Tell us a little about yourselves!
We met back in 2013 during our first lab session at university while waiting to be admitted. Since we were in the same program, we spent a lot of time together and gradually got to know each other better. Over time, our friendship deepened, and a year later, we discovered there was something more between us. After a memorable trip to Hamilton Island, we officially began our relationship.
Why did you decide to get married where you did?
Yuxuan and I don’t tend to celebrate much, even though we’ve been together for nearly a decade. However, we always knew we wanted an intimate ceremony that felt personal and meaningful. An Airbnb quickly became our top choice to fit this vision. Deciding on the venue didn’t take long, as we discovered that the Airbnb on my shortlist was also featured in our photographer’s portfolio—it felt like fate!
How many guests did you have?
3 guests (our friends and their daughter.)
What was your budget?
There was no specific number in place. However, we know the main components we wanted to invest. And we know where to stop as we prefer to save money for our future trips together around the world.
Tell us about your outfits.
After discussing with our photographer, we decided to balance the concept of my dresses, combining elements of everyday wear with something special for the day.
One of the standout pieces was a black dress I purchased while traveling in Singapore. After the wedding, it seamlessly transitioned into my daily wardrobe. Its charm was elevated by my stylist’s creativity—she suggested a non-traditional hairstyle that perfectly complemented both the dress and Yuxuan’s casual, everyday attire.
For my wedding gown, I wanted something timeless and versatile. I chose a champagne hue over traditional white, ensuring its longevity in both style and colour. It’s lightweight and portable, ideal for our plans to bring it back to my hometown and wear it again while celebrating with family overseas later this year.
The second dress and Yuxuan’s suit were spontaneous choices we made while visiting Hoi An, Vietnam, a town renowned for its quick tailoring. These pieces reflect our love for travel and the joy of discovering new experiences together, adding a fun and personal touch to our story.
What was the most important aspect for you, in terms of planning your wedding?
We’re both planners by nature, so locking in our photographer was our top priority. After seeing the incredible work by Emotions & Math, the decision was effortless—we knew they were the perfect fit. Yuxuan and I collaborated seamlessly, dividing tasks in a way that suited us both. Looking back, we’re proud that we navigated the entire process without disagreements, which made the journey all the more enjoyable.
Were there any elements that were important for you to incorporate?
Ensuring that the preparation was done by both of us. The journey of planning a wedding can be stressful. Even a small ceremony like ours will still required a number of decisions to be made. It’s important that we created this memory together as a couple.
Any tips for couples getting married?
How we chose to get married might not be the most ideal way for our families or loved ones, but they still supported our decision and shared in our happiness. It’s important not to let others’ opinions overly influence your choices, even if their suggestions come from a place of genuine care and love. Ultimately, it’s your journey, and staying true to what feels right for you matters most.
Are there any vendors that you would like to tell us a little more about?
We are so grateful to each of the vendors who helped make our elopement special! Their professionalism and creativity truly shone through, as they thoughtfully considered our cultural background and personalities in their work. Securing the time of such talented people for a small ceremony like ours wasn’t easy, and we hope they enjoyed the experience as much as we did.
A special thanks to my husband for taking charge of the canapés, since we couldn’t find catering that fit our budget in such a remote location. And to myself for making the cake—while it might not be as fancy as those from professional bakeries, I’m confident it suited our tastes (and hopefully our guests’ too!). I’ll always remember how Yuxuan and I managed to pull everything together on a tight schedule, but it made the day even more unforgettable.
Photography & Film: Emotions and Math @emotionsandmath | Ceremony & Reception Location: Airbnb in Rural VIC | Celebrant: Katrina Kim-Worley @katrinacelebrant | Florist: Tweed Twigs | HMUA & Veil: LENE @make_upbylene | Catering: by Yuxuan | Cake: by Wanya | Ceremony Dress: Cortana @cortanabrides | Second Gown: purchased in Singapore | Suit: Tailored in Vietnam | Shoes: Rachel Cox @rachelcox_official | Wedding Rings: Van Cleef & Arpels @vancleefarpels