Real Bride: Elissa + Mitch

What is your, and your gorgeous partners names?

Elissa & Mitch Wuoti

We bet the whole day was amazing, but do you have a favourite part?

When we announced at my husbands “surprise” 30th birthday lunch that it was actually going to turn into our surprise wedding and transport was about to arrive to pick everyone up in an hour to take them to a secret venue.

Did you go with a theme? Was it classic or did you have a funky twist?

Since it was a surprise wedding, you would probably call it a relaxed party vibe.

What was your wedding location like? Help us visualise it! We’re real dreamers!

It was in Byron Bays hinterland which had a view down to the ocean and the lighthouse. we got married in a garden under a 100 year old fig tree. the tree caught the afternoon sun and the golden glow illuminated the entire tree, it was so magical! After the ceremony we had bright pink and purple clouds over ocean as the sun started to set. we were so lucky without a spot of rain, despite a 90% chance of thunderstorms all day!

Tell us about the food- was it sit down, cocktail or food trucks? We’re drooling already!

I wanted everyone to feel like they were sitting down for a christmas feast with loved ones around them so we kept it buffet style. The food was remarkable and locally sourced “seed to plate” mains included: local line caught fish with roasted wakame, macha and yuzu citrus, bangalow sweet pork, CARAMELISED pears, apples, grape sauce & beef with sweet baby beets and carrots from the garden. I’ll be here all afternoon if i explained the entire menu!

Was there a Honeymoon or did you get back to the daily grind?

We got straight back to the daily grind – we had a 5 month old baby at the time so safe to say that we have postponed a holiday for a while! We’re also not too fussed about a honeymoon, we just holiday and travel when we can so didn’t feel the need.

Do you have any words of wisdom or advice for upcoming brides?

Don’t sweat the small stuff. Honestly, some people couldn’t believe that I had the idea of getting married and organised our wedding within 3 weeks with 6 weeks until the big day. In the end you just want to have fun, marry your dream man / woman with loved ones around you – also with some delicious food and tasty ALCOHOL. No one cares about napkins, candles or the colour of the flowers. I just paid the DJ, florist, baker for our cakes and wedding planner and trusted them to do their job well – that’s why they are the experts!

We are absolutely honoured that you chose us to dress you for your big day! We would love some feedback about your experience with Amante Bridal!

Well, I had a pretty unique situation where I needed a dress quickly and had an idea. I was lucky enough to have Hayley organise my dress for me and it was the last one available! I totally trusted her and so much so she suggested shoes and earring and I bought them all there and then. It turned out to be the perfect outfit (as I was still breast feeding my daughter) which was critical for the big day. She made everything so easy and put me at ease. Thank you again!

Special thanks to: