanic Garden, located in the heart of Adelaide, South Australia, is a historic and beautifully maintained public garden. Established in 1855 and officially opened in 1857, it spans 51 hectares (130 acres) and features an array of landscapes, architectural features, and plant collections.


Some of my favourite sights to see and ceremony spots to shoot include:

The Palm House
This striking Victorian glasshouse, imported from Germany in 1875, houses a unique collection of Madagascan plants. Ideal for intimate ceremonies.

Bicentennial Conservatory
Opened in 1989, this is the largest single-span conservatory in the southern hemisphere. It contains tropical rainforest plants, many of which are endangered in their natural habitats. Provides for some striking architecture. A great indoor option for medium-sized ceremonies..

Economic Garden
This area focuses on plants of economic importance, such as those used for food, medicine, and other products.

International Rose Garden
Featuring over 5,000 roses, this garden displays a wide variety of modern and heritage roses which makes it perfect for an outdoor ceremony.


Receptions at the Botanic Gardens

The Botanic Garden Restaurant
The Botanic Garden Restaurant is an exclusive setting overlooking the tranquil gardens. It offers bespoke wedding packages tailored to your specific needs, including:

Custom Menus: Gourmet dining options curated by top chefs to match your culinary preferences and dietary requirements.

Elegant Interiors: Stylish décor that complements the garden’s natural beauty, creating a refined and sophisticated atmosphere.

Professional Service: Attentive staff dedicated to ensuring your reception runs smoothly, providing a seamless and luxurious experience for you and your guests.

Capacity: Suitable for both intimate gatherings and larger receptions, with flexible seating arrangements to accommodate your guest list.


Marquee Receptions
For a truly personalised experience, consider a marquee reception on one of the garden's picturesque lawns. This option offers the ultimate flexibility and grandeur:

Customisable Space: Design your marquee layout to reflect your vision, with options for dance floors, stages, and lounge areas.

Scenic Backdrop: Enjoy the beauty of the gardens under a starlit sky, providing a magical setting for your celebration.

High-End Amenities: Luxury furnishings, elegant lighting, and premium sound systems can be arranged to enhance your event.

Exclusive Access: Private lawn areas ensure exclusivity and privacy for you and your guests.


Additional Tips

Visit the Gardens
Schedule a visit to walk through potential ceremony and reception sites at a similar time of year to when you'll be getting married. You'll be able to get a sense of what's in bloom and what your favourite settings are, along with being able to see what the light is doing and if there'll be shade for your guests if your wedding will be in the warmer months.

Guest Comfort
Provide shade, water, and seating for guests, especially for outdoor ceremonies in the peak of summer. Consider what time of year you're likely to get married and factor in shade and accessibility.

Floral Arrangements
Consider seasonal flowers that complement the garden’s natural blooms. Again, the sun can be a killer for floral arrangements in direct sunlight so be sure to discuss your ceremony location with your florist.

Photography Timing
Plan your photography portraits during the best light. Every photographer will have their own preferences so place your trust in your photographer as you've chosen them for a reason. I personally love the angle of the sun around 4 hours before sunset onwards, as I prefer my colours to be true to life and not too golden. I'm happy to give golden hour a miss but I always love to take my couples out at blue hour, right after sunset, for 20 minutes of romance at twilight.

Contact Information

For detailed enquiries, bookings, and personalised advice, here are the contact details of the Adelaide Botanic Garden's events team:

Website: Adelaide Botanic Garden Weddings
Phone: +61 8 8222 9311
Email: botanicgardens@sa.gov.au



adelaide botanic gardens

STYLING & VENDOR DETAILS

Bride: @ashley_jim
Photographer: @lovebylina_
Videographer: @inthemoodforlove.ale
Signage: @label.luxe
Celebrant: @kareenanowakcelebrant
Dress Designer: @shonajoy
Bride's Shoes: @billinishoes
MUA: @claudiacristeamakeup

Hair Stylist: @codybellhairstylist_
Suit Designer: @petershearermenswear
Groom's Shoes: @aquila_est1958
Wedding Rings: @gwcoxmyjeweller
Cake Maker: @sparrowandspoon_cakes
Caterer: @adelaidepaella
Flower Girl Dress: @oui.babe
Bubbles: @community_lot_fourteen

Want me at your wedding?

If you're filled with excitement and eager to know more, there's a good chance the feeling will be mutual.

I'd love to learn all about your plans and vision for the day and chat about how we can bring it all to life.