Mount Canobolas Adventure Elopement

Mount Canobolas, Wiradjuri Country.

A couple of weeks ago I ticked off my first bucket list shoot - a styled elopement shoot at Mount Canobolas. 

I grew up near Orange, New South Wales, and this mountain always held a sense of wonder. It’s not all that high, but as the only peak in flat farming country, it’s definitely the centre of attention. I love the fact that when you get up there, it feels like anywhere but the Central West.

I teamed up with Aimee from The Bondi Bride and Maddie from Ivory Rose Botanicals in Bathurst, along with my amazing models Ashley and Jake, to pull off this incredible ‘adventure elopement’.

I have a lot to write about eloping (which I will save for a future post), but the thing I love most about elopements is the freedom that couples have to go ANYWHERE and do ANYTHING they want for the day. No pressure; your day, your way.

In my mind, this shoot represented the epitome of a chilled out, secluded, adventurous elopement without going too far out of town.

We started on the Federal Falls trail and let me tell you - this is not for the unfit (basically me at the time of the shoot). It only takes about half an hour to hike down to the top of the falls, but that shit is steep! So the way back up is a little rough but if you’re not afraid of working up a little sweat on your wedding day, this one makes a perfect spot to say your vows.

I adore this gown by The Bondi Bride! It has such a beautiful train, low back, button detail and delicate spaghetti straps.

The bouquet and button hole arrangements were so dreamy with the natural grasses and pops of burgundy. Maddie and her team at Ivory Rose Botanicals know wedding flowers!

After Ashley and Jake managed to drag me back up to the trail head, we ventured a minute down the road to The Walls picnic area which has the most gorgeous look out over the city of Orange. 

I LOVE this lighting. It’s called blue hour, but it’s more like blue 15 minutes. It happens just as the sun dips and you’ve got to soak it up before you blink and miss it.

So there you have it. If you thought whimsical elopements had to be somewhere exotic - this is what an elopement in the heart of the Central West can look like, if you’re up for a little adventure!